BIGGER HANDBAGS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 43, 21 February 1927, Page 13

BIGGER HANDBAGS

SO.MANY THINGS TO CARRY NOW! ' j As feminino clothing decreases in bulk, my lady's handbag seems to grow bigger. Miss 1926 of the knee^ length, sleeveless frocks clasps under her slim arm a capacious bag of exceeding loveliness. Sometimes it is of dimly-coloured ,kid, sometimes it, ia the shape of a portfolio made of exquisite rose silk embroidered in pearls, or it may be a bulky model of shaggy cowhide. But there is no vacant space. Each must hold a'-cigarette case, a, bundle of letters in different handwrit^ ings, a powder-box, a pocket brush and comb, and cvor so many other feminine knick-knacks.

Great-grandmother of the voluminous crinoline gown had no such handbag. She really had no need of ono. The few letters she received were so sacred to her that they were tied with ribbon and hidden away in an old bureau. Cosmetics were beyond her wildest dreams, and there was no necessity fur her to carry a purse when young ladies never went out alone. The older ones when they went shopping carried a little embroidered purse in their pocket.

Ponderous purse muf£ba/gs of sealskin came in about the '80s. The beginning of the century saw the introduction of the handbag, which encouraged feminine vanity. It was very small at first, and there was room only for a handkerchief, a mlrrpiy a tiny purse, and a small bottle of. smelling-salts, Silver chain purses became popular, then patent-leather pouchettes, And so to capacious vanity bags pf saiin and bead embroidery. These fired my laijy, with a desire for prettiness combined with utility. She had more and more "to .carry about with her. She had her latch-key, her seaspnv ticket,. mone^ of her own, a diary, and other treasures,

This year has seen perfection in handbags. .First there was the "Brelia^ bag," which in addition to the usual contents had a small umbrella, and light? weight raincoat! And now we hayo a handbag quite large enough to hold a. wispy ninbn, dance frock, a georgette "nighty," and one of We now cpllap? sible hats. " ■ . «

Suede has had its day; satin and beadwork helve gone.put of favour; and to be smart one niust return to sha-. green, .with- memories of ,the Regency dan'dies.J '■ ' ....'".. ... .