Best Selling author Carra Copelin writes contemporary and historical romance. The Texas Code Series, contemporary romantic suspense novels include Code Of Honor, Book One. The Brides of Texas Code Series, western historical novellas, explores the Texas Code Series beginnings. Katie and the Irish Texan, Book 1, Matelyn and the Texas Ranger, Book 2, and Angel and the Texan from County Cork, Book 3. Laurel:Bride of Arkansas, American Mail-Order Brides Series, Book 25

Monday, May 16, 2016

Handbags Through History

Handbag fetish or addiction, no matter what you call it, I have it. Yes, I admit it and it's worse than my shoe addiction. Yikes! Geez, this may be worse than I originally thought. But hey, I can't be the only one, right???

Anyway, that's what sprung this idea for our talk today. Purses have shown up throughout time in many shapes and forms. From the earliest of time, both men and women carried pouches to carry sundry bits of importance, like seeds, items of religious significance and medicines. They were made of bits of animal skins, later cloth, and knitted string to look like net. Each might be decorated to personal tastes with shells, feathers and the like.




















Traditional wallets began as early as the 16th century, as small leather pouches with a drawstring with which to tie to a belt loop. Women carried sweet bags that held lavender or other scents to freshen their clothing and handkerchiefs. It was around this time pockets were introduced into clothing to carry small personal belongings.


Bettina Feldt's 18th Century Clothes and Accessories

Women also carried bags tied around their waists and worn under their skirts, as seen above.



The mid-1800s showed a variety of handbags from the beaded and embroidered drawstring to a flat style that could be either square or circular in design.

Patterns for these were offered in popular ladies magazines of the day.








Early 20th century saw another change in the style of handbag carried by the modern woman. Two purses I'll share with you belonged to my grandmother, Faith, and her sister, Stella.








They are circa 1910-1915 and I framed them to showcase and preserve them.

 During World War II, shoulder bags became popular and have evolved to include over the arm, clutch, crossbody and tote. Some men briefly carried a messenger or casual bag in the 70's and even today they might be seen carrying one, but purses or handbags are largely used by women. I know I usually carry the kitchen sink. I want to have anything for any situation, a hold over from my mom days, I suppose.

Mother's Day, my son graciously bought me a shiny new handbag that caught my eye at the leather store at Grapevine Mills Mall. It's turquoise with silver hardware. I obviously needed it, and it's prreeetttty. Don't you agree?


Well that's what I have to say today. Chime in and let me know what you think. Do you get as ga-ga as I do over a purse or is there something else that trips your trigger?

 Hugs to all,
Carra
xoxoxoxo

Thursday, May 5, 2016

A MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL SALE



This amazing series of AMERICAN MAIL-ORDER BRIDES are on sale for a limited time from May 5-9, 2016, for $0.99 ea., with a large number being offered free for Kindle Unlimited members. 50 Brides, 50 States, 45 Authors, all in one Series set in 1890.  American Mail Order Brides

When the mill and her livelihood perish with the fire, Laurel Weidner has no other choice but to answer an ad in the Grooms' Gazette and become a Mail Order Bride. Will she find the peace and long lasting love she seeks in the arms of a stranger?
Griffin Benning needs a mother for his children. Can he find love and happiness with a Mail Order Bride?

5 STARS FOR LAUREL:BRIDE OF ARKANSAS, American Mail-Order Brides Series, Book 25:

**This book was, at times, funny, tender, and exciting. I thought it was hilarious when Laurel assured Griff she could run a household. She talked about handling inconsistancies with the staff and said she would talk with the cook and put his favorite foods on the menu. I really liked Laurel. She looked upon things as challenges not disappointments. She always tried to be cheerful, which was just what Griff needed. Griff was a good man who would do anything to keep his family safe.** 

                                                          Laurel:Bride of Arkansas

Wishing all a very Happy Mother's Day! 
Love and hugs,
Carra
xoxoxo