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Thursday, April 12, 2012

Vintage Thursday: Vintage Handbags

I'm not a person who worries much about the purse I carry--I want it to be functional, hold my stuff, not be too heavy, and have a convenient layout of pockets, etc. It has to be sturdy, too because once I find one I like, I carry it for months. However, that doesn't mean that I'm not attracted to unique bags, and most of the ones I carry are vintage because they are good quality and hold up to the kind of use I give them. I mean, I carry a camera, a multi-tool, a tape measure, pocket knife, voice recorder, cell phone, and all the usual things a woman might need.

Lately I've found some bags that, while they certainly aren't "me" are way cool. Here are a few of them; most are listed for sale on eBay right now.

 I was fascinated by the catch on this bag. A yard sale find, this Rodo bag is made of laquered wicker with the neatest snap catch I've ever seen. It converts easily to a clutch by simply putting the chain strap inside.

A stunning bag, probably from the 70's or 80's. This one sports reptile hide, braid and suede in a luscious shade of purple. Again, the catch caught my eye--it's a braided circlet, just lovely. Made by Palizzio, and like the Rodo bag above, made in Italy.

 This raffia and plastic or bakelite purse was made in Hong Kong. It has a nice brass catch and is lightweight but so cute.

This one may not be vintage, but who can resist beads, satin and rhinestones? Not me. A NY & Co bag.

This bag is made of metal, with a velvet lining that is trimmed in braid. The gold chain strap can be put inside to make it a clutch. Gold and gorgeous! The photo doesn't do it justice really.

The photo  is blurry, but even so the classicly elegant lines of this 50's-era evening bag are clear. Rhinestone-studded catch is a nice touch.

 I am a sucker for beaded bags of all kinds, and this 1950's-60's vintage bag is a great example. What I like most about these older purses is the catches--they were made to be pretty but solid. The hinged frame on this bag is another example of good workmanship.

So simple, and so stylish! This pretty leather bag has a heavy chain handle, and inside, pale pink grosgrain silk lining. There is no maker's name in this one, but it obviously well made.

A country woman like me would have little use for purses like these, but that doesn't stop me from admiring and appreciating them!

Linking to these friends today: A Vintage Green, Colorado Lady, Apron Thrift Girl, Her Library Adventures, From my Front Porch to Yours and A Coastal Charm. Check them out to see lots of great thrifting finds and vintage items!

7 comments:

  1. Don't forget Junker Newbie, she put her party up late but its open now. Love the purses.
    Joy

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  2. I rarely buy a new purse - I carry them forever too. I've found such nice ones over the past year though that I've bought some & stored them for future use. You can find such amazing buys thrifting!

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  3. What a fun post this morning! They're all cute but I'm a no nonsense kind of purse myself. My favorite is a denim hobo that I take everywhere.

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  4. I'll go look at her site, Joy--thanks for the head's up.

    Mamabug, I'm with you--my purses are usually simple and not center-stage like these. But I have learned that vintage bags are in these days, and I love finding them. Sometimes vintage shops in NYC even buy them :)

    You know the joys of thrifting, Jenny! Like you, I keep my eyes open for purses I like, and I have a few stashed away too ;)

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  5. Love these purses, they are to die for. The nicest I've seen anywhere. Certainly not in the thrift stores I go in.
    I carry a huge tote as a purse, big enough to hold my 200 page manuscript plus a novel I'm reading. And everything else I can squeeze in there, water bottle etc.
    I rarely dress up anymore.
    If I were choosing one of your bags, I did love the bright colored ones with the fancy work.
    Blessings to you on selling those beauties.
    Barb
    PS will you be at the conf this summer???
    I'm so excited that I am coming.

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  6. I have a friend who hangs hers on the wall. They are lovely, I seem to remember older family carrying ones like them. I bet they sell fast.--Jane

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  7. Hanging them on the wall--what a great idea, Jane! I might just do that if they don't sell.

    And Barb, yes! I'll be at the conference! It will be wonderful to see you.

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