Let's Get Serious
Not really, though. I'm just going to talk about handbags, which, on the grand scale of everything, is not a serious subject. It is, however, important to understand the impact of the culture of handbags among women in our western society.
Since succumbing to the phenomenon, I've had my eyes peeled, looking first at a woman's bag, then at the rest of her person. It's quite enlightening. Most women here are not bothered about having a good quality bag. There are lots of (obviously) synthetic leather on shoulders and in shops. An alarming amount, actually.
In a swanky restaurant last weekend, I noticed a few objects of abject beauty. None of them brand names and only one on a woman under 45.
I also spotted a mini Céline Boston (I know the names, now!) on a young woman no more than 25. Bright red. Cute.
It's easy to be seduced by the names, but I really do want to avoid them as much as possible. It seems a little vulgar, to me. I understand the appeal. I understand that having something that has been sanctioned by the elite of the fashion and celebrity worlds can impart some of their glamour, a little bit of luxury, but it also feels a tiny bit ridiculous to lose sight of one's own sense of style for the sake of a brand name. This Céline bag is cute, I think, but I've lost the ability to be objective about whether or not I like it based on the merits of its form alone. It's such a status symbol!
Like it or not, there is a tendency for a women to be judged, favourably or otherwise, on her choice of handbag.
Three more of my bags have arrived since my last post - seven, if we're going to include the four that have arrived at my sisters' addresses! So, I'm going to put off reviewing them until I can do it properly, when all the bags I have bought are actually in my possession.
I found this glossary of bag shapes useful. I'm having great fun with this whole thing, I have to admit. Thankfully, I have friends and sisters who I can confer endlessly with... (with whom I can confer, endlessly, I mean). One thing has come to light, if I'm going to take this project seriously, I need to define the functions of each bag and decide what kind of bag I want for that function. For example, do I want a clutch that doubles as a crossbody?
Or, do I simply have one awesome nightime spangly party clutch? And one fun and functional cross body for running around town?
I know I'm spending a small fortune now on all these purchases, but one other thing I have learned recently, I'll have no trouble re-selling them.
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| A thing of beauty. |
In a swanky restaurant last weekend, I noticed a few objects of abject beauty. None of them brand names and only one on a woman under 45.I also spotted a mini Céline Boston (I know the names, now!) on a young woman no more than 25. Bright red. Cute.
 |
| Retail price, $2,100.00 |
It's easy to be seduced by the names, but I really do want to avoid them as much as possible. It seems a little vulgar, to me. I understand the appeal. I understand that having something that has been sanctioned by the elite of the fashion and celebrity worlds can impart some of their glamour, a little bit of luxury, but it also feels a tiny bit ridiculous to lose sight of one's own sense of style for the sake of a brand name. This Céline bag is cute, I think, but I've lost the ability to be objective about whether or not I like it based on the merits of its form alone. It's such a status symbol!
Like it or not, there is a tendency for a women to be judged, favourably or otherwise, on her choice of handbag.
Three more of my bags have arrived since my last post - seven, if we're going to include the four that have arrived at my sisters' addresses! So, I'm going to put off reviewing them until I can do it properly, when all the bags I have bought are actually in my possession.
I found this glossary of bag shapes useful. I'm having great fun with this whole thing, I have to admit. Thankfully, I have friends and sisters who I can confer endlessly with... (with whom I can confer, endlessly, I mean). One thing has come to light, if I'm going to take this project seriously, I need to define the functions of each bag and decide what kind of bag I want for that function. For example, do I want a clutch that doubles as a crossbody?
Or, do I simply have one awesome nightime spangly party clutch? And one fun and functional cross body for running around town?
I know I'm spending a small fortune now on all these purchases, but one other thing I have learned recently, I'll have no trouble re-selling them.
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