The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-07-14

Just what Is most fashionable in the way of miladis hand bag and purse would be difficult to define. There are so many and such novelties, ranging from the small change purse on through the smaller vanity and hand bags to the large and commodious shopping bag. Like every other department of women's dress fash ions in purses have changed wonderfully within the last few seasons, until now If one would be considered up to the minute in all points of dress each costume or suit must be matched by purse appropriate in size for the occasion, and harmonizing in color with the costume. The shopping bag, of course, may be of any color leather, black, tan and golden brown, however, being the favorites. Pig skin bags of various sizes are considered very smart, but these are not seen as generally as the dark brown and black bags, for the reason that they soil very easily and are moreover very expensive, therefore to be possessed only by those with a gener- ous bank account and no scruples about using 1t.
 Vanity bags with miniature toilet ac- cessories are seen In variety of feathers, also in variety of shapes, but these are not carried for street wear as they once were couple of seasons ago. The auto ist however uses q bag of this descrlp- tion and finds in 1t a faithful friend. The newest of these are about ten inches long, seven inches deep and some two and q half to three inches thick, made of a fine pin seal, and show novel mountings In gilt or silver. There is a short strap handle on the top, this arrangement hay ing been found to be much more conyen- lent than the strap on the back.
 Embossed leather bags, purses, bill and card cases are the newest novelties from London. Few shoppers, perhaps, know that the best things In leather goods come from England, taking for granted that everything In the way Of fashions for women emanate from the French capi- tall Paris. 1t Is true, does give us our fashions, that Is, costumes, but to Eng land-I.ondon-we are indebted for our leather novelties. These new embossed feathers are in rather dull soft browns, grays and sometimes very dark greens, the design, floral or conventional, In deeper browns, greens and rich reds. Brown bags of soft suede are especially attractive with embossing in red, the de- sign being large poppies with yellow centers and outlined with black mark ings. Bags of this description have little bill books and change purses of embossed leather with single flower on the top side. and are lined, as Is the large bag, with brown moire. Belts are also seen in this same embossed leather, and high class shops show sets of bag and belt which make exceptionally attractive ac- cessories to the street costume. Still others of these embossed novelties are in the shape of hearts and shields.
 Bags of this type are medium In size, and so elaborate with embossings in rich colors and gold that they are considered the proper accompaniment for the dressy street or afternoon calling costume. Many of them are further elaborated with a large slug pearl, cats eye, jade, or some imitation stone set in one corner of the mounting, or even in the lower corner of the bag itself. These bags are very flat { and fitted only with tiny change pocket and a small vanity mirror. They are in- tended to carry only ones money and handkerchief, as anything more h the way of bulk would spoil their shape. These bags have long gold or silver