Who knew carrying a fishing basket could be so chic? The answer is Jane Birkin, the British actress and singer. You know the mademoiselle of the ’70s with that certain je nais sais quoi. Her last name inspired the eponymous Hermès Birken.
I get it, Jane. It makes sense to tote a functional bag to carry all our many necessities. Not a plastic bag, not a stenciled tote, no high-end investment needed, just a handmade, practical Portuguese basket. This basket is too chic for transporting Toto and not your average picnic basket.
We live in a society that relishes quick, machine-made affordable fashions. It’s a pleasure to see a handmade item embraced by the fashion crowd. The idea that we can support small business from artisan basket weavers in Portugal is supportive and sustainable.
It’s interesting to learn that Audrey Hepburn was fond of carrying small baskets in the ’50s as a purse. Perhaps, it was Audrey’s childhood farm-girl upbringing that drew her to sporting baskets as an adult. We know of another Madame, named Coco Chanel with childhood memories that inspired an iconic hands-free bag.
As the basket lover that I am, rocking a Birkin-like basket is a perfectly functional and fun option for the summer months. Instead of bringing a reusable tote, the basket serves purposes of shopping for fresh fruit, fish or even, the early access Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
It looks like there is a range for how much the Birkin basket can cost. I paid $43.45 for the Maria Lisboa Medium Jane Birkin lacquered basket with lid and scarf. Also, there is a shipping charge of $30.36 to mail from Portugal. It took less than 15 business days to receive.
Are you following the basket bag trend? Interested in this chic and practical basket? Head over to Esty.com or do a quick Google dive for the Birkin-like baskets.
Thank you for reading. Have a fabulous and stylish week.
But then again, you are always chic Eugenia!! Just the fact that you wrapped the handle with a scarf is brilliant!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie,
Hi! So nice to hear from you, my pretty. Thank you for encouraging me with my functional basket bag.
Darling outfit and I am crushing on your basket. I loved walking down memory lane with the fashionable women carrying baskets. Fantastic!
Karen,
Hi! Thank you for stopping by the Age of Grace to comment on my Portuguese fishing basket. I forgot you traveled to Portugal earlier this year. Portugal and Spain are on my list of places to visit.
Hi, Eugenia,
Love the basket! I have a couple mini picnic style baskets that I lined and painted that I carry for summer parties. Big enough for a lipstick, phone, mints and keys… but I love the Portuguese fishing basket…more spacious and very summer chic!
Em,
Hi! Thank you for stopping by the Age of Grace to comment about my Portuguese fishing basket. I like your ideas too about lining and painting baskets for a fun summer look to carry necessities.