Old Lady Bags?

[pkkatalina]

No bag screams "old lady'ish" to me. Since coming to tPF, I've learned that style can encompass so many looks. It's all about the individual. I remember my Grandma's handbag, a plain, conservative bag with clasp. Today, you see them everywhere, designer bags, the works. While that's not my personal style, I never say never any more.

Hope we all live to be "old ladies" some day, and stylish ladies at that! Wear what ya love!

 

[dooneybaby]

What brands, styles, and bag sizes scream old lady to u?

I'm 34 myself so by old I mean like an 80 something little old lady.

Maybe instead of the term "old lady," we should use the term "fartzy." I know a lot of 70 and 80, and some 90-year-olds who are far from the stereotypical "old lady" many people visualize. As a matter of fact, they're more "hip" and fashionable than a lot of 20 and 30-year-olds.

I don't think it's usually the bag that looks "fartzy," it's the overall outfit. An Hermes Kelly can look fartzy depending on the outfit one wears with it.

I will say that the handbags that Queen Elizabeth wears, made by Launer, seem to have that fartzy look. I really don't see myself carrying one.

 

[dangerouscurves]

This subject has already been done. I finding these 'old ladyish' threads really offensive.

Normally if I don't like a thread I just don't bother with it but I don't see why ageism and sexism should be treated any differently than other forms of isms.

...and I I'm speaking as a 30 year old, not a 80 year old. If I was an 80 year old woman I'd probably be too gracious, elegant and wise :sunnies

I always love your posts! I totally agree with you. I have seen some older ladies who are a lot more awesome, a lot more elegant and dress to the nines more than the younger women. I say it has nothing to do with age, it's more with personal style. If money can't buy you class, age can't buy you style (or maybe you can, if you learn from your fashion mistakes ).

 

[Masteryoda]

Maybe instead of the term "old lady," we should use the term "fartzy." I know a lot of 70 and 80, and some 90-year-olds who are far from the stereotypical "old lady" many people visualize. As a matter of fact, they're more "hip" and fashionable than a lot of 20 and 30-year-olds.

I don't think it's usually the bag that looks "fartzy," it's the overall outfit. An Hermes Kelly can look fartzy depending on the outfit one wears with it.

I will say that the handbags that Queen Elizabeth wears, made by Launer, seem to have that fartzy look. I really don't see myself carrying one.

Ah this is true! Fartzy is a good word too. And yes the Launer bag is a great example. While it looks adorable on Queen Elizabeth, I could not see myself wearing one either. Yet! My grandma used to carry a bag similar to that.

 

[huddieb]

I think we need a new term for the outdated, frumpy, items of fashion...Fartsy is in the running what other terms could we use that are not offensive...age related, etc...

 

[papertiger]

I always love your posts! I totally agree with you. I have seen some older ladies who are a lot more awesome, a lot more elegant and dress to the nines more than the younger women. I say it has nothing to do with age, it's more with personal style. If money can't buy you class, age can't buy you style (or maybe you can, if you learn from your fashion mistakes ).

You're too sweet

 

[papertiger]

Maybe instead of the term "old lady," we should use the term "fartzy." I know a lot of 70 and 80, and some 90-year-olds who are far from the stereotypical "old lady" many people visualize. As a matter of fact, they're more "hip" and fashionable than a lot of 20 and 30-year-olds.

I don't think it's usually the bag that looks "fartzy," it's the overall outfit. An Hermes Kelly can look fartzy depending on the outfit one wears with it.

I will say that the handbags that Queen Elizabeth wears, made by Launer, seem to have that fartzy look. I really don't see myself carrying one.

Ah this is true! Fartzy is a good word too. And yes the Launer bag is a great example. While it looks adorable on Queen Elizabeth, I could not see myself wearing one either. Yet! My grandma used to carry a bag similar to that.

I think we need a new term for the outdated, frumpy, items of fashion...Fartsy is in the running what other terms could we use that are not offensive...age related, etc...

Great idea.

I often think it's often the rest of an outfit that causes the dreaded 'frump', even a 'fartzy' handbag can look totally cool

And 'fartzy is subjective', a structured Launer would actually look less fartzy on me than my Chanel Classic Flap or Tassel. I have to be really careful with my Chanels, or rather I have to careful not to be too careful, I have to 'chuck' them on with some crazy outfit, and with no other accessories

 

[tiggycat]

Being that say the Speedy is about 70 years old (and hell the Kelly is almost 60) is that considered old fashioned? If ya' meant "elegant" or "mature" or even "sophisticated" thats maybe what you should have said. All 3 of those terms have nothing to do with age. I just wish people would examine their motives and think about the terms they use because come on, someone might see a bag on this thread as being described as an "old lady" bag and feel put down.

I have a real Speedy (LV) and an inspired Kelly (L Credi) and they remind me of the bags my mother and grandmother carried - doesn't make me feel like an 'old lady' but they do seem 'vintage' even though they are new. I love both styles and in fact had been looking for years for an affordable Kelly-style bag. There is a very elderly (85-90 or so) lady in my neighbourhood who carries a Speedy and whenever I see her I wonder if she has granddaughters/great-granddaughters who have or would love to have the same bag.

 

[DoxieMom]

I don't think there is any age limit on handbags. My mom and I often wind up with either the same bag or the same but in a different color. I think they are a timeless item. I think nothing of seeing an older woman with a fancy handbag. Actually, I may react differently to seeing a teenager carry a Chanel or LV. Then I tend to think spoiled which is a seperate judgment all its own, and I know I should not think that way, but I didn't get my first designer purse until I was able to pay for it myself.

I figure carry what you want, what doesn't break your bank account, and whatever makes you happy!

 

[boxermom]

I'm approaching the old lady age group, so I will just say what is a very unattractive style, regardless of age. I saw one today (and my mom carried one, bless her heart). It was a huge vinyl bag with lots of sections and pockets and almost nothing inside it, so it was flat, but with all the details. She was happy with it so I never said a word and she never said anything about the bags I carried, so we were good.

Those who lived through the depression and the rationing of WWII, never spent a dime more than necessary, and a *name* leather bag would fall into the luxury category for them. I always respected that.

 

[poopsie]

It used to be that people slid gracefully into middle and old age. Now, thanks to the Boomers, it seems that everyone resists this natural process kicking and screaming all the way. There is nothing wrong with wanting to still be and feel young. I say this as am in my mid-late 50's. Fashion is a fun way to stay connected with our inner child. For the most part it is completely harmless---------------- unless you fall off of your 6" heels and break your hip.

 

[grace04]

As someone who is in her very late 50's, there are certain bags that make me feel frumpy. Generally, the frumpy styles are ones that are too dressy for my normal type of clothing. Not necessarily old looking - just the wrong style for my overall look (if you could even say I have a look, lol).

 

[tiggycat]

As someone who is in her very late 50's, there are certain bags that make me feel frumpy. Generally, the frumpy styles are ones that are too dressy for my normal type of clothing. Not necessarily old looking - just the wrong style for my overall look (if you could even say I have a look, lol).

I understand this - yesterday I caught a glimpse of myself in a window, in my jeans and T shirt with my 'Kelly' style bag and thought it looked funny. I think the reason is I remember my mother carrying this style back in the day (1950's/60's) when women dressed up including hats, gloves and heels to go grocery shopping! My mother never owned a pair of jeans or trousers even to do housework in.

 

[jroger1]

I am not offended by old lady, I hope to be one someday.

 

[Masteryoda]

As someone who is in her very late 50's, there are certain bags that make me feel frumpy. Generally, the frumpy styles are ones that are too dressy for my normal type of clothing. Not necessarily old looking - just the wrong style for my overall look (if you could even say I have a look, lol).

Yes! Lol!!! I was I think at TJMaxx or somewhere the other day trying on a bag. It was the prettiest aqua mint color. Loved the color! Kind of had an LV Speedy satchel shape but diff. It had perforted sides. My husband, who rarely has an opinion, said that the bag just wasn't my style. He said he could see my mom or someone carrying it but not me! Plus, he had to add that the bag looked like a cat carrier...!

And u know what?

He was actually right!

Lol!!