Fashion is in the Bag

Fashion Is in the Bag

Purses, pouches, or bags have been used since humans have needed to carry precious items & have historically been both the carriers of secrets & the signifiers of power, status, & beauty. As keepers of daily life equipment, handbags have been strongly influenced by technological & societal changes. In the 14th & 15th centuries, both men and women would attach pouches to their girdles. Because pockets would not be invented for several hundred more years, wearers would also attach other valuables to their girdle, such as a rosary, pomanders (scented oranges), & even daggers. Stinky aristocrats in the sixteenth century would carry what was called “swete bagges” - bags that were filled with powder from sweet-smelling herbs & spices, such as lavender, or with perfumed balls of cotton. Both men & women in the seventeenth century preferred to hang long embroidered drawstring purses under their skirts and & often used as conspicuous decorative containers for gifts, such as money, perfume, or jewels. Women spent an enormous amount of time embroidering them to show off for potential husbands. Handbags are currently made in an array of styles & materials, such as waterproof canvas, space age synthetics, & faux reptile skins. And handbags, which for so long had been associated with the feminine are now becoming more popular with men. Its variety & adaptability highlight the handbag’s extraordinary potency & staying power.

Real life places to seek inspiration for your style

As fashion savvy people, we’ve all read magazines, scoured the Internet, and watched Style network until we couldn’t take it anymore. After all, the professionals know best, right? But one of the best things about fashion is that it’s real life and it’s everywhere.


Here are five real-life places to go to find inspiration for your style.

•  The mall. You don’t even have to go in the stores. Window-shopping and people watching are two of the best ways to find ideas. And people watching can be really entertaining too. Double bonus! 

• Facebook and Google +. I love to see what my friends and acquaintances are wearing and where they are wearing it (try saying that five times fast). 

• Vacation. Whether you have the opportunity to travel to some exotic land or are just traveling across the state for the weekend, take the time to look around you. Different cultures are everywhere and bring different facets to the fashion world. 

• Museums. Styles and trends are recycled over and over again. You can pull inspiration from pieces of art or from different eras. 

• Your best friend’s closet. Even if you don’t consider her style to be on point, chances are you will find some pieces that you are inherently jealous that you don’t own. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with clothing swaps either! 

 Where do you find your inspiration?

Nautical Nonsense

Summer's in the air, the temps are rising, and this nautical inspired style is hotter than ever. The classic white, navy blue, and red nautical colored trio have always been a classic look and style, so look for some staple pieces to add to your wardrobe that will serve as the basics to create several different outfits.

1. White Linen Button Up Shirt
2. Puffed Sleeve Navy & White Shirt
3. Red Classic Shorts
4. Tan, White, Navy Shoulder Bag
5. Tan Flat Sandals
6. White Cork Wedge Heels
7. Thong Sandals

Bring on summer with a classic and clean-- inspired by the sea! Notice how these red shorts can serve for multiple looks, outfits, and occasions. Style it with some shoes, accessorize it, and you're good to go!

The Basic of Personal Style: Black Pencil Skirt

Black Pencil Skirt by Style Clarity featuring bow tops

Little black dress? How about little black pencil skirt. In addition to the L.B.D. the black pencil skirt certainly is a fashion staple for any woman and has earned a permanent spot next to the L.B.D. in your closet! While many women view a black skirt as plain, basic, and even boring; the three looks above show anything but that!

first look is a great look for work or a business meeting with a potential client (with whom you will wow). The skirt is embroidered cotton lace and it sits slightly above the knee-perfect for work or work functions. Its scalloped edges gives it some interest and shape. It’s A line cut will look great on most body types and of course, black is always flattering. Pair it with a pair of leather wedges and a fun accessory, like a watch wrap bracelet and off to work you go.

The next look is great to wear when you are attending a late afternoon event that will transition into the depths of the evening. The black pencil skirt has a ponte belted waist, which will help define and show off a small waistline and is made out of material that is form fitting. In some cases, women may want to go up a size and have the skirt tailored to fit their needs of their body type. You can balance the curves this skirt creates by wearing a blazer (plus it’s always great to dress in layers) that sits right above the hips and cinches at the waist. Dress this skirt up with a jacket, which is great to wear inside a restaurant, and then loose it for some night time fun and more of a flirty, going out look. A great heel can add a pop of color to the outfit and a shimmering clutch is a must.

Finally, if you are sick of wearing dresses to weddings and other formal affairs, invest in a sequined pencil skirt. It will add the drama and glamor you desire and can be paired easily with virtually any color of the rainbow. Opt for a top you can tuck, creating the illusion of a dress. Go all out and pair it with a statement necklace and neutral pair of heels in a black or silver. Remember, a shining skirt like this needs to be the star of the show, so keep to one accessory and a neutral toned clutch. You can glam out in a pencil skirt because it comes in many cuts, styles, textures, and colors but classic black will never go out of style and will make you look sleek and chic no matter where you go.