Fabric Shoulder Bag with No No No No No Print

Fabric Shoulder Bag with No No No No No Print. 1960s/1970s. Maker: “Very Originals” – Paul B. Stone – Canoga Park, Calif. Super-fun red denim-like fabric bag with a print that says “no” all over it in white, with some of the no's in green, black and yellow. Long, knotted strap. Snap closure. Inner zip pocket.

This purse always makes me smile. It reminds me of an old ringtone my husband had on his phone when our daughters were teenagers. Our older daughter’s was the Zombies’ “Tell her no no no no no-no-no-no…”

Did you like our Facebook page yet? We’re thinking of having a giveaway. Details to follow soon!

Kelly-Style Bag in Bronze Faux Patent Leather

Kelly-Style Bag in Bronze Faux Patent Leather.1960s. Maker: Melbourne Bags. Classic Kelly-style handbag in bronze or copper (brownish with a green hue) faux patent leather, with stitching and tiny hole detail on the front. Goldtone hardware. Inner pocket. Lined in faux greenish-cream leather.

I have to admit that I’m more a fan of the showier bags, but this one is very nice. Even though it has some wear (scuffs and such), it’s classically styled and, best of all, it’s SHINY!

Bonus pic! Here’s Faith the Mannequin holding the purse. You simply MUST check out her dress. It’s a 1950s brown knit dress—with embroidered green monogram—I got years ago at a thrift store… from the 99-cent rack. Yep, it was a heart-stopping, I-can’t-breathe, attempt-at-poker-face moment. You just don’t find stuff like that anymore. But there’s always hope!

Large Three-Dimensional Asian Scene Tapestry and Gold Lame Purse. 1960s. Maker: Unknown. Humongous purse featuring a gorgeous Asian tapestry on the front, with the three people lightly padded so as to give them a three-dimensional effect. The flap, straps and back are gold lame. Lined in silk moire with one interior pocket.

I got this fabulous bag yesterday from Vintage Blue Moon at the Helm’s Design District Vintage Boutique in Culver City, California. If you are anywhere near there for the next show, do plan to visit. It’s put on by the great guys at Clever Vintage Clothing. I got another purse—a ladybug and flower bag—from Vintage Blue Moon, which you can see on this blog’s sister site, The Vintage Purse Gallery. I also got a dress from Vintage Blue Moon and two stunning necklaces from Little Treasures Vintage. When you’ve been collecting for a long time, you get to know dealers, and I consider myself very lucky to know these wonderful people.

Bonus pic! I picked up some shelving for a show I’m doing (in my “other” life as a writer), and decided instead of storing the three pieces, to use them to display a few of my vintage purses. If you are a collector, I suggest checking Craigslist for businesses that are closing. I got these three folding bookcases for $18!

Quilted Costumed Renaissance Ladies Purse.1960s. Maker: Soure Bag New York. Smaller fabric purse with wonderful, richly colored costumed ladies on both sides. One side has the description (at the bottom), “Gothic Fashion for Ladies Burgund about 1460 Anno Domini,” and the other says “German Renaissance Festivity dress for Ladys (sic) about 1510.” The purse is lightly quilted and has stitching throughout to enhance the design. Faux leather strap and a purse mirror, still in its original wrapping, inside the inner pocket.

I love this purse. I know I say that a lot, but I really appreciate the ones that have little scenes. The only problem is that it’s so small, and lately, I have a lot of stuff to haul around. Seems as if the older we get, the bigger the purse!

Bonus pic! Here’s how I have the bag displayed. I got the iron hanger at a home housewares party years ago. I assume it’s meant for pots, but I chose to hang purses and hats from it. I think it worked out great!

Cut Chenille Asian Motif Purse.1960s. Maker: Unknown. Large size black faux leather purse with a cut chenille design in gold and orange-y pink (possibly originally red), featuring ladies in traditional Japanese garb, Oriental-style structures, a hanging lantern, plants and a tree. The design is on both sides of the bag.

This is a great purse. Unfortunately, I’ve used it so frequently that one side is separating from the main body of the purse. The good news is that it looks repairable. Now where’s that hot glue gun…?

Bonus pic! Check it out! It’s my newest tattoo. Very sore, because I just got it done yesterday, but I love it so much that I wanted to share. It’s on my right calf and is a copy of a 1940s Jana purse ad, done by the amazing Heather Sinn of The Tattoo Room.