Knowing “It”
The ‘it’ bag is a concept that must be understood in order for you to deny the guilt of spending a few weeks’ salary on a bag. The bag will however spend many years to come with you.
When you look hard enough there are only a handful of bags that are worth the investment but you can rest assured that since debuting over fifty years ago, they remain as stylish as ever. So start saving and pick your favourite to invest wisely in.
The Chanel "2.55" bag
The formula of this quilted classic has not altered since February 1955 when Coco Chanel was first inspired by the diamond pattern she saw on jockey’s jerseys during a day out at the races. Her design, which incorporated heavily gilded chain shoulder straps, was quite uncommon in luxury items at the time, but CC saw nothing unfeminine about a woman having her hands free.
It is said that the zippered compartment on the front flap is where CC hid her love letters and the outside flap was for her stash of extra money. 2.55 refers to the bag’s birthday. Visit www.chanel.com.
The Hermes "Kelly" bag
The origins of the Kelly first appeared, in its original form in the 1930’s but cemented its star status in the 1950s where, with its smart tailored-shape it evolved into a celebrity favourite during the Hollywood glamour years. The Kelly bag is named so after the actress Grace Kelly.
In 1956, the then Princess of Monaco used one of her two favourite Hermès bags to shield her pregnant stomach from the prying eyes of the paparazzi. Photographs of her covering her stomach bulge with her beloved Hermès were splashed all over the world, even making it to the cover of Life Magazine!
Kelly bags come in 5 different sizes and are usually made from crocodile, alligator, ostrich-skin or plain leather. Visit www.hermes.com.
The Louis Vuitton "Speedy" bag
The Speedy Bag remains LV’s most iconic bag. The Speedy Bag is often referred to as the Doctor’s bag or satchel because of its resemblance to an old fashioned doctor’s bag. While the classic version has interlocking LV monograms, it can also be found in plain leather and checkerboard print and is available in three sizes.
Unfortunately the LV bags are one of the most counterfeited fashion items. So be dextrous and deft when purchasing on line or second hand. On a real LV, the LVs never cut off, the colours are always rich and the quality of leather is superior. Visit www.louisvuitton.com.
The Gucci "Jackie O" bag
Women flocked to Gucci in search of the “bag that Jackie O always wears” as she carried the double strapped hobo bag everywhere prompting Gucci to dub the “Constance bag” as the “Jackie O”. The bag comes in some fabulous colours, including metallics that you should not shy away from. Visit www.gucci.com.
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Care tips for handbags
When you think about it, we owe our handbags quite a bit. After all they carry our entire lives in them: sentiments, secrets and lip gloss. Caring for your treasured bags therefore is essential.
- We all know the instant urge to brag about a new it-bag purchase but as Victoria Beckham would well know, before your new treasure goes out into the open world, it is a good idea to spray a leather bag with a protectant before its first use – as you would a new pair of boots.
- A bag, as we know, travels with us everywhere and so like us will encounter some minor grazes and cocktail induced injuries.
While leather conditioning creams are great for polishing, a warm damp (not wet) cloth lathered with a little gentle soap (such as Dove, see www.dove.com for more details) to rub away marks and dirt works splendidly.
- Don’t overstuff your handbag – too much weight can weaken stitching or stretch and damage the straps.
It is a good idea to give your bag a once-a-fortnight interior cleanout – not only because you will scrounge up enough loose change to treat yourself to a late, but to remove all lint and other debris.
A fabric brush or lint roller works well, particularly on canvas and nylon lining.
- The secret zipper compartment is a vital factor for any woman. If a zipper isn’t running smoothly, try running a grey led pencil or a piece of natural bees wax over the zipper’s teeth.
- When your beautiful bag is not being toted around the city on your shoulder, assist it in keeping its shape by stuffing it with acid free tissue paper.
Keep it away from sunlight and consider investing in a cotton shoe bag to protect the leather or visit The Bloomin’ Bag Lady to order the Handbag Dustbag. See www.bloominbaglady.com.au.
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