So I'm a...

[remainsilly]

I agree with comment about power being in choices.
I do wish that my fashion sense was as impeccable as some men's!

Man in my life not only dresses himself, but provides input about some bag choices. Has a brilliant eye for details.
He removes errant lint & dried leaves from my hair, if I fail to notice them. He also irons clothes, as I lack this skill & scorch fabrics/melt buttons.
However, I found a slow radiator leak on his vehicle. And calmly removed the venomous snake from our hallway.

I suppose fashion would reduce me, as a woman, if it hindered pursuing what keeps me happy & fulfilled.
If panic about damaging a trendy item/messing hair prevents me from reaching out to help, or exploring new opportunities, I have let fashion diminish my life.
If working to afford things which impress others, but burden/bore me, I have been untrue to myself & feel less.(Fim said this so well, above)

I like to dress as though a great adventure is waiting around next corner. And I might need to pilot the plane.
Or ride on saddle of every carousel animal, whirling under electric lights. Or carry a wounded bat to safety in my handbag.

I'm sure this personal style will not appear on a "Vogue" cover. *But, it doesn't require stuffed wardrobes, either.
And, hopefully, proves that a woman is not the lipstick she wears or bag she carries--such things add great pleasures to moments, but they should not define us, imo.

Hope this answers helpfully.

 

[Amazona]

For me, feminism = this crazy idea of equality between men&women. We've needed feminism to get to where we are now, today, in relation to men and their position in the society. But there's still a lot of work to be done.

I don't think my choice of accessories or clothing has anything to do with the pursuit of gender equality...sounds kinda peculiar? I mean, my BF has his electric guitars, computers and the games he plays, I have my bags, my parrots and colouring books etc. Those are just hobbies. I love bags, I love shoes, I have no real interest in fashion beyond accessories and dress the way I feel most comfortable.

In a way, women actually have the edge over men when it comes to accessories; if/when a man shows up at work carrying a Prada or Chanel bag, he might be considered a bit of a coquette - when a woman shows up in high heels, power suit and a killer bag, she means business.
I, personally, would also add bright red lipstick to the list as well. I did that in a previous job and I've had some male colleagues and superiors say that they find my lipstick "somewhat intimidating". In male talk, that means they can't find an easy way to walk all over me without being afraid of having their head bitten off. Which is a good thing, taking that I had to deal with the sticky situations at work that had employer on the other side and one/several employees on the other. If a woman can't be patronised, men must look at them more as equals. As in, listen to them and admit they're not the weaker sex anymore...

 

[leechiyong]

I refuse to bend myself to fit into a box in which someone wishes to place me. I work in IT (engineer) and I often wear a dress to work, with a designer purse and laptop bag next to me. I dress this way because I choose to do so. I've also worn jeans (at companies with relaxed dress codes) with a designer bag.

If someone wants to "reduce" their opinion of me solely based on my apparel, that's their mistake and they will quickly find out why they shouldn't make assumptions about someone's competence based upon their looks.

I believe the only way we can all be equal is if we stop equating trivial interests with professional aptitude. The way I choose to change this is by defying expectations while continuing to be true to what interests me.

 

[HesitantShopper]

Funny you bring this up. I just finished this evening reading an article on 'what's in your bag, Ma'am' secrets of the Queen mums handbag.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...asters-gin-Secrets-Queen-Mothers-handbag.html

some points that left me pondering... one being... an extension of herself? i have been staring at my go-to bag as of late and others i gravitate towards and do see the correlation between them and myself while i appreciate many bags, only certain ones ever seem to stay or be used frequently by me.

By standards here i barely own any bags lol generally speaking? def more than two, but i do not really enjoy switching them up as often as most.

"
‘Charles doesn’t quite understand about Diana and her handbags. He thinks it is just what the newspapers call fashion, and like all men feels more than two is an extravagance.

'But a handbag is so much more to a woman, isn’t it? It’s an extension of herself. Perhaps that’s why it causes friction.’

​

 

[HesitantShopper]

To touch a bit on the feminism word.. gosh, it always seems to be a hot button lol I admit i have never been much of a fan of the term or the whole basis surrounding it.

I am and never will be against Women having choices, which i suppose some will argue is what feminism is all about but to me it's a terminology and platform i have been unable to fully grasp.

Enjoy reading people's perspective on the whole topic, i am getting the gist you feel being a feminist means your enjoying fashion/purses etc somehow lowers your stance ? I don't see it as such, i am always fascinated in how being a feminist means we cannot be women still? sort of that dammed if we do, dammed if we don't position.

 

[vintagefinds]

Am I the only one who sees no connection at all between fashion and feminism? Like at all. Because one is politics and the other is consumer culture. Also, I don't see a strong connection between fashion and handbag appreciation. I love bags, but I have no interest in fashion otherwise.

Do you think men sit around and wonder whether their personal interests and actions advance the male sex? Like "gosh, will people think I'm just a dumb jock if I upgrade my gym membership?" NO! So if the goal is to be equal to men, then there need not be such a burden on women. Buy a bag, don't buy a bag, it says nothing about your person or politics in any way.

 

[vink]

Being a feminist, in my head, is to embrace every aspect of being female. Being a woman isn't lesser than that. You can love fashion, be in a relationship, dress provocatively, and still be a feminist at the same time. It's in the mind and your stand point of view. Looking down at other woman is not. You fight for your choices and you help other fight for it, too. And you use those choices to live your life the way you want. Be it knitting lady or whatever.

On the other hand, fashion, as per your pointed out, is business. So, they need to create demand for the supply they provide. To get the business running. So, they use whatever tools they have to push us to notice them, to want them, to buy from them. It's just as simple as that. Sometimes, they use sex. Sometime, they use fear. Sometime, other things else, or all combined. You can choose to listen and believe, or you just ignore it all totally, or you can be selective about it.

For me, there're many type of collectors. Some collect so they can have to complete line of product. Some collect to complete line of stuff they like. But every piece has a story to them. Hoarder doesn't have a story. They just buy or get so they can have. And when they own the stuff, often they neglect it coz now the mission is completed. They have the stuff. Collector find ways to use the stuff. Display them, use them, whatever they decide. But it must be used. Not get shoved in the closet or some dungeon waiting for time to be rotted away or give away to some other people.

If you miss the simplicity of life or some pattern you're yearning for, go for it. This isn't about right or wrong, in fashion or outdated, or being feminist or not. Actually, I think being a woman is also not too chabby. We were born male or female, but not everyone can grow and embrace their own gender comfortably. Some choose to be genderless. Some choose to not classify at all. Some even has to fight for what gender they want to be. So, being able to embrace one, especially the one you're born with is special, IMHO. Don't fall for advertising or the whatever name those business cast you for. Coz that's just what they do. You can choose to not be labeled and live they way you like, be obsessed with purse or not.

And investment or not, if you buy something and keep using it until it fell apart after times and you feel like it has served its purposes by then, I think that's a good investment. Otherwise, no. You are the only one who decide that it has served its purposes. That it's a good investment. So, good investment for one person may not be the same for the other. But if you're thinking about reselling your stuff later to recoup most of the money you paid, then look at what the market is looking for.

Think about what you want. And enjoy your choices.

 

[catsinthebag]

I agree with comment about power being in choices.
I do wish that my fashion sense was as impeccable as some men's!

Man in my life not only dresses himself, but provides input about some bag choices. Has a brilliant eye for details.
He removes errant lint & dried leaves from my hair, if I fail to notice them. He also irons clothes, as I lack this skill & scorch fabrics/melt buttons.
However, I found a slow radiator leak on his vehicle. And calmly removed the venomous snake from our hallway.

I suppose fashion would reduce me, as a woman, if it hindered pursuing what keeps me happy & fulfilled.
If panic about damaging a trendy item/messing hair prevents me from reaching out to help, or exploring new opportunities, I have let fashion diminish my life.
If working to afford things which impress others, but burden/bore me, I have been untrue to myself & feel less.(Fim said this so well, above)

I like to dress as though a great adventure is waiting around next corner. And I might need to pilot the plane.
Or ride on saddle of every carousel animal, whirling under electric lights. Or carry a wounded bat to safety in my handbag.

I'm sure this personal style will not appear on a "Vogue" cover. *But, it doesn't require stuffed wardrobes, either.
And, hopefully, proves that a woman is not the lipstick she wears or bag she carries--such things add great pleasures to moments, but they should not define us, imo.

Hope this answers helpfully.

Being a feminist, in my head, is to embrace every aspect of being female. Being a woman isn't lesser than that. You can love fashion, be in a relationship, dress provocatively, and still be a feminist at the same time. It's in the mind and your stand point of view. Looking down at other woman is not. You fight for your choices and you help other fight for it, too. And you use those choices to live your life the way you want. Be it knitting lady or whatever.

On the other hand, fashion, as per your pointed out, is business. So, they need to create demand for the supply they provide. To get the business running. So, they use whatever tools they have to push us to notice them, to want them, to buy from them. It's just as simple as that. Sometimes, they use sex. Sometime, they use fear. Sometime, other things else, or all combined. You can choose to listen and believe, or you just ignore it all totally, or you can be selective about it.

For me, there're many type of collectors. Some collect so they can have to complete line of product. Some collect to complete line of stuff they like. But every piece has a story to them. Hoarder doesn't have a story. They just buy or get so they can have. And when they own the stuff, often they neglect it coz now the mission is completed. They have the stuff. Collector find ways to use the stuff. Display them, use them, whatever they decide. But it must be used. Not get shoved in the closet or some dungeon waiting for time to be rotted away or give away to some other people.

If you miss the simplicity of life or some pattern you're yearning for, go for it. This isn't about right or wrong, in fashion or outdated, or being feminist or not. Actually, I think being a woman is also not too chabby. We were born male or female, but not everyone can grow and embrace their own gender comfortably. Some choose to be genderless. Some choose to not classify at all. Some even has to fight for what gender they want to be. So, being able to embrace one, especially the one you're born with is special, IMHO. Don't fall for advertising or the whatever name those business cast you for. Coz that's just what they do. You can choose to not be labeled and live they way you like, be obsessed with purse or not.

And investment or not, if you buy something and keep using it until it fell apart after times and you feel like it has served its purposes by then, I think that's a good investment. Otherwise, no. You are the only one who decide that it has served its purposes. That it's a good investment. So, good investment for one person may not be the same for the other. But if you're thinking about reselling your stuff later to recoup most of the money you paid, then look at what the market is looking for.

Think about what you want. And enjoy your choices.

So many great answers here, but I especially loved these two. Remain Silly, as someone who spends a lot of time volunteering in animal rescue and adoption, I need to know: what was the bag that carried the wounded bat?

Vink, great point about it all being about our ability and freedom to make choices. Drilled down to the basics, that's what it's all about for me.

OP, to me, being a feminist means loving women and supporting them. If you care about women, you are in some way a feminist.

And re, how handbags relate to this issue, historically the invention of the woman's handbag was a feminist thing. A hundred or so years ago, the man carried everything and if a woman needed something, she had to ask him for it. Women carrying their own bags/possessions was a huge sign of independence. And when Coco Chanel designed the first shoulder bag, all bets were off -- women actually had the freedom to use both hands!

It's all in how you want to look at it ...

 

[remainsilly]

So many great answers here, but I especially loved these two. Remain Silly, as someone who spends a lot of time volunteering in animal rescue and adoption, I need to know: what was the bag that carried the wounded bat?

Hehehe. Mulberry bayswater.
Really, bag held rescue box & gloves.
Happily, when climbed ladder & opened box above head (in quieter/darker spot), bat could drop & fly away.*
Otherwise, would have taken to rescue organization for care--so nice you do this wonderful work!
Bats are lovely little mammals & mosquito-eating machines. ♥

Found bat rescue tips, if anyone is interested: https://batworld.org/what-to-do-if-you-found_a_bat/

 

[misskris03]

I agree with comment about power being in choices.
I do wish that my fashion sense was as impeccable as some men's!

Man in my life not only dresses himself, but provides input about some bag choices. Has a brilliant eye for details.
He removes errant lint & dried leaves from my hair, if I fail to notice them. He also irons clothes, as I lack this skill & scorch fabrics/melt buttons.
However, I found a slow radiator leak on his vehicle. And calmly removed the venomous snake from our hallway.

I suppose fashion would reduce me, as a woman, if it hindered pursuing what keeps me happy & fulfilled.
If panic about damaging a trendy item/messing hair prevents me from reaching out to help, or exploring new opportunities, I have let fashion diminish my life.
If working to afford things which impress others, but burden/bore me, I have been untrue to myself & feel less.(Fim said this so well, above)

I like to dress as though a great adventure is waiting around next corner. And I might need to pilot the plane.
Or ride on saddle of every carousel animal, whirling under electric lights. Or carry a wounded bat to safety in my handbag.

I'm sure this personal style will not appear on a "Vogue" cover. *But, it doesn't require stuffed wardrobes, either.
And, hopefully, proves that a woman is not the lipstick she wears or bag she carries--such things add great pleasures to moments, but they should not define us, imo.

Hope this answers helpfully.

Wow. This is so thoughtful and well written. I'm not nearly as eloquent or astute, but here's my take on this topic:

I think the idea of authenticity that's been mentioned by so many of you is the key. If your fashion choices don't reflect your style (or your professional/lifestyle needs) then you should probably reconsider what is motivating those choices.

As a middle aged woman, I can't deny that I do sometimes look at my face or my body and notice that I don't like some of the changes that have taken place. At times I wish I could be the type of person who loves every wrinkle. I'm not that person. For me, focusing on the things I *can* control about my appearance, particularly my clothing and hair, gives me pleasure and confidence. I don't much care about whether I'm impressing anyone else (though I enjoy compliments on my clothes/shoes/hair as much as anyone--I'm not proud of that, but it's the truth). I like looking in the mirror and seeing that I can make my t-shirt and jeans look better with a certain scarf or belt or a certain pair of shoes.Like the OP, I'm an educator, so I don't have to worry about strict dress codes or rigid expectations at work. I like putting things from my closet together in new ways. I don't have any particular "outfits", I just like to play with the different combinations. If someone else likes what they see when I go out, that's great. But what's important to me is that *I* like it. I think fashion is fun and it gives me pleasure to see what other people do with their clothes or reveal a bag they like on these boards even if it's not my style.

Is that shallow? I don't think it's any more shallow than anything else that people do for enjoyment, such as playing golf or video games or driving race cars or gardening or any of the other numerous hobbies mentioned by the previous posters.

It's not helping to rescue bats or care for the elderly or the homeless, so in that sense it's trivial--but I don't see that I'm a tool of the corporations who market their clothes and accessories to women any more than someone who buys a new guitar is a tool of Gibson or Fender. I certainly don't feel that I'm compromising myself as a woman.

I hope that makes sense.

 

[catsinthebag]

Hehehe. Mulberry bayswater.
Really, bag held rescue box & gloves.
Happily, when climbed ladder & opened box above head (in quieter/darker spot), bat could drop & fly away.*
Otherwise, would have taken to rescue organization for care--so nice you do this wonderful work!
Bats are lovely little mammals & mosquito-eating machines. ♥

Found bat rescue tips, if anyone is interested: https://batworld.org/what-to-do-if-you-found_a_bat/

Bats are very cool! Thanks for the tips -- most of what I do involves cats and dogs, but we have a department devoted to the rescue of both domestic and wild animals.

And, to get back on topic, I love it when our bags help us do what we want to do and be what we want to be! (whether that be rescuing bats, being good parents or kicking butt in the office!)

 

[Sparkletastic]

Am I the only one who sees no connection at all between fashion and feminism? Like at all. Because one is politics and the other is consumer culture. Also, I don't see a strong connection between fashion and handbag appreciation. I love bags, but I have no interest in fashion otherwise.

Do you think men sit around and wonder whether their personal interests and actions advance the male sex? Like "gosh, will people think I'm just a dumb jock if I upgrade my gym membership?" NO! So if the goal is to be equal to men, then there need not be such a burden on women. Buy a bag, don't buy a bag, it says nothing about your person or politics in any way.

Oh my gosh, yes! I grow weary of every single choice being a political statement.

I like sparkly, pink, fluffy stuff. I like fashion. I like cooking meals for my husband (including "fixing" his plate) and letting him open my doors. I can't stand being called Ms. and will ask people nicely to call me Mrs. (Gasp!)

I also like owning my own business, managing our family finances / investments, helping to set & enact policy in key areas of my community, and kicking butt at sci fi trivia.

Perhaps I bristle at the label of feminist and its implications for anything I do (or don't do) because I am benefitting from reaching adulthood post the initial feminist wave. And to those pioneers I am grateful for having choices. I can be babied by my hubster and close a major business deal in the same day.

But all of that means zero for handbags. Sacks of material. They don't define us. I believe only how we live - in totality - defines us. So, buy what you want, wear what you want, do what you want and embrace your power each and every minute.

 

[CoachCruiser]

This has been a fantastic discussion so far, and I appreciate all of your thoughtfully written points.

 

[remainsilly]

Wow. This is so thoughtful and well written. I'm not nearly as eloquent or astute, but here's my take on this topic:

I think the idea of authenticity that's been mentioned by so many of you is the key. If your fashion choices don't reflect your style (or your professional/lifestyle needs) then you should probably reconsider what is motivating those choices.

As a middle aged woman, I can't deny that I do sometimes look at my face or my body and notice that I don't like some of the changes that have taken place. At times I wish I could be the type of person who loves every wrinkle. I'm not that person. For me, focusing on the things I *can* control about my appearance, particularly my clothing and hair, gives me pleasure and confidence. I don't much care about whether I'm impressing anyone else (though I enjoy compliments on my clothes/shoes/hair as much as anyone--I'm not proud of that, but it's the truth). I like looking in the mirror and seeing that I can make my t-shirt and jeans look better with a certain scarf or belt or a certain pair of shoes.Like the OP, I'm an educator, so I don't have to worry about strict dress codes or rigid expectations at work. I like putting things from my closet together in new ways. I don't have any particular "outfits", I just like to play with the different combinations. If someone else likes what they see when I go out, that's great. But what's important to me is that *I* like it. I think fashion is fun and it gives me pleasure to see what other people do with their clothes or reveal a bag they like on these boards even if it's not my style.

Is that shallow? I don't think it's any more shallow than anything else that people do for enjoyment, such as playing golf or video games or driving race cars or gardening or any of the other numerous hobbies mentioned by the previous posters.

It's not helping to rescue bats or care for the elderly or the homeless, so in that sense it's trivial--but I don't see that I'm a tool of the corporations who market their clothes and accessories to women any more than someone who buys a new guitar is a tool of Gibson or Fender. I certainly don't feel that I'm compromising myself as a woman.

I hope that makes sense.

(Blushing face) Thank you for your compliments & kindness.
"Astute" still made me put a chenille sweater into electric dryer & shrink it to doll-size.

Your response nailed it, imo--be authentic. Completely makes sense.
I enjoy how honestly you stated that, as women, we age & change. Which can be frustrating. So, we keep finding new ways to add beauty to our world. Often through fashion & actions.
Adding beauty & joy to this world never is trivial, imo. It is the good stuff, possibly some of the best stuff.

 

[vink]

So many great answers here, but I especially loved these two. Remain Silly, as someone who spends a lot of time volunteering in animal rescue and adoption, I need to know: what was the bag that carried the wounded bat?



Vink, great point about it all being about our ability and freedom to make choices. Drilled down to the basics, that's what it's all about for me.



OP, to me, being a feminist means loving women and supporting them. If you care about women, you are in some way a feminist.



And re, how handbags relate to this issue, historically the invention of the woman's handbag was a feminist thing. A hundred or so years ago, the man carried everything and if a woman needed something, she had to ask him for it. Women carrying their own bags/possessions was a huge sign of independence. And when Coco Chanel designed the first shoulder bag, all bets were off -- women actually had the freedom to use both hands!



It's all in how you want to look at it ...

I like your point about the history of handbags. I totally agree that before, women carry just a pouch, which wasn't practical in some cases. An evolution of handbags fashion also help us to be able to do things better, to serve our need better, while looking so stylish and beautiful. So, it's actually an aid to be independent in some way. Then, I think loving handbags can be part of celebration for the movement.