THE EVOLUTION OF THE HANDBAG

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

Me, in the OG Runway Bag from House of Rehab.

If there’s any article of clothing that serves as a symbol for how much high-low fashion has transformed the entire industry, it’s the handbag. The essential accessory serves as a prime example of how what once was mainly flaunted by the elite as a symbol of status, has now evolved into a staple with way less rules and restrictions and is more of a reflection of one’s personal taste and preference.

There was a time in history when a woman’s purse was almost always, undoubtedly, the most expensive piece of her entire outfit. With Louis Vuitton’s iconic “Speedy” being first introduced in the 20th century, along with Coco Chanel’s innovative “2.55” design being one of the first bags designed to be worn on the shoulder, luxury bag wearers of the 1910’s, 20’s, 30’s and beyond were giving very much this energy:

This mentality reached a new height in the 80’s, when Hermes first introduced the rare and precious Birkin. Highly sought after for possessing both beauty and practicality (many women wanted a bag that was spacious while still being stylish), the Birkin bag quickly rose to fame and hasn’t gone anywhere since, with bags today starting at $11K and ranging all the way up to $3 million, depending on scarcity and the demand of certain styles.

The original Birkin bag circa 1983, initially designed for English Actress Jane Birkin.

Louis Vuitton’s iconic “Speedy” bag. Vuitton created the first mini version specifically for Audrey Hepburn in 1965.

However, today you can find your average fashionista comfortably sporting bags outside of the luxury market. The concept of mixing high end with low end names has disrupted almost every facet of fashion, including accessories.

There once was an era where one would be embarrassed to be seen with anything less than an authentic luxury good on their arm. Now, it’s so common to see anyone from middle class to elite rocking a knock - off or , "designer inspired” purse and tagging the brand’s page on their post for the gram… and it only makes sense, seeing that we now have so many affordable alternatives from online retailers. It’s almost a flex to brag about knowing where you can find something cheaper these days.

But as much as we’ve evolved when it comes to handbag culture, it is still safe to say that the luxury handbag isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. We can still catch our fave public figures collecting as we covet.

Hot Girl Meg showing off her amazing designer bag collection.

However, I do think that it’s interesting that we can now catch, even the wealthy, unapologetically owning a bag that ranges anywhere from $40K to $40. It’s definitely a sign of the times where we now are generally more open minded and accepting of lesser known brands, lower price points, and practicality when it comes to shopping. As long as the fit still hits!

The Foxxy Bag by Kendall Miles Designs - $895

Jacquemus Long Chiquito Long Bag in Pink - $485

The ESR Tote by Brandon Blackwood - $80

Hermes Yellow Birkin Bag - Prices Vary

The Bandana Bag from The Style Animal - $74.80

The Everything Bag by House of Rehab - $125

The Monarch Milk Jelly by PishPosh World - $100

The Fashionpreneur Backpack - $199

Do you prefer your purses luxury or more affordable??? Let me know in the comments. In the meantime, Check out a mix of some of the most prominent styles from my current fave handbag brands rn, some luxury and some mid range.

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”

WAYS TO WEAR YOUR THIGH HIGH BOOTS: SEXY CHIC STYLE INSPIRATION

WRITTEN BY & STYLED BY SHARRA GREENE

Thigh high boots have been apart of my signature style for I don’t know how many years now. It’s just something so sexy yet sophisticated about a shoe that spans your entire leg. My favorite part about this style of shoe is how versatile they are. You can literally pair them with almost anything and it’ll look fly. But my fave ways to style them for an everyday look are with mini skirts, bodycon pants, and perfectly fitting denim. Here are a few of my tips for styling the ultimate thigh high boot look.

TO MAKE IT CHIC, CHOOSE COOL FITTING OUTERWEAR & STATEMENT ACCESSORIES

Shop the look: Jacket | Jeans | Leggings | Boots (similar pair for less here | Shades | Hat | Earrings | Bag | Lip | Bracelet

Shop the Look: Blazer | Skinny Jeans | Boyfriend Jeans | Mini Bag | Denim Bag | Black Boots | Camel Boots | Shades | Rimmed Glasses | Bangle

Whether a blazer with an interesting crop, or an oversized jacket, throwing on some eye catching outerwear is a way to make your thigh high boot look chic in one step. Simple, body hugging pants will keep the attention on your boots. If you want to dress it up, go for your boldest bag, bangle, or even pair of shades.

You can in corporate different techniques like color blocking if you’re going for a bolder fit. P.S. Choosing boots that have an interesting color or texture to them will make your look even more bomb. (I.e, the berry colored boots above or the suede boot in a vibrant camel color. )

FOR A SEXY LOOK, KEEP IT SIMPLE & SHOW SOME SKIN

The key to styling a thigh high boot in a way that’s sexy but still casual and classy is “give and take”. For example, since most of my legs are covered up with my Jeffrey Campbell color block suede boots (these are my babies! I’m passing them down to my future daughter one day), I can opt for a skirt with a shorter hem line to showcase my thighs.

My top has a sexy asymmetrical cut that gives some cleavage, yet it completely covers one of my arms. Since the main theme of this look is different hues of brown, I let the color scheme speak for itself and kept accessories to a minimum.

Sometimes, less is more. You can never go wrong with an all black ensemble and a cool pop of color to keep the look fresh and modern.

For more style tips, stay tuned to the blog and subscribe to my newsletter for free, exclusive style tips from me to you every week! More posts coming your way very soon!

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”

WAYS TO MAKE YOUR MARK IN FASHION DESPITE THE "YOU CAN'T SIT WITH US" MENTALITY THAT PLAGUES THE INDUSTRY

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

Pioneer and Curator of Ebony Fashion Fair, Eunice Walker Johnson sitting front row during fashion presentations: a rarity during her era in the industry and the photos say so much.

As expressive and beautiful the phenomenon that is fashion can be, there’s also such a strong sense of secrecy and exclusivity concerning the industry. Anyone who wants in has experienced this in one way or another. From authorities in fashion refusing to hire people of a certain look, race, religion, or social class, down to giving no front row seats at shows for those who aren’t deemed “good enough” over trivial matters, even down to how secretive individuals can be when it comes to plugging each other with valuable resources , the “crabs in a barrel” attitude that often exudes from many of those who are apart of the fashion industry is virtually impossible to miss; and if you let it, it can leave you feeling discouraged, disheartened, and underrepresented. Thankfully, we’re living in a time where those who came before us have walked so we could run, and it’s becoming easier to still show up and kill it in this industry, in your own right.

Whether you’re an aspiring influencer, designer, model, stylist, or even if you’re just a lover of fashion culture, I’ve found on my journey just how important it is to unapologetically offer your 2 cents, despite voices in the industry constantly trying to control what is perceived as worthy, acceptable, and appealing and what is not. You never know how your perspective will positively influence and inspire others along their own journey. Here are a few ways to keep making your presence known…

IF YOU CAN’T JOIN THEM, CREATE YOUR OWN

This has been the approach that some of fashion’s most iconic trailblazers and legends in the making have taken, and are still taking. When we abandon our need to be accepted by everyone we feel is important, that’s often when our true calling makes itself known. As a young black woman who’s building a career in fashion, it’s no secret that throughout history, there have been many doors closed for people who look like me. However, I’m so blessed to be pursuing fashion in a time where those who came before me have knocked down some doors and in a sense, tossed me the key.

For context, the LEGENDARY AND ICONIC Ebony Fashion Fair Curator Eunice Walker took initiative to highlight blacks in fashion during a time when the mainstream tastemakers in the industry were ignoring us. After having a dream of writing for Vogue deferred, Editor in Chief of Fashion Bomb Daily, Claire Sulmers (if you read here often, you already know she’s my fav!) utilized her growing online presence to create “her own Vogue” in so many words, building and maintaining a unique space for multicultural fashion to be celebrated. “First you ask, then you take.”, she says.

Eunice Walker Johnson’s Ebony Fashion Fair exhibit, highlighting black up and coming designers of her time.

From Instagram born, profitable fashion brands to influencers who found their tribe, went viral, and never looked back… we live in an era where when we can’t join someone’s movement, we can create our own and be just as, if not even more successful, and a lot of industry vets are upset about it. But there’s honestly no going back… due to the way we consume our information and entertainment. (internet, social media, etc.) There’s an array of ways to consistently contribute your perspective in any industry, especially fashion.

Seeing a lack of representation in fashion that moves you to want to act on it? Instead of wasting time begging and waiting for certain opportunities, be the change and create your own. It can start with establishing your own movement, whether it be via an online presence where you air your grievances on the issues that move you on a podcast, blog, IGTV, etc. or even creating your own line of clothing and making sure we see black women and women of color in EVERY. SINGLE. campaign. Through experience, I’m learning that it gains momentum when you continue to create your content, share your style, share your opinions, and continue to show up and speak up despite whoever’s trying to silence you. You’d be surprised how many people identify with your voice when you use it. You’d also be surprised how many people are willing to invest in your movements.

SPEAK UP, NEVER BE AFRAID TO PLUG YOURSELF

Me introducing myself to legendary stylist Misa Hylton at the Convos with Claire networking event in December 2018.

With fashion being such a competitive industry, it’s important to know how to plug yourself. This is probably the biggest lesson I’ve learned thus far when it comes to my business. When I first started styling back in 2014, I was not as confident as I am now, which probably caused me to fumble a few bags in the process. It didn’t help that I’m naturally introverted, believe it or not. But over time, I’ve learned when to break out of my shell and handle business because if I don’t speak for my brand, no one else will.

When you walk into a room hoping to make your mark, Ive learned that it’s important to remember that people don’t read minds. They’re not aware of the gifts you possess, and until you speak up and let them know, you risk missing out on building meaningful connections with others and further establishing your brand. If you’re looking to get better at representing yourself, practicing your elevator pitch and testing it out at networking events or when you meet new people can help you learn to leaving a lasting impression at a moment’s notice.

SUPPORT A MOVEMENT BEFORE IT’S “MOVING”

It pisses me off to see the countless dope brands and creatives in fashion who offer a fresh point of view and quality work getting knocked off, ripped off, and overlooked. I’m sure you’ve heard of the saying “nobody is messing with your movement until it’s moving” but it can be challenging to gain momentum when people don’t support you just because you haven’t “made it” yet, whatever that means. That’s why I’ve recently been making a point to support my fellow small business owners, minority owned businesses, and an array of other groups in fashion who constantly seem to get put on the back burner.

When you choose to support a label, or brand before it has completely taken off and gone mainstream, not only do you gain credibility to whoever’s watching as a trendsetter and not a follower, but you also gain leverage by supporting at the beginning stages because it often leads to strong partnerships with the owners of these companies that others missed out on because they simply jumped on the bandwagon later on down the road. I actually just recently interviewed a BOMB micro influencer who executes this concept amazingly. Stay tuned, my Q&A with her is coming to the blog next week! But back to the point, consider taking on ambassadorships or even simply purchasing from more of the brands that are slept on, it can help you make your mark in the long run, in more ways than one.

Hope you got something from this post! New content on its way to the blog very soon! Stay tuned safe & Stay tuned!

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”