This style, popular in the 1950’s and early 1960’s, looks like it’s never been carried! Mid-century ladies often had two or three treasured handbags carefully stored in a dresser for specific occasions, from semi-dress to formal. I love these pretty dressy purses that add an elegant touch to evening or better day dresses. They used to be a staple of city-wear for well-dressed women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I already have many tooled leather handbags in my collection, but it’s always open to another unique and high-quality item. These purses are SO special, because they are hand-made, one-of-a-kind and often tell a story. This one is beautifully-done, has older traditional motifs and a DOG(!), which always captures my heart. It was probably a tribute to a beloved pet and is signed by the maker – no relation to me, but what a coincidence!
And, in beautiful condition – I’ll enjoy this one for a long time.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Look at these beauties! The convertible clutch style which lets you use the handle or not has always been so versatile and convenient. Although some of these are very mid-quality, they all have some distinctive features that make them stand out as great true vintage finds. Let’s start out from left to right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
The white purse at far left is a high-quality construction from the Sixties and has that shiny box hardware enclosing it on 3 sides. It is made of leather and has a shoulder strap that can be tucked inside. Very sleek and streamlined – a great look for summer.
The 1950’s beaded evening bag in front is in perfect condition, with a silk satin lining and a beautiful clasp and box chain handle, which can be hidden inside. This type of handbag was always hand-made, usually in Hong Kong. Even for an expert, can you imagine the care and time it took to attach all those beads so perfectly and securely?
The other three bags have a metallic finish and are made of synthetic materials or cloth – not in quite as good shape as the first two. But, they are nicely made and all have pretty hardware clasps – always interesting to find. The two in the center also have box or braided chain handles, rather than the simple chain that is most often seen. These more complex types of chain are prettier and also seemed to break less easily.
As always, they all show that care was taken to preserve and protect them, so I can enjoy them 50 or 60 years later! The throw-away quality that we seem to be satisfied with today can’t begin to compare, but is still way over-priced!! Such a shame – but not for this Magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Soft, supple leather inside and out – these bags were made in Mexico and probably picked up by vacationers who used them very little, if at all, after their trip. Both have vintage hardware, but the designs – especially on the left-hand purse – are more modern.
On the right, we see a traditional floral/cactus pattern similar to those made in the western United States while the left-hand one has a farm worker pictured and, on the back, the Mayan calendar.
What I like best about these handbags, whether made in the ’40’s or the ’80’s is that they are 100% hand-made and usually the workmanship and quality of the leather are excellent. Plus, they are SO distinctive and unusual . . . . . . . . . . always a priority for me.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although this kind of carry-all has never lost popularity in general, it seems like the 1960’s was a really big time for smart, tailored bags like this. Many were used to carry needlework, like knitting and crochet. No matter the use for it, totes like this are always SO handy. In this case, a very elegant design . .. . . . . . . .
Not sure why, but fashion needlework was kind of a “fad” in the Sixties among everyday women even though lots of people have always done it and certain people still do. I picked this bag up when I found it because it is beautifully made, in pristine condition, and just spoke to me of that Mod time in fashion.
The tortoise shell plastic handles were really “in” then, as well as the printed lining. I’ve left the closure flap turned up so that you can see the lovely lining material, too. It’s fully-lined, with metal hardware.
Just a simple bag, but with a shift dress and flats (or a sheath and pumps if you’re at the Club or an appointment) you’d look just like any photo from a popular magazine of 1964 or so. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This frock is a home-tailored version of Mary Quant’s Tent Dress which she introduced in 1964. It was an immediate hit because it fit every body, was SOOO comfortable and easy to wear and also was a radical fashion departure from the more structured, prissy day and evening dresses up until that time. The closest women had come so far was the summer shift dress that was only acceptable in the most casual settings.
I didn’t think I’d probably keep it at first. Waist-defining styles are usually my preference but then I tried it on. Mega cute!! It’s a little bit mini on me, which makes it just perfect. Just love the aqua color, with a printed repeating pattern of interlocking flowers in pale yellow for just the right amount of contrast. The vintage nylon zip and hook and eye at the neckline are the only hardware needed. Probably won’t even require a slip.
Such a fab find. Although there were similar versions over the following years, I’ll probably never encounter another one as faithful to the original authentic style. But then, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Finding true vintage handbags in almost-new condition is always a treat. When summer’s almost over this year, the old-fashioned rule of “Don’t Wear White Wardrobe Items After Labor Day” is also dead and gone!
Ande’ was another company that made popularly-priced purses in the mid-century era. Usually small, and more often made of vinyl, but always cute, sturdy and stylish.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Needlepoint totes and sassy little clutch purses were very popular in the late 1950’s – mid-1960’s. I’m tickled to find these great examples that will be so practical and fun to carry! Love the touch of asymmetry in the designs of both.
Although modern shoulder straps can make today’s monster purses quite handy when only a large handbag will do, I often prefer the design of older ones – and they’re better-made, too, unless you want to pay hundreds of dollars (and even then, it’s no guarantee – shame, shame on modern makers).
Anyway, these pretties got tucked into my closet and will come out soon – so perfect for the season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, although I liked the torpedo-shaped clasp and the almost-leather vinyl body I nearly passed on this because there are so many – but, then I decided to look inside. Whoa! Love it!!
Back last May I found a brownish handbag with this rainbow lining and fell in love, too. It goes without saying, ALWAYS look inside (if only to check the condition). Because, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Both these little ladies were made in Hong Kong, of similar basic design, but there is a world of difference between them. Lady Right was made for the uptown market, while Lady Left was sold downtown. Though they’re both clean and well-put-together, Lady Right grew up with all the best, while Lady Left’s beginnings were more humble.
It’s obvious “in person” that these bags were made for different markets. The styling in both is superior, but the materials and extra attention to detail show that Lady Right brought a higher price. Just comparing these two pretties, found at the same time, was a fun chance to evaluate a number of “clues” about their backgrounds.
I don’t have a favorite. Their stories are equally interesting to me (maybe Lady Left’s is a little more so . . . . .). Each one is perfect with the outfit that coordinates with it. While Lady Left could be much more casual, she is no less elegant – maybe even more so, if you don’t look too closely. Lady Right could seem a little tasteless if she showed up everywhere dressed like that.
I see one for holiday festivities or a very gala occasion (maybe tonight?), while the other would be lovely with a pretty summer dress. Both would be gorgeous for a bridal venue. It can all be so fascinating . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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