Handbags and Gladrags

A curated collection of short fiction and essays from Patina Paperbacks' own archive — stories about desire, identity, and the objects we carry. These pieces explore the tension between surface and substance, between what we show the world and what we hide. Expect sharp observations on class, style, and self-invention, alongside quieter moments of recognition. The writing ranges from darkly comic to achingly sincere, but every piece asks the same question: what are we really carrying? Perfect for readers who like their literary fiction with bite, or anyone who's ever understood that fashion is never just about clothes. A slim volume that punches above its weight.