When I discovered this purse, it was the clasp as well as the fabric that hooked me. I discovered several dark green velvet garments around the same time and you could almost think that that they were made to go together. So, this was a re-purposing & recycling triumph as well as a true vintage score.
Just right with your dressy St. Pat’s party dress. Doesn’t get better than that . .. . . . . . .. well, yes, it does, but that will be another story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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
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
Really interesting shapes, depending on how you look at it. Big enough inside to hold a sheaf of 8 1/2″ by 11″ pages, too! No maker’s name inside, but who cares?
It’s well-made, also, as I would expect from that mid-century time. The body is woven of some type of fiber or reed. Tubular handles are gold-tone and the clasp and anchors on the bottom (which I haven’t photographed) are black leather. It has little feet, too.
This is the “youngest” of my recent discoveries, but there are two more. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Simplest of simple fold-over style with nothing fancy inside, though it does have a full black lining. I’m going to really enjoy this one – SO of the period (1967 – 1970) and in a plush and colorful fabric.
This purse was a great finale to my sleuthing expedition. I wonder what’s next? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
Woven raffia bag with beaded decoration. One old feature that is fun to find once in a while – a snap purse compartment which is a part of the lining. I’ve pulled it up so that you can see it.
This is pure fun and frivolity, in a refined and European way. Perfect with my bright yellow sundress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although the purse in the top left corner is similar to others that I’ve come up with recently, I’m glad to have it in a less-often-found silver fabric. The others are worth telling you about one at a time. Let’s start with the white beaded bag on top:
a very lovely little convertible clutch bag that can go from dressy day to summer evening and also would stand out as part of a bridal ensemble.
Just to the right of it is a fabric coin or lipstick purse made in Italy. Though it is just a purse accessory, the black satin and art print on front, as well as the filigree hardware make it a special keeper. Italian-made purses and shoes from the Fifties and Sixties were of the highest quality and design and are to die for.
At the bottom is a pretty little brocade purse that could be an accessory but is meant to stand on its own, when only the barest essentials are necessary. It’s very tiny, but unsnaps again to allow room for just a little more than the coin purse alone. Although you probably can’t read it, in the corner to the left of the top snap is embossed in gold script “B. Dainty”. Sweet!
Finally, the duchess of the lot is a fully-beaded clutch with a zipper top and silk lining. Of the finest materials and displaying the most hand-done workmanship, it’s probably the oldest.
Although I’ve been happy to discover so many evening bags recently, especially with thoughts of this year’s holiday season beginning to creep into mind, I most love the special pieces like these – makes the day’s adventure really fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’ve had really good fortune finding clutch handbags recently and several have been leather. It’s always fun to find party bags like the one below but most are made of cloth or vinyl – even the old ones – a true vintage leather bag is a real treasure!
The bag on top, however, is my greatest love. It’s from the Forties or Fifties and is SO elegant. The style is superbly simple, but the design is unusual. Picture holding the bag with both hands, with the front facing you as in the photo. Place your thumbs on the metal tabs at each side and push gently – that releases the clasps to open the bag! I love the creative closures that are on many of the best vintage handbags. Some of them locked in place, and it was a puzzle to figure out how to release them the first time. This bag posed that problem to me for a few seconds.
Both these handbags have smooth, clean linings and pretty pockets inside. I’ve been fortunate enough to discover accessory items which were really well cared-for by their original owners so have hardly any damage. Many women used to tuck them away in drawers and closets with tissue-paper wrappings and stuffing, saving and protecting them for the next special occasion – or for the next woman who would love them. . . . . . .
More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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