As all you United States history buffs know, "carpetbagger" was the term southerners gave to northerners who moved to the South during Reconstruction, the period between 1865 and 1877. See the 1872 political cartoon at right, pictured courtesy Wikipedia.org.
A famous fictional toter of the design is pictured at right: Mary Poppins (film still via starpulse.com). Her oversize handbag was even endowed with magical powers! 
It seems designers were quite taken with the historically significant accessory. The most ubiquitous (and coveted!) handbag of the season, Gucci's Hysteria tote (pictured at top of post via style.com and at left via gucci.com), is clearly in the style of the traditional carpetbag, both in design and in dimension! 
Plenty by Tracy Reese Turkish Rug soft pleat skirt, available at chickdowntown.com.
Matthew Williamson - runway at left; a giant geometricized floral tapestry print tote at right, available at net-a-porter.com.
Tory Burch print canvas Tory Tote, at shopbop.com
Fendi's white patent accent beaded B Mix large tote is stunning! CC loves the vintage vibe of the design. Visit bluefly.com to buy.
Right: L.A.M.B. Signature Eton PVC duffel. Left: Antik Batik canvas Ares handbag. Both at shopbop.com.Will you be making your next "weekender" a tapestry or carpet bag? CC will!
My mother had a beautiful carpet bag that she used for years. I wish she still had it---it was beautiful, but beyond that it was loaded with sentiment.
ReplyDeleteThe carpet bag really isn't my thing, largely because of the history of the terminology. I've never been able to divest the bag from the term.
ReplyDeleteGucci's version is pretty nice, though.
Thank you! xx
ReplyDeleteLove the Gucci collection!
ReplyDeleteI really like these bags - the gucci one especially!
ReplyDeleteinteresting - not my thing- BUT that GUCCI. i think its so eclectic + would look amazing with all black attire.
ReplyDeletex.
oh i love these!! i really want one but in a petit point vintage bag style.
ReplyDeleteand that's a really good idea! i never even thought of DIY for that dress!
Mmm the Gucci bags are yummy :]
ReplyDeletemy grandma had lots of carpet bags, but I never paid much interest in it!--love the gucci version--don't mind that!!
ReplyDeletehave a wonderful weekend CC !!!
xoxo
I like the last 4 bags very much!
ReplyDeleteThank you CC for visiting my blog and for your nice comments! Those bags are gorgeous. I especially like the one with colored flowers.
ReplyDeleteMy friend got this one from Urban Outfitters http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&itemCount=10&startValue=81&selectedProductColor=&sortby=&id=14780357&parentid=W_ACC_BAGS&sortProperties=+product.marketingPriority,-product.startDate&navCount=81&navAction=poppushpush&color= and I LOVE it. It is literally larger than life with an amazing Santa Fe feel. Maybe not so practical but definitely a statement bag.
ReplyDeletecool bags! my mom has something similar, i may need to go swipe it!
ReplyDeleteI'm rather partial to those bags..
ReplyDeletelove, love, love carpet bags! You've posted amazing pics!!
ReplyDeleteThe clothes are also pretty cool!!!
those are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI want a bag like MARY POPPINS... I like all the magic that came out of her bag!
ReplyDeleteOooh la la... I love the buckles on shoes!
aww.the grey and purple bag is lovely..
ReplyDeletewhere is it from...?
xoxo
oh, i just linked you up dear... xoxo
ReplyDeleteBeen loving the Gucci!
ReplyDeleteI love Mary Poppins!
ReplyDeleteI want that Gucci bag so bad, but then again I find myself wanting like everything you post!!!
ReplyDeleteI love carper/tapestry bags - especially those really bohemian ones in paisley print!
ReplyDeleteI'm not really to into the carpet bag trend. The Gucci bags were undeniably beautiful though. I loved the Mary Poppins reference. It just goes to show how fasion can be found in the most unespected places/things.
ReplyDeleteI finally got back my connection and fixed the problems that hindered my posting. Tommorrow will be my complete Paris Fashion Week wrap up. I can't wait to see what will appear at Lanvin and Louis Vuitton. <3
Oh those carpet bags are delightful--it's funny the place they have in history and in stories.
ReplyDeleteI love the carpet bag, now that they are becoming fashionable I may be able to get my hands on one.
ReplyDeleteI love carpet bags! And funnily enough, I always think back on Mary Poppins and the lamp coming out of hers.
ReplyDeleteWhy thankyou! THat neckline is actually a babies bib lol. Just very craftily used so it looks like its a part of the dress!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a huge fan but that Gucci one would be so amazing. Just versatile on oh so many levels :)
I love your blog <3
ReplyDeleteGreat post. The name "carpetbag" isnt all that lovely but the bags are. I love Mary Poppins.
ReplyDeletelove the gucci carpet bag.. <3
ReplyDeleteI hadn't got any, yet. I love the ones you have selected.
ReplyDeleteSome of the designs are nice. But I'm not really into the carpet look.
ReplyDeleteUhmm I just really like Gucci's Hysteria tote... Gucci is always so great! *.*
ReplyDeleteI love the carpet bag look. It's so funny because yesterday I saw this carpet bag at a local store and was trying to justify spending $130 on it. Maybe if I save up...
ReplyDeleteMmm I love love love carpet bags!!!
ReplyDeletemy favorite!?
ReplyDeleteGucci please!
hahaha :)
I luv all of them !!
ReplyDeleteHuge bags are the most useful. Love them.
ReplyDeleteMary Poppins :)!
Great post! I normally like all these things until they're in fashion. I always wanted to have Mary Poppins' carpet bag... Or was maybe it's magic? I still prefer the Poppins one, for sure.
ReplyDeleteGucci did it so well so that I'm looking all other kind of 'carpet' bags now. Dorit bags are my fave at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI am DYING,DYING I tell you Carrie for a gorge carpet bag! I do not know why I am attracted to them and sometimes the older the better. I am such an old soul my dear. Isnt the Gucci Hysteria fabulous?!It is on my christmas want list.;o)
ReplyDeleteOh and used to have the most endearing carpet bag years ago but it went missing and I still miss it!
Darling you have been tagged,do check my latest posts for details.
Kisses CC!
Marian
Oh carpet bags! I really want one so bad, must find the perfect one though... well the perfectest one that I can that also has an afforable price tag! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your sweet comment, as always! :)
xoxo,
S-C
Sometimes it's fab, other times whack.
ReplyDeleteOooh, like the 2nd to last purse!
ReplyDelete