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?