Prescription For Fashion and Function

 Doctor Handbags

Doctor bags have a rich history and have evolved from purely functional medical tools to iconic fashion statements. 

Doctor bags, originally designed as practical tools for physicians to carry medical supplies, have an interesting history as they transitioned into women's fashion. These bags were first popularized in the 19th century for their structured, roomy design and hinged opening, which allowed easy access to contents. Their functionality made them indispensable for doctors on the go.

In the mid-20th century, the doctor bag's design caught the attention of fashion designers, who adapted it into a stylish accessory for women. The structured silhouette, often made of leather, became a symbol of sophistication and professionalism. Luxury brands began creating their own versions, blending practicality with elegance.

Today, doctor bags remain a timeless style, appreciated for their vintage charm and versatility. They represent a blend of history, utility, and fashion, making them a unique choice for modern women.

Origins in Medicine:

• The concept of a portable medical bag dates back to ancient times, with early examples found in Egyptian temples and mentioned in the Hippocratic Corpus around 350 BCE.

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  A 16-inch Gladstone bag made of ox leather

  
  

• By the 19th century, the "Gladstone bag" became a popular design for doctors. Named after British Prime Minister William Gladstone, it featured a wide opening and sturdy leather construction, making it ideal for carrying medical instruments

20th Century Adaptations:

• During World War I and II, doctor bags were essential for field surgeons, designed to be lightweight and durable for carrying life-saving tools and medications.

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• As house calls became less common, the bag's practical use declined, but its structured design and vintage charm caught the attention of fashion designers.

Modern Fashion Icon:

• Today, doctor bags are reimagined by luxury brands, blending their classic silhouette with contemporary materials and styles. They are celebrated for their timeless elegance and functionality

• Brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Gucci have created modern takes on the doctor bag, incorporating sleek lines, premium materials, and versatile functionality

Doctor bags are a fascinating blend of history, utility, and style. 

 

Athletic Fanny Packs / Belt Bags

Purses Reflect Women's History

The history of women in athletics is a story of resilience and progress. In ancient times, women participated in sports in limited ways. For example, Spartan women in ancient Greece engaged in activities like wrestling, javelin throwing, and foot racing. However, in many cultures, women were excluded from organized sports or faced societal restrictions.

During the Victorian era, societal norms discouraged women from participating in strenuous activities, claiming it could harm their health or femininity. Despite this, informal athletic clubs for women began to emerge in the late 19th century, and by the early 20th century, women started competing in events like tennis, golf, and the Olympics.

A major turning point came with the passage of Title IX in 1972 in the United States, which prohibited sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. This law significantly increased opportunities for women in sports, leading to a dramatic rise in female participation at both school and professional levels.

Today, women athletes continue to break barriers and achieve remarkable feats, inspiring future generations to pursue their passions in sports.

Fanny Pack purses became particularly popular for women engaged in sports and exercise.

Fanny packs, also known as waist bags or belt bags, have a fascinating history that spans centuries. Originally, small pouches attached to belts were used in ancient times for carrying essentials. 

For example, Native Americans used buffalo pouches, 

In medieval Europe, belt pouches were common before clothing had pockets. The Scottish sporran, a pouch also worn with kilts, is a notable example that has persisted through time

The modern fanny pack as we know it began to take shape in the 20th century. In the 1950s, leather fanny packs were used by skiers for carrying wax and lunch. By the 1980s and 1990s, they became a popular sports fashion accessory, very commonly used by women joggers. 

Although their popularity waned in the early 2000s, they made a stylish comeback in the late 2010s, with luxury brands introducing sleek and fashionable designs

Today, fanny packs are both functional and trendy, often worn across the chest or slung over the shoulder, blending utility with modern aesthetics. 

It's amazing how this accessory has evolved while staying true to its practical roots!

                                                                

Active Crossbody - Women's History Month Tribute

 

Women's Purses Reflect Women's History

The crossbody purse offers a fascinating window into women's history, reflecting changing lifestyles, roles, and priorities. Originally designed for utility and ease of movement, crossbody bags evolved alongside women's increasing public and professional presence. 

Crossbody purses are symbols of independence and adaptability. Their resurgence in recent decades coincided with women juggling careers, education, and personal lives, offering a stylish yet functional solution. Here's a closer look at crossbody history and what these purses signify:

 18th and 19th Centuries: Early crossbody bags, often called "reticules," were small and decorative, carried by women as they began to step into public spaces more frequently. These bags symbolized a blend of practicality and femininity.  

World War II (1940s): During the war, crossbody bags became essential for women working in factories or volunteering. Their hands-free design allowed women to carry tools, documents, or personal items while contributing to the war effort.

• Function Over Fashion: During times like World War II, crossbody bags were a practical choice for women involved in war efforts, from factory work to volunteering. Their functional design symbolized a shift away from purely decorative accessories toward something more aligned with women's active roles, the WAC bag. The Women's Army Corps was the women's branch of the US Army before 1978.

 1960s and 1970s: As women became more active in the workforce and embraced the feminist movement, crossbody bags grew in popularity for their practicality and functionality. They were often used by activists who wanted to be hands free for protests and marches.

 1980s and 1990s: The rise of casual and sporty fashion brought crossbody bags into mainstream style. Brands like Coach and Kate Spade introduced chic yet functional designs, making them a staple for working women and students.

 Today, crossbody purses are celebrated for their versatility, blending style with utility. They are often designed to accommodate modern needs, such as carrying smartphones, tablets, and other essentials, reflecting the dynamic roles women play in society.

 The rise of the crossbody purse parallels the evolution of women stepping into more dynamic and multifaceted roles, making it a quiet but powerful statement of empowerment and practicality. Crossbody delivers function and fashion.

Suffragette Satchel - Women's History Month Tribute

 Women's Purses Reflect Women's History

In Purse-Suit of Knowledge: Women's History

    Suffragette satchels were more than just accessories; they were symbols of a powerful movement for women's rights. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women fighting for suffrage often carried satchels or handbags that held pamphlets, petitions, and other materials essential for their activism. These bags were practical tools for organizing rallies and spreading their message, but they also became emblematic of the suffragettes' determination and resilience.

    Some satchels were adorned with slogans, colors, or symbols representing the suffrage movement. For example, in the UK, the colors purple, white, and green were associated with the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), while in the US, gold, white, and purple were prominent. These bags not only carried the tools of change but also served as visual statements of solidarity and purpose.

    The satchels were often seen at marches, protests, and public gatherings, where suffragettes used them to distribute literature or collect signatures for petitions. They were a blend of practicality and symbolism, reflecting the resourcefulness and creativity of the women who carried them.

    Unfortunately, this fight to vote did not end in 1920. 

    The right to vote was not in the bag for all women . . . 

Black women faced a long and complex journey to secure their voting rights. While the 19th Amendment in 1920 granted women the right to vote, many Black women were still disenfranchised due to discriminatory practices like poll taxes, literacy tests, and intimidation, especially in the South. It wasn’t until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that these barriers were officially dismantled, ensuring Black women could fully exercise their right to vote.

This struggle highlights the resilience and determination of Black women who fought tirelessly for equality. 

Esse Purse Museum - A Dream Trip In Herstory

 

I'm so excited to tell you about my incredible trip to the Esse Purse Museum in Little Rock, Arkansas. What a wonderful destination; I highly recommend a visit!

Of only 3 Purse Museums, this is the only one in the United States.

A splendid collection spanning the entire 20th century, there's so much to see. Beautiful displays artistically capture the essence of women through the decades. As if its not enough just to see all these purses collected, they are really the vehicle for exploring the herstory of women.

This is the herstory of the real women, who have been the backbone of the family and society, not limited to celebrities. I greatly appreciate the way this museum brings our women's herstory to life.



The dynamic women who bring us the treasure of Esse are all so creative, friendly and engaging, I know you will enjoy meeting them on your visit.  Here they all are in the captivating gift store. From left, Lara Kahler, Anita Davis (Visionary), Laura Hardy, and Morgan Hill.

Morgan also has a beautiful jewelry line that is featured. Yes, I treated myself to two wonderful purses from the Esse collection, and a wonderful necklace from the Morgan Hill collection.



Owner, collector, and visionary Anita Davis in her beautiful office, which reflects her creativity and artistic appreciation.



This is just the tip of the iceberg of the incredible collection.

This is a different kind of weigh in that's lots of fun.  When you sign the guest book you get to weigh your purse and record the weight.  It's lots of fun to skim through the guest book and see what women are carrying.

The beautiful vision for Esse; a thoughtful tug at your heart.

It's really what's inside that counts, and reveals some of our herstory

Everyday woman on the move

Fascinating!  I have studied about war rationing in England, and am so interested to see the war rationing coupons at the Esse display.

A lovely evening bag, one of many displayed.

I was lucky to be at Esse during a temporary exhibit of vintage hats. Another piece of herstory that I very much enjoyed. 

Here's my favorite purse in the exhibit, although there were many that tied for 2nd place favorites. I hadn't seen a Whiting & Davis before, and it really grabbed me. Can you imagine, this intricate design is on both sides of the beautiful, metallic bag.

Yes, I did buy 2 purses and a pretty necklace, but you'll have to wait for the next blog entry to see the wonderful buys I brought home from the Esse gift shop.  To learn more about Esse, as you plan your own visit, take a look at their web page at http://essepursemuseum.com/

Any of you who have already visited Esse, blog in on what was your favorite purse?

National Handbag Day and Vintage

 All the best to you on National Handbag Day!

October 10, 2024, but you can celebrate every day

Celebrating the national holiday this year reminiscing about an outing at Antique stores in the beautiful town of Snohomish where I found old time glamorous purses by Whiting and Davis. This is the oldest handbag company in the US. It's remained so artistic throughout the decades and is still creating beautiful purses and jewelry, scarves, clothing, wallets, belts, and much more in Massachusetts.

In 1892 Mr. Whiting designed the first mesh bag. Mr. Whiting began in the company as an errand boy in 1876. He worked his way into manhagement and eventually became a partner in 1886. By 1907 he was sole owner. The company started as a true cottage industry, hiring women to hand make the bags in their homes by linking together the tiny metal rings that made up the mesh. By 1912 demand was so high they were pushed to develop an automated mesh making machine.

The mesh bags are all made of metal and they have such a luxurious feel. They're so light to carry. Here you see a bag circa 1920, when a woman didn't worry about carrying much in her handbag. These Flapper style purses sparkled and delighted on an evening out.

Here's a close up of the Art Deco clasp and frame. You can also see here the detail of the sewn mesh links. So sorry to see that the colors have faded with time, but you still see the suggestion of its original beauty. Inside the lining is a yellow, satin lining that is so sleek to the touch. Included is a petite interior pocket as well.

Speaking of sparkles, this is a real treasure. In the early days of production, most Whiting & Davis bags were made of sterling silver. This is a real silver tin mesh purse. As more bags were made by machine, they were able to experiment with other, cheaper metals.

This large, round, chain mail style, beautifully shaped pouch bag has an unbelievably smooth and soft feel to it and is incredibly light to carry. You hardly know you're holding anything in your hand or on your wrist with the double chain.

It was celebrity endorsements beginning in the 1920's that kept Whiting and Davis such coveted bags.

Here you can see how flexible the gold chain link is, actually puddling on the table, and turned inside out you can see the matching gold, silk lining.

Thank you Whiting and Davis!



And whatever you're carrying, Enjoy your National Handbag Day

National Handbag Day!

 

What are you carrying on National Handbag Day?  This year it's October 10th.

Some people say the purse you carry says something about your Purse-onality

Designer bag - Stick to well known designer labels and prepared to spend all disposable income on bags. If possible, you'd collect all models of bage by your favorite designer. Don't care much about color, style, materials, or size. You're a champagne drinker, whenever corks are popping.

Clutch - Minimalist and a little fancy. You like things simple and clean but don't have so much on your plate that you need to be hands free. Holding a clutch makes you feel empowered and like you could be going on a hot date any minute. You're glamorously girly and love to wear flirty dresses, skirts and high heels. You like to finger the stem of your wine glass as you chat with your friends, or your date.

Novelty bag - Love collecting unusual and strange shapes and probably have a train, bird, house, fruit, etc. Don't want to be boring or "normal". Also look for bags covered in patterns, comic book characters, or other fanciful design. You like pretty drinks like Tequila Sunrise, Malibu Sunset, or Cake by the Ocean.

Impulse bag - Buy because you fell in love with the bag at first sight and have to have it. Don't care what it will go with or if its practical size, or what it will be used for. Can't live without it because so in love. Live life with your emotions on your sleeve, the sleeve on the arm with the bag. You also love passionate drinks like Sangria.

Hobo - Chill girl likes to go with the flow and needs an equally carefree bag to match your free spirit lifestyle. Friends would describe as boho chic. Inclined to live in a year round warm climate and only use umbrellas as decorations in your icy drinks.

Logo - Usually you have just one bag, or few bags, but you like to look fashionable so you want a prominent designer logo on show.  You probably bought it quite a while ago, probably in a sale, but you don't care if it's a design from an old collection or even if it's getting worn as long as the logo is still in good shape. You don't want to spend an exorbitant amount so you'll carry the old one until the next sale of logos. You like drinking Baileys and other name brand alcohol

Tote - You're prepared for anything, which is why you need a bag large enough to carry all your stuff.  You're the one who always has aspirin, bandaids, hair ties, and so on, and enough for everyone. You tend to be a planner and don't like to get stuck without something you might need. You like to drink tequila shots.

Oversized Tote - Busy career woman who's always on the go, so the need for the huge tote to lug around all your essentials from laptop to makeup bag, and sometimes change of clothes. Ready to take on the world and always comes prepared, but you often forget to stop and smell the roses. Remember to relax, it's good for your health. You drink wine, especially Pinot Grigio

Backpack - Super active and love to travel. You're always on the move so you need a big enough bag to hold a lot of stuff and has double-strapped shoulder support. Like the tote gal, you're usually prepared for most situations but you like more comfort. You're a beer and hard cider drinker

Arm Carry Bag - You're independent and fashionable. The arm carry bag fits in the crook of your arm, which pulls out a slightly sassy attitude, but it's because you're confident. You're up to date on the latest trends and like to be sophisticated. You drink daiquiris, martinis, sidecars, and moscow mules.

Shoulder Bag - Loved by downtown gals with cash, and by models. Usually worn with scarves. Drink Makers Mark bourbon and soda.

Satchel - More serious, you take your job seriously too. Definitely not a high maintenance gal, you do appreciate the finer things in life and you have a classic sense of style that you convey through your impeccable power-woman wardrobe. You like to drink Mojitos, gin and tonic, white russian, Jack on the rocks.

Crossbody - Less is more type of gal. Appreciate the simple things in life and skip the 24/7 glam makeup thing. Just need wallet and phone and ready for anything. You like adventurous, and well-crafted drinks like Bacon Cherry Creek, peach margaritas, jello shots

60% of women own more than 10 bags and 3% of women have at least 25 bags.

Happy National Tea Day!

Katherine: Tea is the delightful go-to beverage for populations around the world. In our mystery book Kat Out of the Bag readers discover that Pam is our biggest fan of drinking tea. Partly this is from her growing up in England with its traditions. Pam has definite preferences in her tea leaves, but there is such a breadth of variety available, it's wonderful there is a National Tea Day to celebrate the brews.

Moonjava:  No need to limit the celebration to a day. Drink up! There's so much to know about teas. They've been around forever. The history of tea dates back to ancient China, almost 5,000 years ago. According to legend, in 2732 B.C. Emperor Shen Nung discovered tea when leaves from a wild tree blew into his pot of boiling water. He was immediately interested in the pleasant scent of the resulting brew, and drank some. 

Katherine: That's one of the things I like about tea, it's so easy to make and enjoy.

Moonjava: Easy, oh yeah. Although knowing a few thoughts will enhance your pleasure steeping a great cup.

Katherine: Like what, MJ?

Moonjava:  For starters, the water you use. Tea is as good as the water you use. If your tap water tastes great, the chances are it will make great tea. or you may want to filter the water for better taste. Be sure not to use water that has been sitting in the kettle for days. Always use fresh water.

Katherine:  That makes sense. How much of the tea leaves should be measured for the kettle, I mean if you're not relying on random leaves from a wild tree blowing into your pot.

Moonjava:  I recommend one rounded teaspoon per 8 oz of water, but keep in mind the kind of tea leaves you're steeping. For very fine particle tea a level teaspoon will be enough, but for bulky leafy tea you should use a big pinch. It's all to taste so no worries, after making a cup or two you'll get the hang of it!

Katherine:  There are so many different types of tea leaves in the world. I keep my inventory well organized for whatever I'm in the mood for. Sometimes I'm not sure and I try tea leaves that are a mystery to me until that first sip.

Moonjava: Discovering and trying different teas is an adventure. For example, there are Pam's favorite Black Teas. Black tea is withered, fully oxidized and dried and most often medium or highly caffeinated.

Katherine:  Pam's favorites are Earl Grey and English Breakfast, but she does stray from black tea on occasion. She also enjoys herbal teas.

Moonjava:  Brews made from herbs, flowers, and grains are likely as old as her other favorites. Tea leaves were consumed as a medicine long before they were a beverage, and many popular herbal teas were originally made for those purposes. Common types are chamomile, mint, and rose hip, but Pam may also want to check out elderflower, Greek mountain herb, and chrysanthemum teas.

Katherine:  What else do you recommend? I like to try new things.

Moonjava:  Green tea production endeavors to avoid the oxidation of the tea leaves, in order to retain its natural green color and fresh flavor.  It can taste like spring peas, fresh cut grass, gently toasted hazelnut, and even brackish seaweed floating in broth. Quality greens are intensely aromatic and sweet on the tongue. 

Katherine: I'm not sure that appeals to me, maybe with honey and lemon added.

Moonjava:  That sounds like a tasty experiment. Now you're seeing the fun of teas. You may also like to try an oolong. In Taiwan, high mountain oolongs may look almost as green as green tea, but tiny nudges of oxidation have transformed crisp and grassy flavors into creamy, buttery ones with a strong floral lilt. Or a white tea. Where oolongs are all about intensive processing, white teas emphasize letting nature take its course. Plucked tea leaves are air dried with minimal processing, either in the sun or with powerful air vents. As they dry, the leaves undergo a slight oxidation, developing a rich, creamy body and subtle floral flavors. 

Katherine:  You're making me thirsty.

Moonjava:  Yellow tea is a niche but traditional style in China, with processing similar to green tea but with some extra steps to smother and sweat the leaves, yielding a less sharp, more rounded tea that's neither a green tea nor a white. And how about in the Darjeeling hills, the first flush, or harvest of the year, is processed into a tea that's sold as "black tea" but is really nothing of the sort-it's heavily withered but barely rolled or oxidized, so the leaves retain spots of green and it brews up a pale amber, with fresh piney flavors not quite like anything else. 

Katherine:  I'm always in the mood for hot tea. The weather is never too hot for me to enjoy that, but I know you like iced tea throughout the year as well.

Moonjava:  Many of these different teas taste delicious either hot or iced. Some taste better iced. There are a number of teas made from roasted grains that are especially popular in Korea and Japan. Barley, tartary buckwheat, Job's tears and corn silk all make soothing, naturally rich brews. Even better, these teas are fantastically refreshing when cold brewed or ice, making them the perfect caffeine free drink to make by the pitcher and gulp all through the sweatiest days of summer. And don't forget sun tea.

Katherine:  Yes, our porches often show off your big, covered, water-filled pitchers of tea leaves steeping for hours in the sun. It's actually fascinating to watch the color come in, and then deepen over time. If only Seattle had more sunny days, you could do this even more.

Moonjava:  The weather is a consideration. It is, after all called sun tea. With all teas, sun or kettle, the steep time is important, and at the right temperature. High quality teas can be delicate. If oversteeped, they will taste bitter, especially green teas. If you prefer stronger tea, use more leaves rather than steeping it longer.

Katherine:  I think tea is also fairly economical.

Moonjava:  Tea is a generous drink. With only a third or so the caffeine of coffee, it offers a gentler path to a morning jolt, allowing you to drink more. Most tea leaves can be steeped several times before depleting their flavor too. And what benefit, the different types of tea are also rich in a substance called l-theanine, an amino acid that studies have linked with feelings of calm and well being.

Katherine:  I could use a little calm to think over the clues to our new mystery our author is currently finishing.

Moonjava:  Cheers to our fellow tea drinkers, fellow mystery readers, Happy National Tea Day every day!