Yes, September often means it’s time to switch out some of the Summer wardrobe for warmer clothing. Traditionally, it was also the time to put away anything white, including accessories. That means I’m looking over my collection of true vintage handbags and selecting a couple that coordinate well with my Autumn fashion choices. Not only does that mean switching out a matching wallet, but other handy purse accessories from back in the day can be included. What savvy dame would forget to equip her handbag with smart and handy accessories? Here are just a few.
It’s so fun to look back into our mothers’ and grandmothers’ handbags to see what they used to carry on a daily basis. These are just a smattering of the interesting items I’ve seen. Mirrors, combs and tiny brushes, lipstick cases, foldable rain hats, key cases and key-rings all came in different sizes, styles and designs. An emery board and an orange stick were usually tucked in somewhere. Smokers also had special accessories – cases, lighters and interesting matchbooks. Little pillboxes were very decorative and pretty. I’ve got a few of those.
Above we see two note pads (with attached pen or pencil), a manicure set, sewing kit, mirror set (with normal and magnifying glasses), and an attractive case for a comb.
The intelligent and fashionable woman is always well-prepared when stepping out, no matter what her mission may be. Efficiency and style – that’s my motto . … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although I have discovered several of these iconic soft handbags from the 1960’s and early 1970’s, this one is probably the nicest I’ve ever found. As often happens, I was just shopping for some everyday items when this beauty came into view. You just never know, though this powerful Summer Solstice surely didn’t hurt the good vibes today. Happy First Day Of Summer.
Why is this such a wonderful true vintage example? One, it’s in absolutely pristine condition. I doubt it was ever used. Second, I love the style. The bag is mid-sized so it’s roomy without being awkward. The tortoiseshell Lucite handles are cleverly shaped so that they snap closed at the top. It’s easy to carry in hand or over your arm. The full lining has a brown paisley pattern and the loose-weave “hopsacking” cover fabric is sturdy enough to last. These are materials that are very identified with the 1960’s.
Two unusual features really caught my eye: Unlike many purses in this style, this bag has a rigid base that gives it form and stability and makes items inside easier to find. The final touch is just a hoot! Remember all the mid-century purses that had little coin purses attached to the inside by a cord or chain? This bag has a chain with a clear vinyl envelope containing a plastic rain hat! Take my word for it – mid-century women almost always had one of these rain hats in their purses. They were often given away by businesses like key chains and pens still are. It was always a lurking fear in the backs of the minds of my grandmother’s generation that a sudden rain shower might catch them when they had their hairdo “just so”! Cute!!
Another sweet and oh-so-Sixties characteristic of this handbag is that I suspect it was homemade from a kit. Purse kits of this type were popular then, just like other needlework projects, and there is no brand label inside. All of the pieces and instructions would have been supplied. The maker did an excellent job.
So, another useful accessory for my closet. The navy blue color is perfect for my wardrobe and I’ll love it for years!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
From the 1950’s through the 1970’s some favorite styles and brands were seen on the street every day. Though not as roomy as many of the mini-suitcases that are popular now, there was always room for a compact, mirror, lipstick, coin purse and maybe a plastic rain hat – especially before the 1970’s. A more sophisticated lady might have a notepad with attached pen or pencil, a wallet which also held her checkbook and a few mints for after lunch.
The purse or handbag was always an integral part of a mid-century woman’s ensemble. Often it matched her gloves, shoes or hat. These considerations were probably more important than any kind of status symbol they displayed, though an expensive and well-maintained bag has always been seen as an indicator of social status and fashion-consciousness. The downside today is that it makes an agent easier to spot; so always take care not to leave clues behind . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The use of fabric, reptile skin and vinyl saved resources which were needed in the wartime 1940’s to make uniforms and supplies. These three purses were by well-known makers which maximized style and craftsmanship as much as possible during the time of rationing. Touches like the little attached coin purse and the fashionable designs helped women to put aside, for a while, the worries and deprivations that this time in history brought. Fashion has always served this purpose for us.
More to come. I’ve just vetted a box of beautiful evening bags. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Whole lotta packin’ goin’ on. These are a few of the items which I have selected to send into the Cloud. 1920’s/’30’s through the 1960’s. Not enough, but it’s a start. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
An unexpected find! I’ve had little to no opportunity lately to be in the field, but yesterday I stumbled upon this wonderful mid-century wallet. It is beautifully tooled, personalized and in pristine condition. Couldn’t be better! As you know, loyal followers, I really love tooled leather pieces from back in the day.
This one is so perfectly done. The workmanship is exquisite and the design is classic tooled leather art. I have only one such wallet, so far, and will love adding this to it’s best match among my leather art handbags.
Thank you MAG (or Margaret?) for passing it along and to my fellow sleuths who have stuck with me during this underground period. There will be more regular posts, probably beginning late this month but one never really knows – so, stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’m determined to stay in a Spring and Summer mood right now. Here’s a cute little bag that just lets me do that! Made in Italy!!
Hand-decorated with beads and constructed with the attached-coin-purse-feature that was common in many vintage bags; plus all the fashion fun that was built in.
And, you would not have been likely to run into anyone carrying the same handbag. If you carried it today, the chance might be one in a billion or less . . . . . . How’s that for a fashion statement!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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