Finding true vintage handbags in almost-new condition is always a treat. When summer’s almost over this year, the old-fashioned rule of “Don’t Wear White Wardrobe Items After Labor Day” is also dead and gone!
Ande’ was another company that made popularly-priced purses in the mid-century era. Usually small, and more often made of vinyl, but always cute, sturdy and stylish.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another wonderful find. This is an iconic purse style from the early 1960’s. I always love the fun prints used for the linings. You can see in the second photo that it also has a clear vinyl layer covering the fabric to protect the inside of the purse from spills and wear. What a great idea!
Several of these wait for summer in my closet, and the hardware and shapes can vary so I don’t mind collecting whatever I find. Many were made in British Hong Kong, which always meant quality workmanship.
When traveling incognito, of course, it’s important to have seasonal clothing and accessories to help me blend in with the scenery. These bags are big enough for all I need, but not too conspicuous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This little handbag shows the best of the trademarks of it’s time. Crocheted cover and full lining. Handmade. The natural bamboo frame is lovely and the medium size with inside pocket makes it very practical.
Although I have others similar, this example was special enough to make me snap it up. One this clean and undamaged, especially with a needlework cover, is a super-rare find! But, doesn’t surprise me – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These two are very special, though they may not seem so at first glance. Let me tell you why –
The coral-color clutch is by Morris Moscowitz, a maker of fine handbags until about 1975. This one is from the Fifties or very early Sixties. It is fabric on the outside – a linen/rayon blend is what it looks like – and fabric-lined inside (much more nicely than anything I see in the mid-priced range today). Love the color and the fabric exterior – great for Spring and Summer. You will find the maker’s name printed in gold inside – MM with the full name in small letters below. Beware, as always, of logos that look similar, but are not authentic.
The second one can double as a clutch or handbag, made of imitation leather with a fabric lining. It is by Ande’. Purses by this maker, in my experience, were not high-end items but their designs were always innovative and creative and they are nicely made. For example, this one has a make-up mirror that folds out on a hinge. You’ll never lose or break this one! Of course, it would usually be stored inside the purse, as the handle can be, too. Notice the Lucite clasp.
What else makes these handbags wonderful? Remember, they are at least 50 years old and have stood up exceptionally well. Their construction speaks to the quality of the materials and the workmanship in the manufacture of them which is something that we, unfortunately, see very rarely today.
I’ve discovered several of these in my various vintage-hunting episodes and they are each different and distinctive.
Little details are always a surprise! You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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Handmade by someone in the 1960’s – 1970’s era, this was a popular tote-style purse during that time. Many were handcrafted and decorated. It’s fun to see where she ran out of one green thread and switched to another – true vintage fashions always have a story to tell.
Back in the day many women made these bags from scratch or from kits. Macrame’ was common. Unless a home wood shop was handy, the handles would be purchased and then she’d go from there in whatever fabric or weaving she chose. Some would even be lined, but usually the handcrafted bags were not. Designs were as original as the people who made them. I like the pretty Spring feeling on this one, and the lavender color.
Hadn’t come across one of these in a while but, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These scarves are of a vintage style I see rarely – sewn in a continuous circle and open in the back. You can scrunch and spread them but they have no elastic built in. Mid-century film stars loved this style.
The idea is to make a chic “hat”, pinned and adjusted to your type of hairstyle, or a quick and elegant solution to bad hair days. They’re usually sheer rayon, nylon or silk.
Must have been, more or less, a brief “fad”. It would be easy to make or fake now, but the real thing is always more intriguing . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A little change-up for the last day of April. An early 1960’s velveteen “all-weather” coat that I would double as an evening coat! Love the covered buttons and the beautiful attached neck scarf, plus stylish 3/4 sleeves that look SO fabulous with longer gloves. I’ve found several of these (one in emerald green!). Made in Canada.
Stella is also modeling a great nylon black and white checked coat from the 1950’s that I found in Australia. These utilitarian coats were popular in the ’40’s and ’50’s, but this is the most stylish example I’ve ever seen, with a print, rather than plain.
Finally, most of my umbrella collection. Some have great prints and some are most distinguished by the handles. Always a fun statement. Love the old Lucite and the vibrant colors! I may be able to use one today . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Celia and Marlene are modeling the ever-chic-and-elegant scarf tie style popularized by and named for Grace Kelly in the early 1950’s. It frames your face and covers your hair beautifully, doesn’t flap or blow and lets you show off that gorgeous true vintage print scarf you just found!
Celia wears a vintage floral print in silk which highlights rose and blue tones. Marlene opts for a multi-color basket-weave print with a coffee brown border, also in silk.
This is one of the most elegant disguises I wear . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The colorful, naive graphics of true vintage souvenir scarves and hankies are SO much fun!! It’s wonderful to find one in silk, or any high quality vintage fabric like rayon or fine 100% cotton.
The designs are always so cute and bright. Not a good disguise, though, unless I’m wanting to look like a tourist . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here are 3 small scarves from my large collection. I have selected them to show you for their unusual patterns. Vintage novelty graphics and florals are lovely and very distinctive. Always perfect to brighten a jacket pocket, or add a bright touch to your neckline, to a purse handle or your hair.
On the other hand, patterns like the one on top – looks like little postage-stamp drawings – are very unusual and interesting. Check out the green square on right – see the little ballerinas around the edge? FUN! I loved discovering this one!!
The fabrics in these scarves are also unique by today’s standards. The silks are lovely and delicate. Hems are always hand-stitched. Rayons and nylons also have a really nice “hand”. Even the old polyesters are different.
I’ll show more of my favorites in different sizes and styles. Marlene and Celia are always very happy for another opportunity to model and, I’ll be introducing Daphne . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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