So apparently, this retro ’70s look is considered by some to be the new preppy? Really? Um, yeah, I don’t see that. See, this is how sometimes certain fashion terms become bastardized, because someone somewhere doesn’t know what the hell they’re talking about and tries to be cool by starting or renaming a trend. Today on StyleCynics—a little fashion history. Now, I lived through the first round of preppy style, but I only vaguely remember it. I was a young kid at the time, and can see the style displayed in family photos from that era. We’re talking early to mid-’80s here. Khaki slacks, polo shirts with popped collars, penny loafers or dock shoes, sweaters worn over the shoulders with the cuffs folded together, or the sleeves loosely tied to hold them in place. Oh, and they weren’t just any polo shirts. They had to be Izod or Ralph Lauren. The trend came about because of, and was named for the style created and worn by the upper crust, ivy league set, many of whom attended…wait for it…prep schools. They were preps, or preppy, hence the ubiquitous trend and its name. The other thing to note about that fashion trend is that it was unisex. Both guys and girls wore the same types of clothing. A popular color of that trend was pink, and even guys wore it without irony. Girls wore slacks, polo shirts, and loafers without looking masculine. But what’s being called the “new preppy” is a lot of flouncy blouses, ruffled jackets, faded and torn jeans, and embellished flats or sandals. I’m sorry, it just doesn’t fly as far as I’m concerned. So let’s just stick to calling it updated retro, and quit trying to rewrite fashion history, whaddaya say? In that vein, to go with your traditional clogs, and your tunic tops, you need a good retro handbag, like this Rebecca Minkoff Fringe Darling Hobo.
Rebecca Minkoff handbags are often contemporary in design, as well as quite functional. The Darling Hobo doesn’t compromise any functionality, but is a total throwback to the ’70s, complete with fringe. It is exquisitely constructed. One look at the seam intersections will tell you that. It’s made from soft, slouchy leather, with a twill lining printed with a cute little bird pattern, featuring a back wall zip pocket, and a metal logo plate. The top has a magnetic closure, and the single handle is rolled leather, attached to the bag with gold tone hardware. Toward the top, the Darling is belted by metal O-rings adorned with long strips of leather fringe. You’ll also find zip pockets on the sides, with fringe pulls. In addition to this tan, it also comes in auburn, ebony, marshmellow (her spelling, not mine), black cat, grey, and crema. It’s $495 at Endless.com.
Budget Saving Alternative 1
Ok, while the Darling may be retro, the price sure isn’t. We can do better than that, right? And we can usually count on Lucky Brand for stylish accessories at affordable prices. Check out this Lucky Brand Fly by Night Hobo with Fringe. It’s made of suede leather in a beautiful bourbon color. The single strap is attached to the bag with gold tone rings. Inside, the bag is lined with black fabric featuring a back wall zip pocket, a few slip pockets, and a cute leather logo tag sewn onto it. The top of the bag has an interior magnetic snap, and an exterior drawstring closure. And here’s my favorite part. Decorating the drawstring closure are several long, slender strands of fringe. Those strands are adorned with translucent beads in green and amber, and a few of them end in feather embellishments as well. If that’s not ’70s retro, I don’t know what is. The Fly by Night is on sale, too. It’s normally $208.95, but you can get it for $119.65 now on Zappos.com.
Budget Saving Alternative 2
I usually try not to feature items from the same brand in the same post, but I couldn’t resist this time. One look at the Lucky Brand Get Laced Fringe Crossbody bag, and I doubt I’ll need to explain why. It’s also suede, like the Fly by Night, with beautiful scalloped seams and a braid detail near the top of the front of the bag. I love the interior. It’s lined with a funky print featuring peace signs and abstract designs, and includes a back wall zip pocket, and slip pockets. If that’s not enough storage space for you, the sides expand, held together by snaps on the outside. The top closes with a magnetic snap, and the bottom is flat, not that you’ll want to set this bag down once you pick it up. Again, my favorite part is the fringe. Several slender strands adorn the front, many of them embellished with multicolored beads of turquoise, brown, orange, and natural wood. I love this coral reef color, but it also comes in western brown, if you prefer. Get it for just $98.95 at Zappos.com.
