Reading Room Weekly XII
Handbags, Chanel, Buble', and Jones
This week, I used my birthday money as a little excuse to slow down and spend some time browsing pre-loved handbags and shoulder bags—and it turned out to be such a comforting, unexpectedly joyful way to pass the time. Not rushed, not overly intentional, just me following whatever caught my eye and lingering a little longer than usual.
There’s something about pre-loved pieces that feels more thoughtful. Maybe it’s the sense of continuity, or just knowing these bags have already been chosen and carried before—they don’t feel fleeting. The whole experience ended up feeling less like shopping and more like reconnecting with my own taste, noticing what I’m drawn to and why.
So this week’s newsletter is all about the bag.
A good bag isn’t background. It sets the tone before anything else does.
Designers have always understood this. From the timeless appeal of the Chanel Classic Flap Bag to the cultural reset of the Fendi Baguette, the right bag doesn’t just follow trends—it creates them.
The Reading Room
1/ The Art
A photograph of the beautiful French Fashion Designer Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel in 1931.
The Classic Chanel bag, as we recognize it today, has a story that begins with Coco Chanel in 1955. Before then, handbags were typically held in the hand, but she introduced a design with a shoulder strap that gave women a sense of freedom and ease that was modern and perhaps even a little rebellious at the time.
Over the years, this iconic piece has been thoughtfully reimagined again and again, evolving with subtle yet meaningful structural changes. The bag continues to balance tradition and innovation, effortlessly. It carries decades of craftsmanship and cultural influence, yet still feels current—like it belongs just as much today as it did when it was first introduced.
2/The Music/Musician
As we drove around shopping for preloved bags, we listened to Michael Bublé, and it really set the tone for the whole experience. There’s something about his music that feels effortlessly smooth and timeless—it just fits so well with slow drives, changing scenery, and those in-between moments where we’re not really in a rush to be anywhere.
3/The Literature
POEM: Soliloquy on an Empty Purse By Mary Jones 1707—1778
I think we all know it’s just as important to look closely at the interior of an empty purse as it is the outside before deciding to purchase. The exterior may be what draws you in, but the interior is what you’ll interact with every day—how it’s organized, how much it holds, and how practical it feels really matter.
That said, if you fall in love with the shape or style of a bag but the interior doesn’t quite work for you, you’re not necessarily out of luck. You can often add a bag insert to create better organization, structure, or protection inside, making the bag feel more tailored to your needs without giving up the design you love.
Shelf Aesthetics & Bookish Finds
1/ I saw these adorable Natural Stone Pendants that are in Handbag shape. They would make a nice decorative bookcase statue. They can be used as charm decorations for your home, handbag, necklace, key chain, party favor etc. These are made of quality crystal material with a smooth surface and fine workmanship, which is comfortable and reliable to use.
2/ William Shakespeare is arguably the most recognisable name in English literature. The Shakespeare Book Costume Purse would make a nice bookish edition to any shelve and it’s wearable.
Journaling Topics or Book Club–Ready Discussion Questions
Would you want to live in this book’s world, and what aspects appeal to or concern you?
Wishing you a peaceful day and a week filled with gentle moments!
This publication is brought to you by Lori Shriver. If you liked this free newsletter, please press the ❤️ button below. Midlife Inclusive is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.