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
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I’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
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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
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
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
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
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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
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