Biblioethica May/June Prompt: Baggage

When I read the prompt for this month, I thought about being creative with it. But honestly, it's really more fun to approach it straightforward. So, let's go through a list of bag types seen throughout the years in mori fashion! There's honestly more types than you would think.

1) Baskets

An absolute classic option, and perhaps the most well known. Baskets have been a staple in mori fashion since its creation. Their whimsical and vintage quality makes it well suited for the mori aesthetic! Baskets can be carried plain with no extra accessories, or might be customized with lace, trim, bows, straps, and more! They may also be stiff baskets like you might find at any thrift store, or more malleable raffia options.

2) Simple Side Bags

Simple side bags, usually made of leather or other solid colors and fabrics, are also a popular choice in mori kei. With their simple natural look, practical size, plenty of space for carrying your daily items, and availability in any mainstream store, a simple side bag is always a great option.

3) Backpacks

Backpacks are also quite common in mori fashion. However, they are less common in photos, and more common in practicality. This is simply due to the fact that most backpacks are not very aesthetic. So most mori folk carrying them, myself included, leave them out of our outfit photos. But not all backpacks have to clash with your outfit! You can look for backpacks in neutral colors, and decorate with lace, charms, and more. Or look for simple cloth backpacks in natural tones to match your outfits.

4) Stuffed animal bags

Stuffed animal bags are much less present in mori kei. These carry over mainly from lolita subcultures, but throughout the years have been present in mori outfits too, especially in Harajuku street snaps. Common animals are of course bears and rabbits, but any cute and cuddly animal in neutral or floral colors could work well. It lends to a more over the top, cute look.

5) Novelty bags (clocks, florals, etc.)

This category is a catch all, I'll admit! But by far, the most popular kind of bag in mori, is any bag you like and looks vaguely mori-esque! This means there is a lot of variety out there for what bags you will see.

There are some common things you might see, although there are always exceptions to any rule! Some common things are lace covered bags, knit or crochet bags, bags made of scrap fabric or ruffles, and other novelty themes. You may find bags with images of woodland creatures, in the shape of vintage items like the classic clock bag featured in mori magazines, or even at one time a giant cat head bag that had a brief moment of popularity!

Common Themes: 

Now, you may be looking at all these bags, and thinking "Cute! But I can't buy these exact bags, so what should I be looking for when shopping?" Here are a few points to keep in mind from a long term mori girl when looking for your next mori bag.

• First, try to find a bag that will fit the colors of your outfit. This can be specific, like matching your bag to the pink undertones of your outfit. Or it can be more broad, with a neutral toned bag that goes with anything. Any bag that fits the colors of what your outfits tend to be is best. Especially if it can be reused over and over again in various outfits.
• Next, look for natural tones and fabrics, and not overly synthetic or bright colors. Of course, there are always exceptions! But in general, these kinds of bags will always fit the aesthetic and be easier to work with. Common fabrics you might look for are leather or fake leather, wool, cotton, and canvas.
• Your bag should also be one (or both!) of two things: cute and/or practical. Cute bags are those like bulky baskets that fit mori perfectly, but may not carry your items well, or are difficult to carry comfortably. These are great, but not practical for everyday. This is your bag for your OTP outfits you wear at conventions or on a special day, not your daily mori outfits. A practical bag is just how it sounds, mainly something that is easy to carry and has enough space for your items. After wearing mori for many years, these kinds of bags are my go-to. They're the bag you're likely to keep around for years to come!
• Last, it's not required, but might help your search, to look for vintage options. Many vintage bags have all of the above points, much more so than new mainstream brands might. So taking a look at online or in person thrift and antique store options is always worth a shot. Plus, you get a unique piece that no one else is carrying!

Thanks for reading my deers! What is your favorite mori bag? Is there any type of bag I missed? Let me know in the comments below!