The Browse #3: Russian Doll Bags
A tapestry-covered coin purse, colorblock scarves for your inner child and yet another novelty hat
The Browse is a bi-weekly curated list of objects of affection, unique shops/brands and style content I’ve been browsing. This post is going behind a paywall on Oct. 25th, so be sure to subscribe here:
I think we often forget that some of the most important things that willd define your personal style are the little things — and sometimes, the unseen things. I’m talking about the smaller details that are part of the larger production that is your outfit. Yes, of course there’s jewelry, scarves, brooches and so-on. But in this issue, I want to specifically talk about the things we carry. The pieces that sit on our shoulder, hang on our wrist or that we grasp firmly in our palm as we’re running across the street a la Carrie Bradshaw.
Indeed, I’m talking about BAGS — specficially, the wide variety of bags out there that can help organize our lives.
There will be many different variations of bag purchases you will make throughout your life. One category is the large daily bag — which, depending on your style, can be a classic structured tote, a slouchy hobo bag that seems to have no bottom or maybe a crossbody messenger bag. Another category is the small-to-medium every day bag — one that maybe only has your essentials; your phone, journal, about 50 chapsticks and lipsticks and other daily necessities.
Then, of course you have your going-out bags (don’t worry, that’s going to be a future issue all to itself) and travel bags which consist of the weekend duffle, a beach bag and the ever-dependable backpack.
But! I believe the unsung heroes of our bag collections are the bags within our bags. Long live the pencil pouches, tiny makeup bags, drawstring fabric coin purses, glasses sleeves and of course, wallets. These are the bags that organize the chaos in our larger and medium bags (or at leaset attempt to). They are the tiny but mighty pouches that help make sense of the mess and make the task of packing less impossible.
Everyone, in my humble opinion, should prioritize having a reliable collection of little bags. This russian doll method of purse organization is also a way to develop a personal style signature — a style constant you always lean on. In the same way we all love to have a little dish for every trinket in our house, you need a little pouch to serve as a portable catch-all for all the overflowing items in your bag.
And these are in fact, some of the best items to browse and find when you’re shopping — because you’re bound to find the most curious and collectable pouches in all shapes, fabrics and designs. They’re also a good way to taste test designer items before diving head first in an expensive item (I.E. a big bag…). Some of my favorite items to browse second hand are glasses cases — such as these velvet Gucci ones because they have amazingggg colorways (I have a purple one that I keep pens, lipsticks, glasses wipes and occasionally, my sungalsses in).
I find that searching “travel pouch” along with “vintage” on most secondhand sites yields the best results, such as this blue drawstring jewelry carrier or this Vera Bradley envelope pouch.
But you may be asking in your head: “Arbela, how are these little pouches the unsung heroes of my personal style if they’re hidden away most of the time?” Well, I’ll tell you dear browser! Because in those moments when you take your pouch out to re-apply your lipstick, or take out your sunglasses as you walk outside, a little side of your personal style shines through. It may seem tiny, but those moments where we show something that we usually have hidden away, speaks volumes about ourselves. And whoever is curious enough, will notice.
Happy browsing! — Yours, Arbela 💌
Now … let’s get into THE LINKS.
In this issue: A tapestry-covered coin purse, colorblock scarves for your inner child and yet another novelty hat.
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