Here’s a beautiful leather handbag in a classic shape and with the quality of leather. I have collected them whenever possible because of their outstanding value and elegant design.
This one is beige leather inside and out, with a snakeskin quilt overlay. It’s so classic in design and neutral in color that I can carry it any time of year. It has lasted for decades and, with good care, will last decades more.
I always use a leather conditioner on my leather goods once or twice a year and store them in a way that won’t encourage mold or mildew or cause them to be bent out of shape.
Like your shoes, there’s nothing that is more telling about your good taste and willingness to invest in the best than the kind of handbag that you carry.
I’m not big in favor of designer names just for their own sake. I’d much rather have a high quality item that looks elegant than an obviously designer item to show off – many times I think they look cheap no matter how high the price may have been.
Nothing can beat the elegance and obvious chic of a well-selected true vintage handbag . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Back in the ‘ 50’s and ’60’s, purses made of woven materials like reeds, wicker, raffia, synthetic strands and other natural and natural-looking things were really popular. Some were decorated with whimsical designs and were very casual. Some were trimmed in leather and were almost dressy. Most were in-between, for everyday use.
I’ve found a ton of these over the years because they were so popular and are not really old, as vintage fashion items go. So, it did not really tax my sleuthing skills but, finding the best of these items in good condition can still be a challenge.
This one is a real cutie, with just enough attitude because of it’s structured shape and leather trim to have some high-fashion aspirations like lunching and club-prowling, which it may realize under some conditions.
However, it’s still just basically a small-time, hand-crafted little purse, even though it is from British Hong Kong. I don’t hold that against it one bit. Every wardrobe should have at least two or three of this genre, as they’re very versatile.
And, just like my example here, they often come from some pretty exotic places . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Two-tone beige pumps can be worn virtually any time of year, with almost anything. Notice the cut-out and applique’ detail – and, of course, with genuine leather uppers.
You’ll probably want to wait until June to start wearing your white pumps with pretty summer frocks or suits. These are in leather, also, by a famous maker of true vintage footwear, Red Cross Shoes.
Although very classic and virtually timeless, shoes of this basic shape and style were quite popular in the early 1960’s – think Jacqueline Kennedy during her White House years.
I love the details on these. We’ll be discussing more details on clothing and accessories made before 1970. They were almost always done very carefully and artistically – more so than in later years. Just another example of the quality and craftsmanship found in true vintage apparel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . more reasons to adore it!
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available at Amazon.com
Magicvintagespy 