miss b's quote

'I haven't been everywhere yet but it's on my list' Susan Sontag

Wednesday 6 February 2013

miss b loves ...........bags

                                    

The number of bags in my wardrobe continues to grow almost as quickly as my shoe collection. This interest in bags has developed over the years and I'm just drawn to them in all their shapes and sizes. Fifty Bags that Changed the World by Design Museum was obviously the book for me...........



It describes each iconic bag which has had an impact starting with the original 
1860 Gladstone red Budget Box used by dozens of
British Chancellors of the Exchequer on Budget Day........... 


......there's the carpetbag, newsboy bag, gas-mask bag and the schoolboy satchel (which seems to have had a revival - I especially like the Cambridge Satchel Company  range of sizes and colours!)

Of course the quilted  Chanel 2.55, allowing women to carry a handbag with their hands free, is featured........


.......and the bags named after celebrities....the Alexa by Mulberry, the Hermès Kelly bag...........



and of course the legendary Birkin bag........



Even the humble plastic carrier bag gets a mention! The book is full of little snippets of information.........and here are just a few.....
  • The Chanel 2.55 was named after the date of its creation - February 1955 and the chain strap was inspired by the key chains that dangled from the waists of the nuns in Coco Chanel's convent school.
  • The Chairman of Hermès is said to have met Jane Birkin on a plane where she accidentally dropped the contents of her Hermès datebook, complaining about its size .....and as a result the oversized Birkin bag was designed.
  • In 2000 when Queen Elizabeth visited Italy, La Repubblica newspaper carried a front page story about her patent Launer handbag.
  • Mulberry's founder, Roger Saul, started out designing belts and chokers for London fashion stores such as Biba and within a couple of years was supplying stores such as Bloomingdale's in New York. 
So.... I can definitely recommend this book to all bag lovers or design enthusiasts (and there are several others in the series too including - Fifty Dresses that Changed the World and Fifty Shoes that Changed the World which I reviewed here)

and finally......my bags.......clutches, totes, beach bags, shoulder bags, handbags........from the inexpensive to the occasionally extravagant ....whatever catches my eye....shall I just show you a few?......

You can't have too many sparkly clutches....and these two are my latest ones........


bobochic clutches
This Pucci tote is a great summer bag which I bought a couple of years ago....I remember being so excited to find it drastically reduced! 


and a handy holiday bag by Orla Kiely....no wonder that book caught my eye!!!



My most unusual bag must be this tiny beaded pyramid-shaped one with a cute little wrist strap, a gift bought in Hong Kong several years ago....... 


Mulberry is probably my favourite luxury brand and my Bayswater which I've had for a few years now just seems to get better with age and I know I'll use it forever!


The cutest bag is.....my macarons shopping bag already mentioned here.....


and finally..... my new black Mulberry Effie East West hobo.....an extra-special anniversary gift and another forever bag.........



On my wish list for spring.......a handy nude tote........the Tod's D-Styling Tote or the Saint Laurent Muse Two would be perfect.......



but I may just settle for this very reasonably priced calf skin one from Zara ........

via

or maybe a cute satchel......


via
and that would then complete my handbag wardrobe......well, maybe for a while.......... 


PS I couldn't possibly write a post on bags without including one of the most talked about bags .....the Chanel Hula Hoop Bag as seen in the Spring/Summer 2013 show. 


via

'It's for the beach' Lagerfeld told the Daily Telegraph post-show. 'You need space for the beach towel. And then you can put it into the sand and then hang things on it.

Apparently it won't be going into production but don't despair......the mini version will be on sale in March although you may struggle to fit your beach towel in it!!


via


73 comments:

  1. I absolutely love this post, since I am a huge fan of bags as well ;)
    LA By Diana Live Magazine

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  2. Superbe post pour qui aime les sacs..... et moi je suis fan!!!! A force d'en acheter je manque de place pour les ranger.... mais à chaque saison je ne peux pas résister!!!!!
    Belle semaine!!!!
    Laure

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  3. Great post, I am a total handbag girl!! On my wish list is Marcie bag from Chloe...xo Caroline

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  4. This book sounds wonderful - like any handbag lovers dream, really! I immediately recognised the Orla Kiely bag on the cover and couldn't help but smile when I saw that it's part of your personal collection, as well :) You have a really lovely assortment - I'm very envious of your Bayswater - and I think the Muse Two would be a lovely addition... but then, so would the Zara tote :)
    xox,
    Cee

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  5. Great book and your collection is gorgeous!! Nice wish list---I've been looking for a great nude bag for summer too. I love that Muse!

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  6. What a fun post! The book looks interesting and I enjoyed seeing your collection. I am seriously coveting your Mulberry Bayswater! Have a lovely day!!!

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  7. Bags are so hard to resist, aren't they ;-) !
    What a nice post; lovely to read and see all those different kinds of bags.
    That books is a nice one for inspiration!

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  8. I love bags too. The Mulberry brand is one of my favourites although it wasn't love at first sight. My dream bag will be the Hermes Birkin. Oh one day... Great post Miss B.

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  9. Beautiful bag post! You have the most exquisite collection of classic pieces, love your brown Mulberry and the dashing Orla Kiely bag. the book sounds so interesting, I need to get myself a copy. P.S Thanks for your comment, I think Forever New only recently started expanding stores to different countries.

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  10. I love bags too! Even more that shoes!

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  11. Ah yes ... handbags ...like shoes can really change the feel of an outfit. Thank you for sharing some of your treasures and snippets of what sounds like a fabulous book to spend an afternoon reading... Happy Wednesday..xo C. (HHL)

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  12. Fab post, I am a huge lover of handbags too so would love this book xx

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  13. i want that book! i love knowing the history of things. Grace Kelly was so chic! Miss B you have some awesome bags. I love that pyramid and macaron one. That is just too cute! I so LOL when I first saw that big hula hoop bag from Chanel. Loving the mini ones. I also love the lego toy looking ones too. HAHAHA have a great week doll.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  14. If I wasn’t a fan of bags before reading this (I was) I certainly would be now. Given the choice, I go for shoes every time but there was a time when I bought a bag every time I went shopping. This looks like a lovely book, will put it on my wish list!

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  15. How interesting! I learned so much here. Really fun...loving the last chanel bag..quite unique!

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  16. Oh me too!!! One of my favorite things :)
    Stacy

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  17. I also love bags, specially vintage ones! This book is also a book for me, I would enjoy it very much! you have a great collection, specially that brown Mulberry! Ilina

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  18. my dream bag is the chanel 2.55 flap in caviar! with gold hardware!! swoon... but my current fave that i own is a vintage louis vuitton speedy 30 with the classic monogram print. it's from the 1970s and i just love it! :)
    i will need to pick up this book!
    xoamy
    www.cupcakesncouture.com

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  19. Interesting facts about classic handbags! The hula hoop is very original but not very practical. Well let's see which bag of your wishlist you will finally get ;)

    LUXESSED

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  20. Loving that first one, funny how the strap on a bag could be so ground breaking. is that a maternity dress in the bottom photo?

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    Replies
    1. Yes a strap is something we take for granted now. As for the dress, it's certainly a maternity style!

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  21. I saw this book today, what a nice coincidence. I had a gift voucher and was searching latest Audrey 60's to add to my collection, couldn't find it there, so I settled on a VOGUE book but this one caught my eyes too : ) I would love to have a 2.55 and Kelly : ) You have a good collection there, nice to see your bag on book cover : ) I will check that Zara bag, I need a nude bag as well : )

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  22. I love them!!
    Visit http://www.urbanfashionstylee.blogspot.mx and check my new post!! 🌴 Petite palm tree 🌴

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  23. the first purse is so chic and sophisticated! xo

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  24. WOW, just a delightful post! I don't know which part I enjoyed more, the book info and all of the details on the classic bags (so interesting!) or seeing your fab collection (you lucky girl you!) ... that Chanel hula hoop bag is so whimsical! Thanks for stopping by this week, sweet! xoxo ~S

    SANDY M Illustration
    http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com

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  25. cute bags!! i actually need a new spring bag
    xo
    MOSAMUSE

    www.MOSAMUSE.com

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  26. Bonsoir miss b. I almost missed this wonderful post. I do not collect diamonds; sports cars or shoes but do I ever love my handbags! I loved that you highlighted a few "classics," such as Chanel's 2.55 or the Hermes "twins" (Birkin and Kelly.) I can't afford any of them, but am equally happy investing in quality brands that cost a bit less. I confess to liking French brands, such as Lancel, or even Longchamp. I was not familiar with Mulberry, so I went and looked them up. Very nice. Good luck with your spring purchases! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

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  27. It is great that these modern days have produced the bayswater! That really is going to last as long as the Kelly or Chanel one. That hula hoop bag makes me laugh every time! Almost tempted to get one, people would be so amused you would never get mugged!

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  28. Love this post! Such a wonderful book. I hadn't heard of it, so thank you for the introduction. It's interesting to learn about the evolution and creation of the different styles. The classic quilted Chanel is always a favorite of mine {wow! Hands FREE!} For the daily basis I require more of a hobo style. I've wait for sales and purchase a nice bag that lasts for years. Your bags are gorgeous.. you've got something for all occasions!

    xxL

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  29. If only the world did fit in our blog-we all would be
    Mary Poppins!

    www.trendinginfashion.blogspot.com

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  30. Mulberry bags have always been in my wish list. If I could purchase all of their styles, I would. This is a very interesting post.

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  31. Miss Margaret loves them all. I would sure like to have a Mulberry...
    Best Regards
    Miss Margaret Cruzemark
    http://margaretcruzemark.blogspot.com/

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  32. Great post!!! I love the bags and shoes too!!! interesting book!!!
    Have a wonderful weekend! and my g+ for you...

    Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

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  33. Franka loves bags too!!!!

    :-)

    ♥ Franka

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  34. I agree I love bags the mulberry one is gorgeous. I love when you take a bag out that you have not worn in a while and it brings back great memories

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  35. I really love the bag in your first picture! It is timeless, chic and so classy and elegant!
    Thank you so much for stopping by my place!!

    Have a wonderful day & weekend!
    Svenja

    Happybluebird

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  36. This is one of the best posts I've read in a while, maybe because I share the same fascination as you - I love bags and recently did a post about my Mulberry bag too. Loving your Mulberry Effie - dahling!

    Thanks for swinging by my blog, I'm going to follow you for writing such a fab post, you can connect with me by facebook.com/focailini if you like as I dont have GFC

    http://forcailini.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Well, thank you very much for such a lovely comment - I'm so glad you enjoyed the post and thank you too for deciding to follow.

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  37. Just thought I'd pop back and let you know that you're post inspired me so much I bought the blooming book!

    http://forcailini.blogspot.com

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  38. I love bags too! I'm following you too!

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  39. You've got me interested in 50 dresses that changed the world. I'd be curious to see which ones and why . . .Def have to check it out

    oxoxox from San Francisco
    Amy
    http://bridechic.blogspot.com

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  40. Great post dear!! I think all women are obsessed with bags!!!
    Hahhahahaha
    xoxo
    Patricia

    http://misstoptenimage.blogspot.com

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  41. great bag honey, i really love itt

    xx

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  42. Ok Karl is out of ideas!! Why would someone carry something that looks so ridiculous for a beach bag.
    www.thoughtsofpaps.com

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  43. oh now I get:) Miss B, you got one of the most amazing bags collection! Love them all, Mulberry is one of my fav too, thats why Im craving for your Alexa!^^ Kisses! xo

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  44. Love this post about bags!! :)

    Kisses,

    Babi
    www.voguebuster.net

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  45. This looks like a book I need :)

    www.ngofficial.blogspot.co.uk

    <3

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  46. I love how bags say alot about one's personality! THey are like that accessory that can make or break an attire! I love looking at peoples purses and bags, love this post!
    xo Karolyn
    The Relished Roost

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  47. i have seen this book before! it looked so interesting, i must find it so i can read it!

    lindsey louise

    hellomrrabbit.blogspot.com

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  48. I love handbags and spent a couple of years designing for Mulberry. I was lucky enough to be shown around their handbag factory. It was a real eye opener. When you see the craftsmanship that goes into one of these iconic bags, it make parting with the money (a little bit) easier. x

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  49. If I won the lotto the first thing I would buy is a channel quilted bag....heaven
    J
    http://lifelovesand.blogspot.ie/

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  50. Thanks for your visit, hope you're having a great weekend!

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  51. haha, I can totally relate to all the bags catching up with the shoe collection comment and this was such a fun post to read. That quilted Chanel bag is definitely on my wish list. LOL. PS> Thank you for your nice comment about my satin pillow case line on Kim's 'A Very Sweet Blog'

    xoDale
    http://www.savvyspice.com/

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  52. Ha! I'm thinking I desperately need that book, it's fabulous!
    xo
    girlintheyellowdress.com

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  53. I have a major fascination in bags too and think that a good bag really adds polish to an outfit. I love the Mulberry designs and think they have such a modern yet extremely take on their bags. The bayswater is a real classic, but I just invested in the del rey which is seriously the best bag I have ever owned. I need to get a copy of this book! xx

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  54. Bags are a legitimate thing to spend money on I think! I have a mulberry bayswater that I got for my 21st and I look after it like a child!

    Em x

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  55. Great post, I love bags! They add the perfect touch to an outfit, and the mulberry bag is amazing!

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  56. I love bags too. No matter how many I have it´s never enough :)

    GIVEAWAY ON MY BLOG

    xo

    glamDevils

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  57. WHo doesn't like a good bag--from a smart clutch to the perfect work tote--we all love a good bag! Have a great week! Barbara

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  58. Ah handbag love, there's nothing like it! I am trying to narrow down what I want to carry for spring--it's so hard!

    xo Mary Jo

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  59. I must get this book, it's so interesting!! Your bag is spectacular!!!! Thank you for stopping by Miss B. and for writing this particularly great post! Love Coco

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  60. What an interesting blog post !
    Bags will be my downfall - I'm addicted.

    Joanne
    http://www.balletpumpsandroses.com

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  61. Oh, I have a thing for handbags too. I was reading another friend's blog and it was saying that the way we carry our handbag tells a little about the person. It was very interesting. I really like the brown leather one. That is so cute and something I would wear. The BIG WHITE ONE is something else. I've never seen anything like it. Have a wonderful week.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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  62. This is so cool! I'm so excited that you posted about this book because I've been looking for something to buy my friend for her birthday and this is it! She's going to love this book!
    And, I love the Chanel 2.55 factoid :)

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  63. I love bags as well and thank you so much for sharing the fashion trivia related to the purse world!

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  64. that book looks great. will have to keep an eye out for it. Have always wanted that tan Mulberry bag and I think I need the black one too now.

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  65. LOVE all of these. I'm also a huge purse nut :) My favorite is the brown Mulberry.

    xo
    Sarah

    everyweekischic.blogspot.com

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  66. Hi miss b,

    It's me again. I actually found you via inner-outer beauty's blog :)

    Had to click on this post even if it's from Feb as I'm so into bags also. Had to narrow down my collection when I moved here. Took them with me when I lived in India and paid excess baggage fee for it. Silly me.

    Never got the book but I'm wishing that somewhere someone's selling it on Ebay :)

    More next time.

    Take care!

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Thank you for taking the time to write a comment on my blog. I really do appreciate it. miss b

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