Look at these beauties! The convertible clutch style which lets you use the handle or not has always been so versatile and convenient. Although some of these are very mid-quality, they all have some distinctive features that make them stand out as great true vintage finds. Let’s start out from left to right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
The white purse at far left is a high-quality construction from the Sixties and has that shiny box hardware enclosing it on 3 sides. It is made of leather and has a shoulder strap that can be tucked inside. Very sleek and streamlined – a great look for summer.
The 1950’s beaded evening bag in front is in perfect condition, with a silk satin lining and a beautiful clasp and box chain handle, which can be hidden inside. This type of handbag was always hand-made, usually in Hong Kong. Even for an expert, can you imagine the care and time it took to attach all those beads so perfectly and securely?
The other three bags have a metallic finish and are made of synthetic materials or cloth – not in quite as good shape as the first two. But, they are nicely made and all have pretty hardware clasps – always interesting to find. The two in the center also have box or braided chain handles, rather than the simple chain that is most often seen. These more complex types of chain are prettier and also seemed to break less easily.
As always, they all show that care was taken to preserve and protect them, so I can enjoy them 50 or 60 years later! The throw-away quality that we seem to be satisfied with today can’t begin to compare, but is still way over-priced!! Such a shame – but not for this Magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I haven’t seen a garment from this label in quite some time, so was thrilled to find one! The Kelly Arden brand was at the higher end of mid-priced dresses and might have been exclusively Junior sizes, as this one is. The nice tailoring details that we expect in a well-made garment (and hardly ever see in modern clothing) are on display here – wide hem allowance, well-finished seams, extra belt-loops to keep belts in their proper place, hooks & eyes at the neckline, full lining, fabric-covered button trim.
Someone took very good care of this dress and the only issue now is that the original belt has been lost. So common and frustrating and it likely happened after the dress was donated. The type may have been either a buckle belt or a sash tie. At least in this case, we can see the color of the original belt, which makes it easier to make a replacement. The style of the dress would also look very nice with no belt (after removing the belt-loops, of course) so there are options. I’m so grateful to women from the mid-century for looking after their clothing and accessories so well.
Although the design is very classic (and, therefore, flattering to many women), I especially like the cutaway neckline that gives almost a halter-style look and really accentuates the shoulders. The stand collar is an iconic element on 1960’s dresses. These style features distinguish the dress from other more plainly cut sheath designs.
I thought that it would be about a size too small for me through the body (a Junior size 9, which is what I wore in high school) but found that it fit very well in that regard. However, the dress seems to be cut for someone with a shorter figure than mine (that makes sense for a Junior garment). Also, the cut seems to be high-waisted with the belt falling just below the bust-line in an Empire style.
That’s not really my favorite, so I think I’ll pass this one on. I’ve had my fun and it will be super-cute on someone a little shorter. Wonder what’s coming next? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Soft, supple leather inside and out – these bags were made in Mexico and probably picked up by vacationers who used them very little, if at all, after their trip. Both have vintage hardware, but the designs – especially on the left-hand purse – are more modern.
On the right, we see a traditional floral/cactus pattern similar to those made in the western United States while the left-hand one has a farm worker pictured and, on the back, the Mayan calendar.
What I like best about these handbags, whether made in the ’40’s or the ’80’s is that they are 100% hand-made and usually the workmanship and quality of the leather are excellent. Plus, they are SO distinctive and unusual . . . . . . . . . . always a priority for me.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although this kind of carry-all has never lost popularity in general, it seems like the 1960’s was a really big time for smart, tailored bags like this. Many were used to carry needlework, like knitting and crochet. No matter the use for it, totes like this are always SO handy. In this case, a very elegant design . .. . . . . . . .
Not sure why, but fashion needlework was kind of a “fad” in the Sixties among everyday women even though lots of people have always done it and certain people still do. I picked this bag up when I found it because it is beautifully made, in pristine condition, and just spoke to me of that Mod time in fashion.
The tortoise shell plastic handles were really “in” then, as well as the printed lining. I’ve left the closure flap turned up so that you can see the lovely lining material, too. It’s fully-lined, with metal hardware.
Just a simple bag, but with a shift dress and flats (or a sheath and pumps if you’re at the Club or an appointment) you’d look just like any photo from a popular magazine of 1964 or so. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 