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“Every perfect outfit needs the perfect bag- whether it’s a quick trip to the shops or a special occasion, a bag is a staple piece that every woman needs. We have put together some ideas to help you choose the perfect tartan bag for you”
Discover Our Tartan Bags
Tartan Purse
Let’s start with the Tartan Purse. In this chaotic life I constantly find myself running out the door, late as usual, with only four things in my hand. My phone, my keys, my ChapStick and of course my purse. I find it second nature to just pick it up on the way out the door, like many women I keep not only the essential bank cards, driving licence and money but also what I consider the absolute essential- hair tie, in it. The purse is perfect for me, not too bulky and easy to carry around, simple yet efficient. It has generous space for cards, notes, coins and even a phone and a secure metal popper close. The Tartan Purse is perfect on its own to complete an outfit or to pop inside a matching Tartan bag.
There are many styles of bags to choose from, which only means there is something for everyone. With over 500 tartans available to create the bag of your dreams. One thing I love about fashion is that it’s a very personal business- I always find myself scrolling aimlessly looking for new clothes and finally finding something I love but find myself saying- “I would love that if it wasn’t in that colour”. With the huge variety of colourful tartans this won’t be an issue.
The Muckle Peerie Poak Tartan Clutch
Going from the simple purse to the bold Muckle Peerie Poak Tartan Clutch. This clutch is not only a great addition for that grand event, but a fantastic conversational piece. It's a very unique design, the clutch is specially made here in the Scottish Borders. The breakdown of the name of this clutch is surprisingly simple, muckle- meaning big, Peerie- meaning to look and Poak- meaning bag. The name of this clutch never fails to make me smile, it reminds me of my Scottish roots where words like muckle and poak are common language.
While choosing your tartan may be the hardest part of your outfit journey- (don't worry we have a fantastic team of tartan experts at your fingertips) Styling this bag could not be easier, it pairs very nicely with a matching Tartan Skirt or the daring Tartan mini Kilt, while matching accessories, like a scarf are a fantastic addition to tie it together. A very popular tartan is the bright Macleod Dress Modern, it’s a perfect tartan to ensure all eyes are on you, while the primary colour of Macleod Dress Modern is Yellow, it pairs well with both black and white, meaning the styling options are endless.
Like me, you might be feeling a little less bold. Another option for styling this bag is using it for a ‘pop’ of colour. A very simple black dress could be reinvented and revived with the Tartan Clutch- especially choosing a striking tartan like Macleod Dress Modern. The Muckle Peerie Poak is that final touch of your ensemble that just gives you that all important boost of confidence before leaving the house, while providing you the perfect place to store your lipstick, phone and anything else you may need to see you through the day.
Tartan Rucksack
Jumping straight into what I have to say is one of my favourite Tartan items we provide, The Tartan Rucksack. It's very versatile and practical while still giving a very feminine look, and very much in style. This bag suits many on the go lifestyles, from the working woman to the adoring mother, in recent years changing bags or ‘ on the go’ bags have changed from the standard messenger style bag, to the very practical hands free rucksack.
Mothers all over the world took to the rucksack a few years ago as their go to changing bags. Being a mother does not mean you have to give up your style, in fact it means the very opposite, The Tartan Rucksack gives you the practical storage you need with a newborn while keeping a touch of fashion. The padded back gives you that all important comfort while on the move, and the adjustable straps are a very important addition to make the bag personal to you.
From mothers to Runway Models, Bella Hadid has been spotted styling a Prada backpack with the one strap over her shoulder, in fact many designer brands are releasing backpacks with only one strap rather than the standard two. When thinking about styling The Tartan Backpack the options are truly endless, while I would say it pairs well with casual and every day outfits, it is not a stretch to see The Tartan Backpack paired with a sophisticated power suit, or glamorous summer dress. The backpack is a timeless classic and I don't see it leaving the fashion scene anytime soon.
I am a huge movie lover and when starting to write about our unique bags I couldn't help but think about the movie ‘How to lose a guy in 10 days’ and the quote “Guys, a woman's purse, alright, it's her secret source of power. Alright? There are many dark and dangerous things in there that we, the male species, should know nothing about.” This quote is definitely devised for comedic effect, however it has an essence of truth behind it that I resonate with. ‘Source of power’, there is something so powerful about tossing your hand bag over your shoulder and walking away, it gives women a sense of importance and more importantly a place to store all the quirky things we need as a woman.
The Muckle Fantoosh Tartan Handbag
Meet the ScotlandShop 'Muckle Fantoosh Tartan Handbag' and who wouldn't want a big posh bag, custom made in a choice of over 500 tartans? Take a peek inside, and you'll see plenty of space and two interior pockets, perfect for phones, keys and valuables. A large button and bead fastening ensures all your treasures are kept safe. Our Muckle Fantoosh Bag is perfect for every occasion, whether it's dinner, Christmas parties, ceilidhs or even a trip to the shops!
Velvet and Wool Tartan Evening Bag
Planning for summer weddings or balls? Complete your outfit with our velvet tartan evening bag. Lightweight and squishable if you're travelling, yet with plenty of space for the essentials, it has a luxurious satin lining and a draw string fastening to keep everything safe. Pair the bag with a stole in the same tartan and a classic black dress or a tartan skirt to create a sophisticated outfit for that important event.
Tartan Messenger Bag
The Tartan Messenger bag is a firm favourite of ours. It was originally made in a child's size but due to popular request we introduced the grown up version. Custom made in Scotland, in over 500 tartans and 200 tweeds means there is a style for everyone. Complete with adjustable strap for over the shoulder or cross-body wearing, big enough for a lap-top and versatile enough to be a nappy bag.
Tartan Kilt Bag
Our truly unique, super stylish, and versatile everyday Tartan Kilt bag. Available in over 1334 tartans, this beautiful bag full of traditional features is custom made just for you right here in Scotland. The quirky style takes inspiration from the infamous Scottish kilt, complete with kilt pin, authentic kilt buckle and of course the recognisable pleats in the fabric. A stylish long strap means it can be worn over the shoulder or across the body.
Find your Style Today
Borsa in Tartan
Available in 629 tartans
Custom made in 4 weeks
Borsa Tote in Tartan
Available in 515 tartans
Custom made in 4 weeks
Borsa Kilt in Tartan
Available in 1318 tartans
Custom made in 4 weeks
Borsetta Kilt in Tartan
Available in 515 tartans
Custom made in 4 weeks
Borsa di Lana e Velluto
Available in 1318 tartans
Custom made in 4 weeks
Borsa Sporran Tartan
Available in 749 tartans
Custom made in 5 weeks
The Sporran
While bags have been dated back over 2000 BC, they have changed through the time to fit both needs of the user and fashion style of the eras. When you think of a Scottish Bag your mind automatically draws you to the very famous Sporran. While historians can not definitively say the sporran originated from Scotland, it became a key part of the traditional Scottish outfit. While the traditional kilt lacked pockets, men needed somewhere to store food like oats that they would eat while on their long travels. As time went on the design was updated but it remained a key element to the kilt ensemble. While the sporran is typically associated with the men highlanders it wasn't uncommon for women to also wear sporrans, while a lot smaller and less grand they too needed space to store food and other little trinkets.
You can find out more about the Sporran on our blog- The Sporran Guide
The Tartan Sporran Bag
While the traditional sporran might be slightly impractical and heavy for women to wear today, we have the very next best thing- The Tartan Sporran Bag. It is a traditional style sporran with a across the body strap- while we understand there are some women who want to wear a sporran the traditional way, this is why the strap also acts as a belt to wear around the waist. Swapping out oats for keys, phone and headphones and you're ready to go. This Tartan Sporran bag could be styled with a classic pencil skirt in a matching tartan or for the really daring why not try two different but complementary tartans and create your very own ensemble with a black top and tights. Alternatively, a cropped sweater or blouse and blue Jeans paired with the Sporran bag ties both modern fashion and that important nod to the past.
One of the trends that hit social media in 2016 is the ‘What's in my bag’ trend. This trend has remained popular, branching into mini trends, like ‘what's in my gym bag’ and ‘what’s in my lunch bag’. It confirms the idea that every woman needs a bag- or multiple bags for all occasions! Bags remain a key element to every outfit and are considered the essential accessories to your wardrobe. So why not choose your very own tartan bag, choose your style, tartan and pair it with your favourite outfit, feel good and snap some photos.
One of the trends that hit social media in 2016 is the ‘What's in my bag’ trend. This trend has remained popular, branching into mini trends, like ‘what's in my gym bag’ and ‘what’s in my lunch bag’. It confirms the idea that every woman needs a bag- or multiple bags for all occasions! Bags remain a key element to every outfit and are considered the essential accessories to your wardrobe. So why not choose your very own tartan bag, choose your style, tartan and pair it with your favourite outfit, feel good and snap some photos.
“We hope you enjoyed our guide to choosing the perfect tartan bag for you, if you decide to purchase a Tartan bag for either you or someone else, we would love to see how you styled it, tag us on Instagram, message us on Facebook or email us your pictures”
