Tag Archives: clutch

FUN 1950’S – ’60’S HANDBAGS

img_3899.jpg

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

HO HUM, ANOTHER BLACK MID-CENTURY CLUTCH? LOOK INSIDE . . . .

HO HUM, ANOTHER BLACK MID-CENTURY CLUTCH? LOOK INSIDE . . . .

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

 

I NEVER GET TIRED OF ELEGANT MID-CENTURY CLUTCH PURSES

DSC00676

I know – the black rayon evening handbag is so common and I see many of them.  Although they almost always have something for their designers to be proud of in comparison to today’s cheap copies, I usually pass them by (I have so many!)  However, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

once in a while I’ll see one with an unusual clasp or shape that makes me take a second look and know that I gotta have it.  Here is one.  It’s in beautiful condition, for one thing, but the closure set off to one side is handy and attractive.  The style  has that sleek, atomic feel that some post-war and mid-century modern designers really went for in the age of mega-bombs and Sputnik.

No matter how long this handbag hangs around, it will never be anything less than elegant.  The quality and “look” keep it from being dated or unfashionable.  Unless we someday stop carrying handbags altogether – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RARE MID-CENTURY REPTILE CLUTCH HANDBAG – THIS TIME IN CROCODILE

RARE MID-CENTURY REPTILE CLUTCH HANDBAG – THIS TIME IN CROCODILE

DSC00686

Remember the lovely lizard bag?  Well, here’s a sister from the same era, but in croc.  This one may be a bit older, due to the restrictions that were imposed on crocodile leather and other exotic skins after WWII.  As with fur, I’m not a fan of animal skins for our clothing and accessories and won’t buy any new ones;  but the true vintage examples are collectible pieces of fashion history to me.

As is the other one, this one’s a beauty.  It has a full-leather interior and several pockets.  Although there are some apparent discolorations on the outside (they might even be natural to the skin itself), it’s very clean and undamaged inside – always a delight when discovering an old handbag!

So, surprised again!  I always love that, and the surprises keep on coming . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER HANDBAG DISCOVERY! 1960’S SLEEK AND MOD – AND SURPRISING

So I thought: “Hey, neat ’60’s purse with the faux tortoise plexi frame.  Black patent is so classic and versatile.  Nice big clutch with lots of room.”  When I looked more closely, I noticed the the rotating “cuffs” on each corner which serve as the closure.  And, when I looked inside – whoa!  There’s a hidden shoulder strap!!  Never would have guessed.

I just LOVE these clever designs from back in the day.  Someone loved this purse well because it looks virtually new.  I’ve seen one or two from that era in the same materials, but nothing made quite like this one and I love the larger size, too.  So convenient and stylish.

Another fun find . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY LEATHER CLUTCH PURSE

ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE 1950S/'60S LEATHER CLUTCH FOR THE VALENTINE'S DAY BASH

Accessories are EVERYTHING to an ensemble, so what to carry on an impromptu dressy occasion?   A true vintage bag, of course. This one doesn’t steal the show but demonstrates your exquisite taste and knowledge of quality.  I have many dressy bags, but this one is often my go-to choice.

It’s of gold leather and is lined in black rayon. The inside pocket, of course, contains its own little make-up mirror for touching up your lipstick throughout the night. No self-respecting true vintage handbag would come without one. If you’re a really successful sleuth, it will still be in it’s original little paper envelope.

The accessories that you carry or wear (this includes shoes) raise or lower the impression of your entire outfit. Genuine leather is always a preferred material, and quality construction.  Remember the phrase “well-heeled” to describe a person who is well-dressed and tasteful, referring especially to their choice of footwear?  That’s what it means!

It’s not the point to look for something expensive or flashy (better NOT flashy) if you are successful in the hunt for true vintage fashion.  It’s so much fun to spot that perfect bag hiding and waiting . . . . . you just never know . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

1930’S(?) DRESSY LEATHER CLUTCH BAG WITH ORNAMENTS

Pretty taupe color leather and cast metal decoration with little cabochon “stones” in pastel colors. I especially like the leather wrist strap and the little dangle on the front.

Inside, the capacity is small with rayon lining and two little pockets. Delightfully clean and with the obligatory tissue paper for storage. Sweet!

That’s it for right now but, wonder what’s next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL 1950’s CORDED EVENING BAG BY GARAY

I have a couple of corded purses, but they’re all different and naturally one can never have too many. . . . . . . . .  Although Garay purses are still not scarce, they are a very good true vintage brand so I’m always glad to find one.  This clutch looks as though it was never used and has the nice feature of a center zip compartment, with an open pocket on either side.  Still very slim, and more convenient than some little bags that will only carry a lipstick, a small wad of money and a key.

So, it’s a keeper.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM