Ah, how I love a good evening bag! If one chooses well, it can remain an active part of your accessory wardrobe for decades, whatever the vagaries of Dame Fashion or your personal figure changes. The key is to choose something you truly love that can stand the test of that time in both construction and design.
I can think of nothing that passes (and possibly surpasses) both tests for me as well as a mesh evening bag. The subtle shimmer of the metal, the cool elegance, the strength, and the way they have been admired for well over a hundred years by people of taste mean this is an investment well worth making when you find one that calls to you in a siren song of desire.
Take, for instance, this handsome Art Deco style bag:
Or, if that’s too geometrical for you, how about a softer, peacock feather motif:
Still too much for your taste? Don’t worry. They come in plain colors, too, and are equally gorgeous:
All three of these fabulous bags are made by Whiting and Davis, a company that has been producing mesh evening bags for more than a hundred years, and available for order from Raspberry Beret. Come for the mesh bags, but be sure to check out some of their pretty BoHo clothes, too. Many come in sizes up to 6X.
Omg, I love Whiting & Davis. Especially vintage pieces made by them. I adore purses from the Victorian era and the 20’s. Thanks for sharing that site with us! They have some gorgeous dresses!
Comment by Angel — January 20, 2008 @ 5:24 pm
I have a beautifully simple mess bag my aunt gave me when I was a teenager a loooong (at least 20 years ago) time ago and it is still in good shape and still gets compliments.
Comment by Miss Louisa — January 20, 2008 @ 10:14 pm
I love a handbag, and I love the styles that you can pick up at thrift stores & op shops on the cheap!
Comment by Margo — January 21, 2008 @ 12:30 am
First dibs on the peacock mesh bag. How delicious! Of course, the problem is(and it always works out this way for me), once I get the bag, then I look in the closet and say to myself, “Oh, I don’t have anything to wear with this bag,” and then the hunt starts all over again. With this bag, though, I think something flapper-ish is in order…(hmmm…..humming to myself as I mentally inventory the pattern and fabric stash)
Comment by Toby Wollin — January 21, 2008 @ 9:44 am
My grandmother has one of these that is actually from the 1920’s it is enameled and absolutely beautiful.
Comment by Sarah — January 21, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
I love mesh bags! I actually have a couple of vintage (antique?) ones from the 20s & 30s. They have such lovely drape & movement – even when they’re packed to the brim LOL.
Comment by Chloe — January 22, 2008 @ 3:24 pm