Much ado about fashion history
American fashion history that is approachable and accessible; and a splurge versus save situation
I think the reason that everyone goes crazy for Bode (and other fashion houses like them) is because their collections are funky and feel fresh while still being obvious designer pieces. Their collections represent an honest take on our history (a very approachable history). I’ll give an example. I’ve had the Bode beaded bracelet bag on my wish list for some time but after some searching I was able to find an actual 1930’s flapper purse on Etsy. The resemblance is uncanny. All aboard the time machine below.
I remember my Grandma Tootsie, the daughter of a coal miner, telling me about a flapper purse that she owned. Despite her family’s economic background, her purse still felt glamorous. As fashion history goes, we know that there have always been coveted dressmakers and hard-to-find fabrics. Later on, we saw the emergence of luxury fashion houses. What I love about my grandmother’s time is that fast fashion hadn’t taken over yet, so niche labels still had a chance. A beaded bag like the one I found has more value today because of that. These designs feel like they were made for the general American woman. An heiress in New York City could be carrying the same bag as a coal miner’s daughter in small town, America. Fast forward to today, these designs are only accessible for those in higher tax brackets.
When my grandma was a teenager, she worked in a women’s fashion store in my hometown. As the eldest of 6 children, part of her salary was used to help with household bills but a very small portion was set aside to pay for movies (the latest Elvis film, I’m sure) at the theater. The pictures cost a nickel per showing and my grandma told me they would show up dressed to the nines. I’m sure my grandma or at least one of my great aunts carried a bag like this. She is 88 today and she is still fancy every single day. I’ve never seen her go without makeup or sparkles somewhere on her body and she loves collecting beautiful things. I’m sure the beauty curation gene that I carry comes directly from her. She’s my favorite reminder that beautiful, fancy things don’t have to be expensive to feel like a luxury.
When incorporating a bag like this or any vintage item that has no place in current times, something that I’m always repeating to myself when I get dressed is YOU CAN PICK ONE FANCY THING - that’s it. More than that and you will look overdone. But I think that’s what makes these vintage items so cool, put it with a fun otherwise casual outfit and you are doing the cool girl fashion thing. Statement bags like these will be THE ONE fancy thing for you in most cases, unless you go with the beaded wooden crochet pouchette; then, that can be paired nicely with a silk dress or a frilly top. You can see that I did a flat beach sandal and picnic shorts with my flapper bag and it’s giving just the right amount of friction to the outfit.
On that note, I’m leaving you with my full permission to be “the one fancy thing” wherever you go this week. Love you all! XOXO,
Megan