Handbags

[Puzzle Piece]

I'm cleaning out some things getting an early start on Spring Cleaning.  I came across a storage bin I had of evening bags. 

Well, I don't see them used much today. 

Are they a tradition that is now history?  Do you use them and how often if you have them? 

I will have to let them go if the whole idea is gone with the wind. 

[Leeny]

@Puzzle Piece

I still use evening bags when I get the chance. I use them when we go to Christmas parties or New Years Eve when we go out to dinner, which happens to be my B. Day.

I also use them if I go to a wedding. I have a few and I would never get rid of mine. They have scentimental value for me. If I lived close to you I would take them off your hands

[Puzzle Piece]

@Leeny Thanks for your words Leeny.  If I had your address (which is not allowed) I'd send them to you! 

Seems folks just walk into places without the traditions of the past today.  Plays, operas, even galas, fund raisers, etc.  It just done and it's acceptable. 

Christmas and New Years are good enough reasons to have a bag or two, but not too many the way things have gone. 

[IlliniGirl88]

@Puzzle Piece  -  I use evening bags also for nice dinners, parties, weddings, etc. when I get dressed up for the evening.  I used several different ones over December for Christmas parties.  I don't have a lot, but have a cherished one which belonged to my husband's mom (who died when he was five).  It's a beautiful bag.  We're in our early 40's, but I think an evening bag is classy and sometimes it's all I want to take on a night out. 

[Leeny]

You are Welcome! I know, today so many of the "younger" generation doesn't dress like I did when I was their age. I know a lot of women who are my age and they don't "dress up" much either. I do it because I like to and it makes me feel good to bring out my evening bags and my jewelry. Yes, I am aware of the Q's policy on mailing adresses. Thanks for the thought though. @Puzzle Piece

[willdob3]

It would have to be an extremely formal event for me to use one.

And around here, most events that used to call for them are now casual dress. I recall going to an opera and, while some ladies were dressed up, others were wearing jeans. It made me kind of sad. I like an occasional excuse to get dressed up.

[Puzzle Piece]

@willdob3 Same here - many events don't call for the dressier look.  I have gone to events and the ladies will tell me "You didn't have to dress up".  Things that are traditional like an evening bag for certain occasions seem to be leaving us. 

[EdithEllenLily]

@Puzzle Piece and all: I only have a handful of dressy evening bags and I love them. I do agree their popularity and use is dwindling, sadly. I use mine for special dinners out, the opera and weddings. While I have seen some casual looks at the opera, most people here in Chicago tend to do something special, whether it's a twist in their hair, a long, gorgeous skirt or a dressy, smaller handbag.

[nana59]

Just last night my 14 year-old granddaughter went to a school dance and wore a new dress!  I know kids bring their phones wherever they go, so I asked my daughter what she carried it in--she told me the kids carry their phones in their hands.  How can you dance with a phone in your hand!  I guess I'm old!  I told my daughter I have many vintage Whiting & Davis metal mesh evening bags....she had no clue what I was talking about!!  Yup-I must be old!!

[EdithEllenLily]

@nana59 and all: I have a Whiting & Davis silver mesh bag that belonged to my grandmother! It is very cool and kept in the original box. 

If anyone is curious and wants to go back in time with your imagination, go on etsy dot com and search for Whiting and Davis. Just think of the grand places these handbags have been!