Category Archives: bag

THE SIXTIES ROLL ON – A TREASURE TROVE OF TRUE VINTAGE BLACK & WHITE HANDBAGS

IMG_1523Discovered in Canada and the United States.  Made in Italy, Hong Kong and . . . . . . . . . . ?  Leather, patent vinyl, wood and beaded fabric.  Let’s go clock-wise from 7 p.m.

A leather box bag with hand-stitched edges.  Handmade, no doubt, and almost like the gorgeous hand-tooled bags that I sometimes find, but made elegantly simple even though it’s still quite casual.   Behind, is its sophisticated sister from Italy, with a soft leather body and polished wood frame.  Fabric lining and one inside pocket, with a metal zipper.

At noon and 1 o’clock, two smart little black patent handbags.  Inexpensive and basic but, like those black ballet flats, they went with virtually everything and always looked right.  Still do.  I took them home because they’re in fabulous condition and such perfect designs.

At 5 p.m., the best white clutch purse for a summer evening.  With the quality women came to expect from garments and accessories made in British Hong Kong, this one doesn’t disappoint.  Even though it’s casual, with  plastic ornamentation, the construction is superb. It’s also a fun find for me, because I own a classic handbag style in the same beaded material which makes it the companion accessory for day.  Isn’t it cool how the clues always fall into place . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BLACK & WHITE AND RED ALL OVER? NO, IT’S NOT A TRUE VINTAGE NEWSPAPER . . . . . . . . .

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERACan I ever have too many mid-century clutch purses? No, not when they’re like this one! Carrying on the black and white theme that I’ve had going for a couple of weeks, this little bag is another lovely example of a clutch purse that was inexpensive in it’s time but is loaded with elegant design and fashion artistry.  And, can be carried with almost any outfit.

Again, here’s a stylish treatment of the frame – but my favorite feature is the red lining! I never pass up a handbag with a beautiful liner and have several in red.  They may be leather, silk, cotton or rayon as in this case, but will always give me a smile and a feeling of sophistication each time I open them up. I’m sure those 1940’s – 1960’s ladies felt the same.  Sorry the interior picture of this purse didn’t survive – somehow got deleted since first published – but, you can imagine.

Someone loved this little bag well, and used it lightly. The condition is wonderful with no stains inside or damage to the black patent outside. Thanks, Mary Lou – Peggy Sue – whoever you were .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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LAST MINUTE FINDS! HERE’S A UNIQUE TOOLED LEATHER HANDBAG, HAND-CRAFTED AND SIGNED

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Just when I think I’m thwarted, never fails!  I made a spur of the moment decision to go sleuthing once more and . . . . . Out peeked this lovely older tooled leather purse that I had to have.

The reason for that is the images – acorns and a stag on back – which I haven’t seen in a while.  It’s also very nicely done and has a shape that I particularly like.

The maker lined it in a thin, soft leather – which is unusual – of a greenish color – very unusual. Although some stones are missing from the buckle, I may or may not replace them.  So, a fitting way to be leaving Las Vegas.  My gamble paid off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

ANOTHER RARE DISCOVERY – ICONIC 1950’S ETRA LEATHER CLUTCH PURSE

IMG_1690IMG_1715I’m saying “rare find” a lot lately!  This purse is a keeper – a flat and tidy leather clutch that hinges open in the most convenient way.  This was one of Etra’s best everyday designs from the Fifties.

I’ve found only one before, in a rather boring beige color.  So, I like this rich charcoal much better.  And, of course, a fine leather handbag is always preferred to vinyl or fabric for durability.

The only thing missing is the chain handle which attaches inside and folds away if you don’t want to use it.  That is easy to replace.  A little polish to the metal frame and it’s golden!

So much fun . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – ’70’S BOX BAG WITH LUGGAGE – STYLE HARDWARE

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S - '70'S BOX BAG WITH LUGGAGE - STYLE HARDWARE

Box bags were quite popular during the mid-century.  Here’s an example from the 1960’s or 1970’s.

This one was made in Italy, where many beautiful handbags were, and still are, made.  It doesn’t have a smidge of leather on it, which Italy is usually famous for, but it is still very well constructed.

After all these years, the hardware remains shiny and unblemished.  The woven exterior looks almost new, as does the interior.  Although it helps that this purse was used little if at all, age and storage can wreak havoc on many items – especially if they are not of good quality.

So, if you haven’t stored your treasures with care, they can deteriorate simply from sitting still while they wait for you to enjoy them.  Keeping them dust-free and clean, inside and out, is important.  Don’t store them in places where the temperature or humidity are too high or too low.  If the item is made of natural materials, using a quality conditioning lotion made for the material once in a while will make a big difference in their appearance and durability.  Lotions and sprays made for leather, skins and wicker are available.  Even vinyl can be conditioned with products made for car interiors.  That’s my wisdom for the day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HANDMADE TOOLED LEATHER PURSE FROM CANADA

HANDMADE TOOLED LEATHER PURSE FROM CANADA

Another of my favorite things is vintage hand-tooled leather (in purses and belts, etc.). I have a ton of these, too. This one is a special example because of its unusual design.  It’s a lovely piece.

The motif here is trillium flowers. They grow in the northern U.S., parts of Europe (I think – is that right?) and are a symbol in Canada.  They are a beautiful white flower that blooms in the forest.

This purse came from Canada and, I’m sure, was made there. It doesn’t even seem to have been used.  Is it true vintage? That I can’t tell you for sure.  Some people are still quite skilled at doing this leather craft as a hobby today.

Most commonly, at least here in the U.S., we see true vintage handbags like this one with traditional motifs that were popular on Western-wear – even saddles and such.  Many are floral, but not like this.

Some tooled leather purses from Mexico made more recently (1970’s +) have ethnic symbols such as Mexican scenes and the Mayan calendar.

This is just a beautiful example of the craftsmanship in these items, though my favorites are the older ones with motifs from the Western U.S.A.  Lovely examples of tooled leather have been made in many cultures and they are always special to find.  I’ll show more great examples later . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE AUSTRALIAN HANDBAGS – IN BLACK AND WHITE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERALook!  I found another woven metal mesh Glomesh bag – this time a black one.  Photographed on two different backgrounds to enhance the details.  So nice to have two colors.  Also, love this wonderful macrame’ bag in a similar style.

The Glomesh purses were very popular here – a real Australian company. The white bag doesn’t have a brand name inside.  Sixties or early Seventies, both of these purses have survived in great condition.  I will really enjoy using them!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

INTERESTING TRUE VINTAGE LEATHER HANDBAG FROM THE 1940’s – 1950’S

INTERESTING TRUE VINTAGE LEATHER HANDBAG FROM THE 1950'S

I have TONS of true vintage handbags and won’t show them all, but I’ll post examples of really lovely ones or unusual styles. This one is croc-embossed leather with out-of-the-ordinary style and color.

True vintage handbags are one of the greatest bargains available, wherever you find them. Today’s purses don’t hold a candle to them in terms of quality or design.

The leather is usually of a high grade and the workmanship is exceptional. Hardware is also more interesting and of better quality than most used today.

Some even came with a small mirror included inside, in a cellophane or waxed paper envelope.  Although they sometimes are not meant to hold a lot of stuff, they are elegant and send the message of strong fashion sense and good taste.

And, it is possible to find true vintage bags that are quite roomy, if you know exactly what you are looking for. This one has plenty of room, even for a small pair of binoculars . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

A COLLECTION OF TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAGS FROM THE 1960s

A COLLECTION OF TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAGS FROM THE 1960s

These bags, with the exception of the unidentified tapestry and wood one, are right in the same category with other popular mass-produced purses of the 1960’s.  Almost every woman had at least one.  The little black purse is  by Ande’. The brown purses are by Naturalizer or Air Step, which are or were also the makers of popular shoes.

Back in the day, several of the most popular shoe-makers that had stores all across the U.S. also made handbags to coordinate with their shoes and sold these along with them. Great marketing ploy to snag an impulse buy when a woman went to the shoe store or shoe department of her favorite department store!

Most, if not all, are made of vinyl and are sturdy and nicely detailed. A lot of them have interesting designs and may be of two or three colors together. Not top-of-the-line, but they lasted! They were made for every season of the year – I have several in pastel colors for Spring and Summer.

The tapestry bag has no maker’s stamp. It is roomy and plain inside. Just a handy carry-all in an interesting design – this type was also popular in the ’60s. It reminds me of one that Aunt Clara on Bewitched might have carried!  Fun to find it, in a Canadian eclectic secondhand store. You really just never know . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

CLASSIC GARAY EVENING CLUTCH FROM THE 1950’S

So many clutch purses are made today in vintage styles, but there’s nothing like the quality and attention to detail found in true vintage examples.  I’ll ALWAYS go for those instead!  I love rigid handles that can be folded inside the purse to hide and beautiful satin fabric covering is always elegant and versatile.  Two compartments inside with a see-through vinyl divider is so practical, too.

This Garay handbag is elegant and probably never carried.  There is a bit of storage wear, but the inside is absolutely perfect.  Sigh – another happy escapade!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM