On until the 12th of August, Theater: It's On Our Heads, is the latest exhibition at The Opera Gallery - a small gallery situated in the wing of Warsaw's National Opera.
As soon as word got to me about the opening of this exhibition, I was determined to go and relieved that it was on during the summer - when I am home from university. Were I to be unable to see it, I would break my perfect attendance record at the gallery's fashion related exhibitions! Having previously focused on dress and footwear, it seemed only natural that the next area of interest would be millinery. And so, I walked headfirst into a room full of headdresses, bonnets, horns, wreaths and even full-on animal heads. All were gathered together to portray the variety of hats held and produced in one of the country's most prominent wardrobe departments.
Today I would like to talk about the original range of Coach handbags. For me, the ideal bag is one that is simple, durable, versatile and timeless. The Coach Classics line, as these handbags are generally referred to, fulfil all these requirements perfectly. Founded in New York City in 1941, Coach thrived on their leather-handling expertise and became known for creating finely-crafted but practical accessories. Regarded today as a distinctly American brand, with a national tie similar to Tommy Hilfiger or Michael Kors, Coach remains up-to-date with changing fashions and advertising strategies (remember their Fall 2013 campaign with Karlie Kloss and Liu Wen - I loved it... but maybe that's because I was born in NYC!).
However, as much as I value the Coach brand and wish it continued success, I cannot help but notice that the designs which capture my heart most, are no longer available. A proud possession in the 80s and 90s, these simple, undecorated, classic bags were believed not to appeal to the more frivolous styles of the early 2000s and were substituted for accessories made of combined materials monogramed with the letter "C". While these new designs did become fashion favourites themselves, let's not forget that fashion is cyclical and less is (always) more. After a decade and a half, demand for timeless simplicity and designs that last unsurprisingly returned. Coach has since attempted to create an updated version of its classic line and launch models which borrow design features from the originals. Although some of Coach's modern bags do occasionally tempt me, it is the vintage ones that are forever etched in my memory!
My own first acquisition from the Coach Classics line was the Willis bag and then the Regina model. Pictured in the title photograph, they are both made from black cowhide leather and were purchased online -- the former on Asos Marketplace and the latter through Ebay. I filmed a video (below) featuring additional information as well as reviews of both bags for anyone considering acquiring one. The full range of classic bags contained more than the five models pictured in the photograph below and I often stumble upon alternative versions that fit seamlessly into the line. It truly must have been a very popular bag.
Below: An excerpt from a catalogue advertising the Shoulder Purse.
https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/authenticate-this-coach.818914/page-174
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/4e/7a/0a/4e7a0a035361bfdbfab3912d1566c3d6.jpg
http://www.extrapetite.com/2013/02/vintage-coach-review-shopping-care.html
http://the-atlantic-pacific.com/2011/08/25/jacket-gap/
Above: A photo from an outfit post by Blair, writer of the blog Atlantic-Pacific, from August 2011 - the bags made a brief comeback around this time and they have been on my radar ever since.
A few years ago I bought a netted, crotchet, mesh, fishing, whatever-you-want-to-call-it bag. I saw it out of the corner of my eye in a boutique in Warsaw and although it was a bright fuchsia colour, and I usually go for versatile blacks or browns, I bought it! And I remember why too. There were a couple of reasons. Firstly, I knew it was an accessory worn in the past that would fit my vintage-style outfits, and secondly, it was an item I distinctly remember my grandmother talk about using. I never, however, imagined it would become such a trendy accessory within the next few years. And boy do I love it when items used daily in the past become desirable and fashionable again - which seems to be the case here!
Above: A newspaper advert for the crotchet bag, c. late 1930s - early 1940s.
http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/lunteg/16589014/133959/133959_original.jpg
The bag itself was already in use in the 1930s, especially for everyday food shops or visits to fruit and vegetable markets. It was also a typical summer accessory, used to carry towels and a few bits to the beach. One of the bags advantages is its ability to significantly expand and shrink in size. The way it is designed allows it to widen, a bit like stretching out a fishing net, to accommodate bulky items or awkwardly shaped fruits. It actually has a particularly nostalgic connotation in Poland, which is where I live, because it was a type of bag often carried by people throughout the communist regime (i.e. the 1950s to 1980s) - which is why I remember my grandma talking about it. She fondly recalled the peculiar little bag that that accompanied her on grocery trips to stores with not enough stock (not such a fond memory). I love to reminisce about stories my grandma told me and the fact that this style of bag reminds me of them is heartwarming. That's what I like about old items - they carry a story. So if you want to bring back a bit of the past, all the while keeping up with the latest trends, then I think this practical purchase is one to make.
I saw versions of the bag appear in stores such as H&M and recently noticed it on Instagram too. This really is proof that a great invention never ceases to amaze, even if it's as simple as a cotton (or 100% recycled polyester - it's nice you are trying to care for the environment H&M) crotchet bag.
H&M mesh shopper bag made from 100% recycled polyester (Summer 2017 collection).
http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0488493002.html#Light%20blue
Accessed on 9/06/2017
As some may know, one of my favourite things to do is to recreate style from the past. Since summer vacation is (fairly) fast approaching I wanted to share this video I found, from a competition I took part in two years ago. Hopefully I can do something similar again this year!
The event was part of a wider commemorative celebration of the June 6th 1944 landing of Allied forces in Normandy, France. Included in the week-long happening was a 1940s fashion show, 1940s open-to-the-public fashion competition (which I took part in), jazz music concerts, dioramas, reenactments of battles and much more.
So take a look at the short video below and catch a glimpse of my outfit at 1:50 minutes - events like these might convince you to visit the beautiful Polish peninsula!
I haven't done a post like this in a while and they happen to be some of my favorite to read. This is my selection of items I used during summer vacation, hence the natural and pink theme.
Nobody likes a ton of stuff on their face in the hot summer months... well, I don't anyway. The pink makeup bag from Victoria's Secret I bought on sale for 50% off which I consider not bad. And since it fit the color scheme I decided to bring it with me.
Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in 52 Vanilla
A great natural foundation with light to medium coverage. Perfect for the summer!
Maybelline Affinitone Concealer in 02 Natural
Check our my "Monthly Favorites #1" post coming soon!
Maybelline Master Glaze Blush in Just-Pinched Pink no. 10
A very natural light pink blush in an easy-to-blend formula, great to throw in a beach bag.
Maybelline 24HR Color Tatoo in On And On Bronze no. 35
Perfect for the evening to create a more intense eye. I love it because the staying power is fantastic and it's at a drugstore price. I usually use my finger to blend it out but a brush also works (here I have the Sephora All Over Shadow brush in no. 22).
Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara
Not for those who like thick spidery lashes because the finish is very natural and each lash is precisely defined without any clumping! I love it for the natural look it creates.
Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in no. 04 Vanilla Rose
One of my favorite drugstore powders, I think this one can easily rival more expensive brands.
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Yogurt no. 611
I brought this in case I wanted a natural eye shadow. These are very simple and easy to use and although there are better versions out there these are really not bad for the price. This color is a very wearable champagne tone with a slight sheen.
Sephora Unique Pink Lip Balm
I love this stuff! It goes with everything and creates the perfect pink pout. It's supposed to match up to the pH of ones skin and although I'm not sure that is true, the color it gives is very flattering and lasts a good amount of time. The only downside is that there seems to be a tendency to dry out the lips so keep a good lip treatment on hand.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Heiress
I'm not a fan of lipgloss in general so don't quote me on this :) The color here is what attracted my attention but the formula is quite thick so unless you can deal with hair in your gloss this is not for you. The applicator though is quite unique since it's just a flat piece of silicone so if you want to test something new out maybe give this a go?!
Victoria's Secret Makeup Bag
A good sized makeup bag to fit all your essentials.
One of my favourite 1950s styled outfits is this ensemble. It just screams summer! I wish I could step out of this cold October evening and place myself in the middle of June... Thank goodness my sister convinced me to photograph it and waited for me to set myself up with all the props. Have you noticed the J. D. Salinger book, archival polish "Film" magazine and 1950s Kigu powder compact? Well it all makes for a pretty authentic set up if I do say so myself:) Below and above are the results!
Top - Vintage Gap
Shorts - Zara
Shoes - H&M
Straw bag - L'Occitane
Sunglasses - Zara
Head scarf - Salvatore Ferragamo
Vintage Compact by Kigu of London
Authentic 1950s polish "Film" magazine
Book - "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger
Watch - Vintage
Nail polish - MaxFactor Red Passion 549
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