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
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
Look! 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
I’m usually pretty “ho – hum” on 1980’s does 1940’s dresses, but this one is a stand-out. Made by the Lady Carol brand, which produced ladies’ fashions from the 1950’s through 2000 or the late 1990’s. I have one 1950’s knit dress by this maker and have seen a few of their 1980’s versions but never liked them as much as this. Here’s why:
For one thing, the print is probably the most authentic-looking Forties-type design. I’ve seen one or two florals that were pretty good imitations, but this is much more interesting. I also like the monochrome blue. Seems like a lot of the prints from the ’80’s on dresses like these were a dog’s breakfast of colors, shapes and ugly patterns. Not even New Wave and looked more like some of the icky bargain-priced ones from the 1970’s.
The styling and tailoring are very good. Although the nemesis of a missing belt is going on here, there is enough length to use a strip of fabric from the hem to make another, if I’d like. The original was obviously a buckle belt type because a small loop at the waist indicates good tailoring to anchor the belt in front. Since there are also larger belt loops at each side, I could make a sash tie instead, which was also used in the 1940’s but usually on more casual styles. A plain navy or bone color belt would work fine, too. The buttons are classic but boring, so maybe I’ll replace them from my stock of true vintage notions.
Given where I was shopping today, I hadn’t expected either of these discoveries. Just goes to show, that you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just found these PJ’s from the early 1960’s, or 1950’s, – one of the things I’ve been hoping for and not someplace I expected to discover them. Tailored design, blue with red piping, big plastic buttons and snap-close fly. When I first saw the top mixed in with dresses, etc. I thought that they were womens’ but later noticed that they are men’s. Fortunately, they are a size Small and will fit me, even if a little oversized, and appear to be like new.
This is a wonderful and rare find. Although I have some great printed versions from the 1950’s, was hoping for a plain tailored style – et voila! Olina is a brand I’ve never seen before, but did some research and saw one for sale on eBay with a label indicating “Made in U.S.A.”, which is a 1980’s – ’90’s thing. It was still in the original package.
This one doesn’t have any label like that or sign that a second label had been present. The sizing measurements indicated on the packaged set on eBay are vintage by today’s standards and it looks as though this company made pajamas over at least 2 – 3 decades.
I love it that the Universe always hears me. See the dress I found tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
