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!