Caron of Houston Needlepoint Box Bag

Needlepoint and Beaded Box Purse. 1960s. Maker: Caron of Houston, Texas. Small hard-sided briefcase-style bag covered in woven fabric. Decorated on the front side with a needlepoint floral scene, large colorful faux gems, tiny white seed beads and gold trim. Goldtone hardware and faux leather handle.

Caron is known for this type of decoration, but this is a rare bag because of its box style. I just love how classic it is, but with that added sparkle and color.

BONUS! We’re having a giveaway! Our sister site, The Vintage Purse Gallery, is giving away a set of Secret Life of Purses note cards. Click the link to enter the Facebook giveaway or copy and paste this URL in your browser: http://apps.facebook.com/hooplasoft_giveaways/data?o=iacDWVqd8gCyEW82QjzFXx0XRIZEKsznwbmziLcfzEo%3D%0A;. 

U.S. residents only. Contest ends October 1, 2012. Good luck!

The Secret Life of Purses

NOW AVAILABLE! The Secret Life of Purses 5.5" x 4" flat note cards with photos by Tina Carlson, featuring purses from The Vintage Purse Gallery!

The set of five includes: "Bipartisanship" (wicker donkey and elephant Midas of Miami purses), "Puppy Love," (wicker dog Midas of Miami purses), "Fish TV" (wicker fish Midas of Miami purse), "Feelin' Groovy," (raffia and straw Bags By Patricia purse), and "Wedding Cake," (three vintage box purses, including a plastic one by Theresa Bag Co., a hand-painted leatherette one by Lily-Bet Filbert Imports of the Palm Beaches, and a white marbleized Lucite trunk style bag.)

Price is $10 per one set of five; $18 for two sets; $24 for three sets, and includes white envelopes and shipping via USPS. Quantities are limited. Sorry, we can only ship within the United States. 

To order click the Paypal link here or in the side bar.

Price (includes shipping via USPS)

One set $10.00 USD Two sets $18.00 USD Three sets $24.00 USD

Brown Soft Fabric Purse with Suede Floral Appliques

Brown Soft Fabric Purse with Suede Floral Appliques. 1960s. Maker: Soure Bag New York. Soft, suede-like brown fabric Kelly-style bag with suede floral and leaf appliques. The flowers, stems and leaves are stitched to the bag and there are metal balls and metal floral center details. Two inner pockets, one zip. One of the pockets holds a mirror, still wrapped in its original cardboard, never used.

Soure is one of my favorite designers. This purse is so much more special in person than in the picture. The artist put a lot of love and care into the design. Best of all, it’s in near-mint condition and doesn’t appear to have ever been used.

Gold "Where the Boys Are" and "Where the Girls Are" Large Handbag

Gold "Where the Boys Are" and "Where the Girls Are" Large Handbag. 1960s. Maker: Custom Original Pert Bag California. Fabulous, large-size, rectangular, super-shiny gold lame faux leather purse with plastic-covered windows featuring an incredible painted design on each side. One side is “Where the Girls Are” – “Coiffures, Reducing Salon, Furriers” and the other is “Where the Boys Are” – “Burlesque, Joe’s Bar,” and the racetrack. There are also strategically placed clear rhinestones. Three inner pockets, including one that zips. Four goldtone feet.

As you know, I have many purses, but this recent find ranks up there as one of my most delightful. I have never seen one like this! (Of course now that I’ve said that…)

BONUS! In honor of Grandparents Day, which is today, September 9, here is a pin-up style picture of my wonderful grandmother, circa 1930. She was as sweet as she was beautiful. I hope I am as close to my grandchildren (I only have one right now, but would love more!) as she was to me.

Black and Yellow Corde Bag

Black and Yellow Corde Bag. 1940s. Maker: Genuine Corde Creation. Fabulous, unusual 100 percent rayon Corde small corded fabric purse in black and yellow. Goldtone twist lock. Two inner pockets; one that zips.

I have a lot of Corde bags, but what makes this one unusual is the blend of yellow and black. It’s a beautiful bag, with the swirls creating a multi-dimensional optical illusion.

BONUS! Check it out. This is my Midas of Miami wicker fish purse admiring itself in a note card, with photo by the incredible Tina Carlson. We will have note card sets of her amazing artistic series, The Secret Life of Purses, available for purchase soon.