What makes a purse

The term handbag tends to refer to higher-end bags , so think of it as a more chic and sophisticated word. Most people would call the bag a celebrity is wearing a handbag, not a purse. And as if the handbag vs purse debate wasn't complicated enough, society has thrown another word at us. What makes something a pocketbook, but not a purse or a handbag? Although most dictionaries define a pocketbook as simply just a woman's handbag, there are a few ways you can differentiate between them.

A pocketbook is usually used to refer to a medium sized bag - a bag bigger than a purse, and smaller than a handbag. It's mainly used in the United States, and is especially popular in the Northeast and Southeast. Other countries don't use this term.

The term pocketbook is more common among older generations. The definition of pocketbook has changed over time. During the origin of the word in the seventeenth century , pocketbook referred to a small book that could fit in a pocket. The term then evolved to mean a leather folder used to carry money, checks, bills, notes, and important documents. People started to refer to large shoulder bags as pocketbooks in the nineteenth century.

Credit: Janie Barrett. The bag also captured something of the zeitgeist. Being handmade helps — the bags are assembled by a single artisan over a total 48 hours, and with longevity in mind. And [it needs to last] more than one life because usually, also, we give them to our daughters or friends. Exclusivity is important. But money is not enough.

Yong has owned three Birkins, the first of which she bought in on a shopping trip to Tokyo, a centimetre model in a golden tan. Her second was a light-blue, centimetre from the Melbourne store; she has since sold it privately. If you are not a celebrity, then the second-hand market is your best option but do your homework and buy from a reputable reseller. Sophie Hersan, co-founder of Vestiaire Collective, which puts its items through extensive authentication processes, says about 20 per cent of Birkins listed on the site sell within 30 days.

Nikki Veale, of Hock Your Frocks, says the Birkin is still the white whale of the bag world but that the Kelly created in and named after the actress and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly is catching up. It may seem counterintuitive but during the first half of , trade in luxury bags was up on the previous year, Veale says. This is an excellent way to tell a designer bag from a fake, and also to tell if a bag is well-constructed in general.

In less expensive bags, you can definitely tell a lack of quality in the inner lining. If it feels cheap, it probably is.

Often times, cheaper lining will come undone from the bag or holes will form, making it annoying or impossible to use. Be sure to look at the inside of the bag to see if the manufacturer took that extra step to make the inside look as good and be as functional as the outside. Some handbags will actually come with a warranty if something goes wrong.

Say the strap breaks or a zipper becomes misaligned, you can send the bag in for repair. If a bag has a warranty, the company feels confident enough in the quality of their products to take on this extra cost. Check out what we have in store for you Friday February 8th — Monday, February 18th!!

Already have an account? Don't have an account? Sign Up. By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service , Privacy Policy , and to receive promotional emails.

The side edges of webbing are already neatly finished and they are quite strong. Webbing is available in various widths and many colors.

Check out this post on the 7 different types of Bag handles. A D shaped ring is the most commonly used hardware in bags to hang the straps. These plastic or metal rings with a divider in between helps to increase or decrease the length of the straps. Long zippers with two zipper pulls, one with metal zipper teeth, plastic ones, all are used to make bags.

Here is a post elaborating on the different types of zippers available. Zipper pulls. You can personalize the regular zipper pulls with pretty accessories or making customized zipper pulls like in the picture.

When you want to attach something on bags like handles , without sewing, you have no substitute for these. These are used to attach the straps — the straps can be conveniently removed and used when needed with the help of this hardware.

Another popular opening used in bag making- this consists of two parts, like the regular snaps but because of the magnet used in these snaps they are suitable to close even the thickest of fabric flaps of your bag.

Bag feet are small buttons placed on the bottom of bags on all four corners of bags so that the bag material would not touch ground.

This is a type of handle made of metal chains. Check out this post on Bag handles for learning more about the 18 different kinds used in bags.

The frames give structure to a purse and serve as the closure as well and at the same time give an elegant look. Frames are available in many styles, colors, shapes, and sizes. The clutch frames may be rectangle-shaped or arch-shaped, made of plastic or metal. The metal frames come in different colors — silver, gold, antique brass, rose gold, and gunmetal finish.

Very simple ones to the most ornate purse frames — we have seen it all. Some purse frames come with a ball closure, some do not have this — they just snap close. This is also called kiss clasp. Check out this post to know how to make a purse with a metal frame. Different decorative elements are used to embellish bags — including embroidery, applique. Metal studs are also used regularly on vinyl and leather bags as accents.

Charms can be added to the bags to decorate them and personalize them. Metal labels can be added to the bag front to give your bag a highly professional look. A buckle is mostly used as an accent. Checkout this post on the different ways to add decorations and patterns and texture on fabric surface. Interlining is added to give a padded feeling to your bag and gives a slight 3 D effect. Think a quilted fabric. Other than the usual padded interlining fabric, other materials like foam, fusible fleece and batting are added as interlining.

Check out this post on the best lining fabric.