Plastic and Rhinestone Belt Bag with Coordinating Change Purse. 1950s. Maker: Unknown. Petite, envelope-style evening purse with giant, prong-set rhinestones and goldtone metal closure. The purse’s sides stand up to put in your stuff, like this coordinating plastic change purse, which has gold veins running through it and gold stitching at the sides. Both purses have yellowed with age, which is pretty common for 60-year-old plastic handbags from this era. The most interesting part of the evening bag, besides the wonderful garishness of the stones, is that it has a loop in the back, so you can conveniently wear it on the belt of your cocktail dress or evening gown.

I recently acquired a huge box of vintage bags for ten bucks, plus shipping cost, and these were among its contents. I’ve never seen an envelope purse quite like this, let alone one with a belt loop in the back. Pretty cool.

Black Tote with Three-Dimensional Floral Embellishments. 1950s-60s. Maker: Stylecraft Miami. Lovely tote-style bag made from a medium-weight black fabric that was crafted around cardboard to keep its unusual shape. There’s a built-in change purse in the center, and it has goldtone fittings and feet. The fabric handle slides through rings to make it adjustable. Best of all, it has a goldtone design of large beads that were glued on to create flowers, plus goldtone and faux gem leaves, and a gold braid trim branch.

In addition to creating purses with 3-D décor, Stylecraft was known for its Lucite (or, as the company called them, “Tenite”) bags. Which reminds me: my husband’s grandfather was in the ceramics’ industry in the early part of the last century and he invented a material called Dagerite. I can’t find anything about it online, but I believe it was used to make heat-resistant dishes. If you collect old pottery and know anything about Dagerite, e-mail me!

Wicker Mini Parasol Purse. 1950s. Maker: K&G Charlet. Rare child-sized white-painted wicker purse in the shape of an umbrella. Adorably dainty, the top slides up to access the interior, which is lined in champagne-colored mesh fabric. I’ve seen several of these purses over the years and most of them are bigger. Some are natural wicker; some have attached faux flowers or fruit. Another unusual aspect is the presence of the “K&G Charlet Bag – Made in Japan” sewn-in tag. Charlet is better known for making evening handbags that are covered in exquisite beadwork (see my post of June 19, 2007).

Below is a picture of the mini parasol purse alone, but for size comparison, I’ve included a photo of it next to its much larger cousin, a Mary Poppins-worthy parasol purse (maker unknown) from the same era.

Cornucopia Purse. 1960s. Maker: Unknown. Large vintage tote-style purse made of tan woven fabric with a tan vinyl (or "pleather") top, bottom strip and handle. It’s very stiff and was barely used, but someone has cleverly reinforced one of the grommets in back with a nut and bolt. The design is an autumn-themed cornucopia, or “horn of plenty” with a variety of embroidered fruits and vegetables spilling out. It’s decorated with faux pearls, gems and gold rope trim, while an appliquéd bee buzzes overhead.

It possibly began as a General Crafts kit that was purchased by a ‘60s housewife who then assembled it. These kit bags are my favorite style of purse to collect and to carry. While this is a rare design in terms of what I’ve seen online and at the vintage shows, I had two of them. I gave one to a lifelong friend for whom I am very thankful.

I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving, good health, great friends, and many excellent vintage finds!

Persian Fabric and Vinyl Handbag. 1960s. Maker: Unknown. Nice large purse with black vinyl accents over a fabulous Persian (please leave a comment if I am mistaken) motif featuring people on horseback and relaxing in a garden setting. The fabric feels like rayon. Goldtone clasp closure.

I love these huge purses, because I can carry all my junk in them. The only problem is that, with the passing of time and overuse, they can get ruined. I have a purse similar in size, shape and construction to this one—except it’s an Asian tapestry. I used it a lot, so the fabric eventually tore away from the backing, which I believe to be cardboard—not the most sturdy base for a purse.

While I do have some purses that are for display only, I always carry a vintage handbag when I go out. I guess I just have to rotate them more frequently!

Plastic Covered Handbag with Berry Embroidery. 1960s. Maker: Unknown. Ivory fabric purse with an embroidered pattern of green leaves, mauve and lavender berries, and silver and white stems. It also has faux pearls, a silver chain handle and an unusual white plastic front frame piece. The fabric is covered in thick plastic and it has a plastic inner pocket.

What’s not so great about these plastic-covered bags—and, if you read this blog regularly, you know I have… ahem… a few—is that the idea of keeping a cloth purse clean by enveloping it in plastic—if that, indeed was the idea—was a flop. You’ll find many of these with a sticky film, water damage or dirt from age and storage. But that's OK. They may not be very resistant, but I can’t resist them, either.

In addition to complementing any wardrobe, a vintage purse or two—or more—can enhance your décor. Here are a few shots of my upstairs linen cabinet, upon which I’ve displayed items with an Asian flavor. In the center are two of my pagoda-themed 1960s kit purses (I have three—please don’t hate me), and items I picked up at thrift stores: the dolls, the art against the back wall, a vintage paper lantern and jewelry box. My mom made the needlepoint, the Japanese woman picture is from a home décor store and the wall-hanging was a gift.

Hey there, vintage purse lovers. Haven’t posted recently because I have been busy enjoying my first grandson, who was born October 22. Yes, your Old Bag is officially an Older Bag.

Here’s a picture of me in the outfit I wore to a recent vintage clothing and textile show in Burbank, California. It’s a 1950s cotton halter dress (two petticoats underneath) with matching cropped jacket, ‘40s alligator heels, and a '50s velvet and net fascinator. On the piano behind me is my vintage Midas of Miami turtle-motif handbag. Not too bad a look for a new grandma!

Plastic Covered Handbag with Boy and Girl Tapestry. 1960s. Maker: Unknown. Tan fabric purse with green, white and pink tapestry square in the center, accented by a gold and white trim border. The tapestry is a 16th-century boy and girl a-courting. The boy stands behind a pedestal fence and the girl is coyly waving a fan. Acrylic handle and gold-tone hardware.

It was a little difficult to photograph because it’s slightly crunched up due to its age, so the plastic reflects the light in odd ways. Still very sweet. Also, a note about the tapestry: the Elizabethan-era boy/girl courting theme seems to be a trend for purses made during the 1960s. I have no idea why. Perhaps it's because the Zeffirelli film "Romeo and Juliet" came out in 1968.

Plastic Covered Purse with Leaf Detail. 1960s. Maker: JR, Florida, USA. Ivory satin fabric purse with intricate leaf pattern. The branch is made of white and gold trim, which lends a three-dimensional look and leads to the design that goes down the bottom and up the sides of the purse. The leaves are differently-colored appliqués (possibly leatherette, as they are slightly puffy) that have been embroidered onto the base fabric. Someone artfully pleated the front so that the leaves stand out even more. The purse is covered in plastic and finished with gold braid around the front and back and there’s gold hardware, including little feet on the bottom.

As I’ve said before, I love these plastic-covered bags. I have this weird obsession with tactile things, especially when they have a 3-D effect. (I also have a collection of vintage framed ribbon ladies, paper dolls with fabric embellishments.) These purses have a sophistication to them, whatever their design. And you can still get them relatively cheaply, a plus for those of us who are forever looking for a bargain!

Plastic Covered Handbag with Flower Detail. 1960s. Maker: Claire Fashions. Textured ecru-colored fabric purse with intricate needlepoint floral detailing—rose and pansies, I believe—accented with gold glitter glue and iridescent sequins. If you look closely, you can also see a faux amber gem in the bow that “ties” the flower, as well as a smattering of tiny fabric flowers inside the bow and at the upper right and bottom left corners. It has little gold feet, a vinyl strap and greenish-gold lining.

The pièce de résistance is the plastic covering, presumably put there to keep it from getting dirty. I’m not sure whose idea it was to hermetically seal this style of handbag, but I can’t get enough of them.

Literally. I can’t get enough. More to follow.

Vintage-Style Modern Wicker Fish Handbag. 2000s. Maker: Cappelli Straworld. This is a newer natural wicker purse, created by designer Cappelli, in the shape of a fish. It has button eyes and turquoise faux leather handles and is very cute. I’ve seen it listed on various sites as a whale, but it’s definitely a fish. I also have a Cappelli dog purse. I’ve included the fish because it fits in nicely with my vintage wicker menagerie. Below is a picture of most of them sitting attentively on the vintage vinyl couch given to me by my friend Tina, a brilliant photographer. Perched above the two monkeys, two dogs, donkey, frog and elephant (not pictured: vintage Midas of Miami wicker fish) are a number of plastic-coated (just like grandma’s sofa!) vintage bags in a variety of designs. I’m expecting a few more of these within the next week or two, so look for pictures of them soon!






New! Get 30% off by using coupon code WZ97Y at checkout when you purchase my ebook, THRIFT ME DEADLY, on Smashwords. THRIFT ME DEADLY, a 2009 Fabri Literary Prize finalist, is the story of a thrift store-loving serial killer. (Warning: For mature audiences only. Offer good through December 2010.)

TECHNICAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Sorry to say the navbar at the top of the page doesn't work properly. According to the Blogger forums, this has been a long-term problem and Google is working to correct it. I also installed a search engine (powered by Google) on this blog, but it didn't work either, so I removed it.

If you are looking for a specific purse on Vintage Purse a Day, the best thing to do right now is go to Google and input the name or style of purse along with "vintage purse a day" in quotations. You can also e-mail me at wdager(at)sbcglobal(dot)net.

I'll let you know when Google fixes the problem.

Meanwhile, just for fun, here's an old picture of me wearing a '50s dress that looks as if it were made of vintage curtains (note: DIFFERENT curtains than the one Faith the Mannequin is wearing in my post of June 5, 2010), and holding the Betsy B bag from my post of September 26, 2010. I'm also wearing navy blue '50s wedges I found in PERFECT, unused condition at a Goodwill several years ago. The car in the background is a 2001 PT Cruiser and now belongs to my 18-year-old daughter. Yep, time flies, but vintage is always in fashion.

I missed this traveling exhibit in my home state: The Purse and the Person: A Century of Women's Purses at The California Museum, 1020 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 653-7524. It ran July 3-September 26, 2010.

It will be at The Women's Museum, 3800 Parry Avenue, Dallas, TX 75226, (214) 915-0860, through January 24, 2010.

If you know of any other vintage purse exhibits, please let me know and I will post the information here. In between everything else I'm doing. And I'm doing a lot. Honest.

--cartoon by Chillpaw

Gray Lucite Purse with Bead Detail. 1950s. Maker: Llewellyn. Unusual oblong marbelized gunmetal gray Llewellyn Lucite bag, with shiny front detail that looks almost as if it were cut or carved out of the original shape. Likely it was molded to have that flower pot-shaped design, with its raised beads and intricate outer line that looks like marcasite or—if you’ve got an imagination like mine—an open zipper. Sturdy matching clasp, interestingly twisted Lucite handles and exquisite moiré interior.

I just acquired this purse today. I simply had to. Fell in love with it instantly, even though Lucite purses aren’t my “thing.” Meaning, I only have a dozen or so Lucite bags as opposed to perhaps 40 or so of the ‘60s kit purses I generally carry. There was a big sale this weekend at all of the fabulous antique stores in my town, so I have to give them a plug here. If you are ever in or near Simi Valley, California, please patronize Penny Pinchers, Aubergine Emporium, Shop Around the Corner and Fishy Finds. Tell ‘em Wendy sent you!

Betsy B Wooden Box Bag with Floral Velvet Appliqués. Early 1960s. Maker: Betsy B of Florida. Crème-colored painted wooden box purse in a unique octagonal shape with lovely velvet appliquéd flowers and leaves, and velvet ribbon trim on the handle. The coolest part is that I have TWO. I’ve had the blue one for many years—can’t remember exactly how long—but the pink one recently showed up on my doorstep, for a very reasonable price. I love these bags—and not just because they’re fraternal twins. I love that there are subtle differences in the way the artist (or artists) positioned the flowers. Both purses are lined and both have inside mirrors, one round and one square. And both purses make me happy.

White Wicker Bag with Appliqués and Seed Beads. 1950s. Maker: Midas of Miami. White wicker box purse with hundreds of seed beads glued to the front. It also features faux jewels and embroidered appliqués, including daisies, pansies and a butterfly. Pink satin lining and the typical Midas white and gold braid handle. I didn’t need another Midas purse, but since it’s my favorite mid-century designer, I couldn’t pass this one up. It’s not in the best condition, but it was reasonably priced and bargains like these are getting much more difficult to find. Also, pansies. How cute is that?

Wooden Bucket Bag with Artificial Foliage. 1970s. Maker: Unknown. This ‘70s-era (judging by the quilted floral print lining) purse is made out of a slatted wooden basket with hinged lid. It’s likely homemade. It has a wooden handle and is decorated on top with cloth and plastic flowers, leaves and butterfly. The lime and pink paint reminds me of my childhood. A lot of little girls’ bedrooms were painted in similar tones. In fact, these colors are back in style—only now they call them “celery” and “blush!”

Vintage Compact Purse. 1960s(?) Maker: Unknown. Alas, I know very little about compact purses. This one is a goldtone metal weave, with mesh metal strap, cigarette holder, powder case and a slot for lipstick. Mirror is missing. Not in very good condition, but I couldn’t resist purchasing it for $8!

If you know anything about this purse, please leave a comment or email me at info(at)wendydager.com.

If I Play My Cards Right Purse. 1960s. Maker: JR Florida. Tweedy red purse with needlepoint front that says “If I play my (cards) right,” featuring four playing cards and heart, spade, diamond and club detail. Outlined in matching red trim. Cute little built-in change purse. Woven handle. I bought this at the Vintage Expo in Santa Monica and I’ve never seen another like it. Which isn’t to say there’s not one out there somewhere. Which would mean that we’re both lucky—if not in cards—then in purses!

Black Purse with Fish Motif. 1960s. Maker: Jolles Junior. Fabulous black cloth bag with a three-dimensional fish—looks like a marlin, but I’m no ichthyologist—made of hundreds of colorful seed beads and blue faux gems. Also has a black glass eye and gold trim accents. The purse's fabric is textured and shiny (I LOVE SHINY!) and it has a goldtone chain handle.

Jolles made a lot of these creatively-themed purses. I’ve seen poodles and flowerpots and pineapples. This is my first marlin. Or whatever the heck it is.

Plastic-Covered Linen “Antiquities” Purse. Early 1960s. Maker: Soure Bag New York. Linen or linen-like fabric bag covered in plastic (just like grandma's couch!) and featuring an antique store scene, with grandfather clock, bust, candelabra, dresser, mirror and armchair. Special touches have been added, like the fleur-de-lis on the bottom of the “Antiquities” shop, and a brass bead as the door handle. Some of the beads and faux gems have come loose and are floating around inside the bag, as if scattered on the sidewalk outside the store.

Soure is one of my favorite designers and, right now, I’m pretty irked with myself for passing up another store scene Soure I saw online. Eh, well. I’ll get you my pretty… and your little pleather handle, too!

Just for fun, I’ve included a pic of Faith the Mannequin holding the purse and wearing a ‘50s dress made out of a cotton fabric that looks like grandma's kitchen curtains.

Check it out! THRIFT ME DEADLY, my ebook about a vintage clothes-loving serial killer, is once again available for purchase on Smashwords. Warning: Extreme language and violent situations. Other than that, it’s just swell. Like the part where she kills someone over a vintage purse. I mean, seriously, wouldn’t you? http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4474

Wicker Fish Purse. 1950s. Maker: Midas of Miami. I thought for sure I’d posted this treasure before, but I did a search of my blog, and found that I hadn’t yet shared her. She’s decorated on one side with green and gold glitter, colored faux gems, black velvet ribbon and tiny shells. Her lips are outlined in pink glitter. I read somewhere that Joanne Woodward carried a fish purse like this in an old film, but I’ve never seen the evidence.

Midas of Miami is my favorite purse manufacturer. I wish I knew more about the company. You’d think the information would be out there, considering the quantity and diverse selection of these gorgeous purses for sale on the Internet and at vintage shows, but I’ve never heard from anyone who glued those shiny gems and sprinkled all that fabulous glitter. If you know a former Midas of Miami employee, please e-mail me at wdager(at)sbcglobal(dot)net. I’d love to get the scoop!

Important note: Thanks to my buddy and fellow vintage aficionado Maxine, who pointed out that are a few Midas fakes floating around. Caveat emptor!

My article about vintage sweaters and photos of sweaters from my personal collection appear in the June issue of Antiques & Collectibles Magazine. Check it out! http://www.acmagazine.com/issues/june2010.php

Special thanks to my beautiful models, Missie Miller, Katey Dager and Rachel Dager Blackard (below, in "Darlene" 1950s vintage sweater).

Pair of Raffia House Purses. Early 1970s. Maker: Gary Gail Dallas, according to the sticker on the bottom of each purse. (Note: This designer was sometimes known as Gary Gails, plural. I don’t know why he used different names on his bags.) One house is green and natural wicker or raffia (there was some argument in my own house about which material it was; thank you, adult daughters who can’t ever let me be right), and the other in red and wicker/raffia (or whatever). They both have fabric windows, doors and chimneys, and are lined in satin with contrasting rickrack. Each also has an oval mirror glued to the inside of the flap. They close with elastic latches over plastic buttons.

I have several house-shaped purses and I love the motif. Definitely a conversation piece. (Just don’t bother to converse about whether or not they are wicker. Or raffia.)

Today I got a really nice e-mail from vintage aficionado Eileen, who told me she likes my blog. That inspired me to get off my behind and go upstairs to shoot some new photos. I appreciate everyone who visits Vintage Purse a Day. I know you're checking it out from all over the world. That's pretty awesome.

These are all 1950s box-style plastic purses made by the Theresa Bag Co. of Lyndhurst, NJ. I’ve seen these etched and/or embellished Theresa purses go for as much as $150 at high-end boutiques and online malls, but I prefer paying ten bucks for them, especially if they come with a bunch of darling vintage hankies, as that pink one up front did. I always carry a hanky with me. I know that’s rather incongruous, given my appearance, but I don’t care. I love hankies. And I love Theresa Bags. They don’t seem as sturdy as your typical Lucite purse. Almost a thinner plastic, toy-like, as if made for a child. Very delicate and sweet.

By the way, they’re sitting on top of an old printers-type box, which was made into a table. And which needs to be dusted. Geesh. Do I have to do everything around here?

Wicker Frog Purse. 1950s/'60s. Maker: Midas of Miami. Turquoise velvet fabric and jewels on the back. Glitter glue accent stripes. Marble eyes. Velvet bow tie. Gold and white leather strap. Elastic closure. Lined in mod fabric. I am so excited to share this new acquisition with you! My wonderful friend and partner in vintage, Wendy (yep, that’s her name, too), gifted me with this beauty. I believe this might complete my set of Midas wicker figurals, as I also have the elephant, donkey, poodle, fish, monkey... and I think that’s it. But I might have to go upstairs to check…