Jana Twisted Raffia Handbag

Twisted Raffia Handbag. 1960s/1970s. Maker: Jana. Small, elegant blue and white twisted and woven raffia purse. Goldtone hardware. Goldtone feet. Entirely lined in heavy woven fabric (polyester?). One zip pocket, one without a zipper. Tag says: “Made in Italy Exclusively for Jana.”

This is kind of small for everyday use (at least for me!), but it’s so well-made and lovely that I can see it used for a spring event.

Bonus pic! Another Jana purse. This one is made of wooden beads.

Second bonus pic! You’ve seen this before, but I have to share it again. This is the tattoo on my right calf. It’s a copy of a 1940s Jana purse advertisement. I love the noir quality of the lady!

Corduroy Tote with Dress Form and Mirror

Corduroy Tote with Dress Form and Mirror. 1960s. Maker: Jolles Original. Fabulous taupe corduroy tote purse with a black felt scene that features a dress form, scissors, standup mirror, and rug (beneath the mirror). The felt pieces are decorated with faceted black faux gems and rhinestones. Two inner pockets. The purse is lined in black felt.

I’ve had my lustful eye for a good long while on one of these (same style; different colors), but it was way too pricey for cheap li’l ol’ me. Then my mojo kicked in and I managed to find this beauty (needs a bit of regluing, but that’s OK) hidden in a lot of four vintage purses. How I love that mojo!

Esta Miami Golden Tote with Carriage

Gold Tote Purse with Carriage Design. 1960s. Maker: Esta of Miami. Wonderful gold lame tote style bag in excellent condition, with a carriage, coachman and horses made of faux leather and decorated with gold glitter paint, faux gems and faux pearl wheels. Goldtone twist lock. Four goldtone “feet” at the bottom. Inside zip pocket.


I got this purse—my first Esta!—last month at the Burbank Vintage Clothing & Textile Show from the lovely Jeanne of Little Treasures Antiques and Vintage. Please check out her website and Facebook page.

Novelena Child-Size Poodle Tote

Child Size Blue Felt Poodle Purse. 1960s. Maker: Novelena. Sweet, very small bucket bag covered in turquoise blue felt. On the front is a black felt poodle with glued-on white seed beads, rhinestones, plaid trim and a faux pearl nose (which I need to re-glue). On each side are two tiny plaid bows with rhinestones in the center.

How cute is this? I’ve seen a few Novelena bags, mostly for children, but not exclusively. For size comparison, I’ve placed the Novelena purse in front of a full-size poodle tote by Garay. 

Faye Mell Embroidered Flowers Handbag

Embroidered Flowers Handbag with Original Tag. 1960s. Maker: Faye Mell Designs, Fleurette Inc., Miami, Florida. Linen-like taupe colored rectangular bag with curved edges. The front features a yarn embroidery pattern of orange, pink, yellow and green flowers and leaves. It’s embellished with pastel-colored seed beads. Goldtone hardware and chain. Bonus! It has the original “Styled by Fleurette of Miami” hangtag. The reverse of the tag says “STYLE No. 2” The “2” is handwritten, hopefully by Faye herself!