Times have changed! Below, some grandmotherly wisdom on bags and our suggestions for Covet Shop finds that Grandma would approve of.
What are the three items every woman should have in her pocketbook?
Oh my goodness. Well, your credit card, your drivers license, and an address book. How about that?
What do you think about these oversized bags that are all the rage these days?
I havent seen any pictures of them, but I dont think Id like them. Youd have trouble finding your stuff!
Grandma might not approve, but weloved this new Chloe Bucket Tote (sold since posting!) and Stella McCartney Appaloosa Tote
Where was your favorite place to buy purses?
Lord & Taylor. Or Woodies [Woodward and Lothrop]. Then Woodies became Hechts but Lord & Taylor was the best. It had a smaller selection, but better quality.
How did people shop before credit cards?
A really long time ago, before I was a teenager, the department stores had a long and round thing that they put what they wrote out Mrs. Jones bought such-and-such purse on a piece of paper then put it in a metal canister, smaller than a can of soup. That would connect to some wires that sent it to an office. Then later they would have these pads with triple copies where theyd write down the order and send it who knows where. Then even later youd have an ID card. The whole thing sounds a little sloppy.
How many purses do you own?
Not many now, but had about 15most women had six or eight. You need different sizes, different leathers, different colors. The amount you had depended on whether you had to go to work every day because if so, youd need a strong everyday ones, then more dressy versions.
How much do you think one should pay for a purse these days?
I dont know, I suppose almost $50? I used to pay $20, prices have doubled or tripled dont you think? I havent bought one in a while.
Is there a difference between a handbag, a purse and a pocketbook?
Hm, not that I know of. I dont think the dictionary will tell you either. I dont think so!
We're not sure about definitions either, but this new Marc Jacobs Stam bag and Multi-Pocket bag seem to qualify as a purse and a pocketbook
Back in the day, which brands were hot?
The ones I bought werent brand specific. Mine also may have been less expensive than the high-class ones. I had medium-priced ones.
Were purse shoppers motivated by brands way back when?
As long as it looked right with the season and your outfit, that is what matters. Back then people didnt pay much attention. Now it is the thing to be seen with a designer bag, but back then it didnt count.
We couldn't agree more with Grandma. Here's a fall outfit we thought she would like: Ralph Lauren Tortoise sunglasses, Mulberry bag, Alaia Miniskirt, YSL Rive Gauche jacket
