Blog

October 2nd 2007 / About Harris Tweed by Sarah

Some of our customers have been asking me about the difference between tweed and Harris Tweed, so I have taken the time to do some research (to make sure I've got my facts straight!) and provide you with some resources (and soporific bedtime reading).

The Harris Tweed Authority website was my first port of call. They are the custodians of the world famous Orb trademark which appears on every length of tweed. So to be sure that your harris tweed handbag or other accessory has been genuinely handwoven in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland you must check for this trademark as it's the world’s only commercially produced handwoven tweed.

Harris Tweed is cloth that has been handwoven by the islanders of Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra in their homes, using pure virgin wool that has been dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides. Visit the Harris Tweed Authority website for the story of Harris Tweed or learn about the process of making Harris Tweed.

Two of our designers, Catherine Aitken and Katherine Emtage, specialise in the production of Harris Tweed handbags and accessories.

Some of our best-selling products include Catherine Aitken's Baby Box Too in Burnt Orange (pictured), a favourite with the Ascot ladies, and Katherine Emtage's Pink Tweed Corsage and Pink Bow Clutch Bag.

August 2nd 2007 / History of the Handbag by Sarah

Have you ever considered the origin of handbags and purses? Have you ever thought about why they became an essential item for men and women? And did you know that the ‘man bag’ was just as fashionable many moons ago?

The earliest historically verifiable handbags were little sacks containing pomanders (scented oranges), flint and money. These were carried by gentlemen and were known as "pockets". By the 1400’s these pockets were worn by both men and women, and as time went on, these sacks were eventually ornamented with gold or elaborate embroidery. These drawstring bags became a status possession, just as much as they are today.

However, trends changed, and there were points during the 1500’s where women preferred to go undercover and wear their pouches under their skirts! Can you imagine?! But don’t despair… After the French Revolution the style of women’s clothes became so delicate that it was difficult for them to wear bulky garments under their skirts, and so came the handbag; hand-held luggage bags usually carried by men. These luggage items were an inspiration for new bags that became popularized for women, including handbags with complicated fasteners, internal compartments, and locks.

It was following this period that handbags became indispensable, both as a utility and as a fashion item. Now that every fashion trend has its own handbag, there’s almost too much to choose from, although there are still a lot of magical designs out there which rise above the rest.

Here at Betty & Jeff we offer an eclectic range of handbag designs, such as these designer handbags by Emma Burton, beautiful lambswool handbags from Lorraine Linton, and Harris Tweed handbags and man bags by Katherine Emtage.

Yes, a new chapter in handbag history had begun now men have discovered the convenience of carrying their belongings around in what is currently known as the ‘man bag’.

May 16th 2007 / Festival Survival Guide by Sarah

• One waterproof eyeliner pencil
• One waterproof mascara
• One lip liner pencil: this doubles as lipstick when mixed with Vaseline
• One small tube of tinted moisturiser with UV protection
• Vaseline: for use as lip balm and removing mascara
• Book of Powder paper (try Body Shop): use instead of powder or use to blot lipstick (the powder keeps it on too)