FEMININE and fierce aren’t contradictions. They’re complimentary.
Today’s post highlights a bag that’s both feminine and fierce. I think that represents so many of the women around me. They like “girly” and enjoy dressing pretty, makeup, hairstyles, and fruity drinks. That’s just the wrapping though. Inside, we’re all fierce when we have to be or simply if we choose to be. Never be fooled.
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Feeling the frill
I’ve had a desire to put a frill on something for a few weeks now. I thought it would be on a tote bag, which might still happen. I think it might stem from my interest in the trending Bottega Veneta Pouch, which is very popular right now.
The Pouch
So when the bag I was working on came out a little wonky (still figuring that one out) I needed to make a replacement for today’s post quickly. So I pulled from my urges and ruffled some new fabric I just received.
My aesthetic is only a touch feminine. I like clean and streamlined with just a touch of a frill here or there. But this ruffle was definitely all GIRL! Even though the fabric is a grey stripe and could be used for a man’s tailored shirt, the frill definitely made is pure pretty. That’s when the magic happened.
I pulled out my ribbon stash and found a leopard print (I think, animal species evade me sometimes) plush 1″ ribbon. It really kind of contradicted the ruffle, and that’s exactly what drew me to it. It makes me think about all the women I know who love all the stereotypical feminine pleasures but are also completely fierce.
Feminine and fierce are completely complimentary and in this cosmetics bag, I believe that is captured perfectly.
feminine and fierce in design
This is a medium-sized zipper pouch with a mid-weight structure. That means it does stand up on its own with a little give.
It was fun playing with my serger to make the rolled hem. A serger is an interesting sewing machine that can cut an edge as it makes a stitch. The stitches are often utilitarian but in this case, can also be decorative.
Since this isn’t lined in a water-repellant material, I consider this to be an adaptable bag that could be used as a small handbag, a trinkets receptacle, or a cosmetics bag.
In the end, I think this bag is adorable. I think doing an entire line of these in a variety of fabrics would be fun and well received. They’re different from what you might see in a store right now. That’s part of the fun of custom bags. They ARE different, ARE unique, and ARE totally YOU!
Are you both feminine and fierce? (Me too!)
what’s the message
This might be a soapbox moment but it’s one that I’ve thought about a lot lately. My middle daughter was in a class called “Feminine Studies” at her university last semester. We had a lot of discussions about the topics they covered throughout the syllabus.
Here’s my standpoint. The reason we want equality is so we have the CHOICE to be stay-at-home moms, teachers, nurses and any other typically FEMININE careers AS WELL AS the choice to be a surgeon, stockbroker, or astronaut if we choose and are able. It doesn’t mean that the roles that women have filled for decades are bad. They are choices that need to fit our personalities.
Further, it isn’t a step backward from the female rights crusade to also enjoy makeup and fashion or whatever makes you enjoy being a woman. You can be feminine and fierce, soft and strong, attractive and capable. We are so diverse that a single label isn’t enough.
Wow! Who knew that a cosmetics bag could evoke such a response? Ha!
If you enjoy this bag and would like to purchase one like it, please email me.
This bag is available at a price of $55.
Are ruffles your thing? Here are some other finds from Amazon that you might like:
Stay healthy and safe. Always have a bag ready, you never know what life will send your way ❤️.
XOXO, Ali.
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