WHAT'S IN MY BAG? ... as an actress in the 1920's.
this right here is THE bag. i've had it long before our careers took off, have used it since i was a teenager and it drives my husband crazy because he wants to replace it with one that's more lavish. but i'm loyal so she stays until she breaks!!
TOP LEFT : everyday items.
⋆ rosebud salve. a lifesaver that's in everyone's evening purse. (couldn't find good photos of what it looked like in the early 20th century so let's appreciate the 50's packaging instead)
⋆ a gold pocket watch. a wedding gift from a friend in the industry. i was very emotional when i received this from him ahh it's just SO beautiful and dainty, only about an inch in diameter, and i keep it on a lovely gold chain. would actually bite somebody's hand off if they tried to swipe this from me.
⋆ a hand-painted matchbox holder. "peach" is my stage name so whenever i see something with the fruit on it my neurons activate suddenly. i don't smoke but my husband does, and he likes it when i light his cigs.
⋆ a compact with a floral enamel design. the bits attached to the chain are a ring (slip your finger through it so you don't accidentally drop the compact during use) and a little lipstick tube. the mirror also houses a powder & puff. also a brow pencil! the compact is sterling silver so it has a satisfying weight in the hand.
BOTTOM LEFT : for travel or long days out.
⋆ a porcelain, dutch-made perfume bottle. this was a surprise gift. my husband's sister is always buying shit (and bragging about it) and as a result he is very aware of the trends... what's "in" with high class ladies right now is swiss, french, and scandinavian finery. he told me this was an easy buy because he could effortlessly imagine me smiling as i receive it.
⋆ a sewing kit with brass-accented tools. an extra picture to show the lovely lacquer and floral design. one of those things that's not entirely necessary to carry until it suddenly is. (because it's actually so awkward to have to ask a random woman if she has needle and thread when you're in a pinch)
RIGHT : if i'm not wearing it in my hair.
⋆ MY FOREVER COMB... if you're thinking "that looks like a bridal comb" then you're absolutely right. it should probably be put up for display in our home or tucked away somewhere buuut i'm a firm believer that things appreciate being used. i could rake this through my hair for HOURS. i feel like royalty just having it near, so it's like a good luck charm in a way.
this post was inspired by @eddieisashifter & @chiming-bluebells whose lovely posts had me crawling pinterest and vintage jewelry sites for an embarrassing amount of time.














