Garay Black Tote with Pink Felt Bows

Black Tote with Pink Felt Bows. 1960s. Maker: Garay. Large size black tote made of woven fabric with cardboard inside the front, back and bottom to help keep its shape. Covered with fabulous pink felt bows that are embellished with silvertone studs and clear gems. No closure. Two fabric handles. Lined in lightweight pale pink fabric. Two inner pockets; one that zips.

I just love that this has pink bows, which are very girly, but have also come to represent, in refined ribbon form, the fight against breast cancer. Check out this wonderful Pinterest board: http://pinterest.com/tricianash/cancer-ribbon-tattoos/

Claire Fashions Plastic-Covered Purse with Inset Needlework Design

Plastic-Covered Purse with Inset Needlework Design. 1960s. Maker: Claire Fashions. Large, oblong (not quite baguette) purse made of textured linen-look fabric and covered completely in plastic. Beneath the plastic is a rectangular mesh backing that has a floral needlework design edged in gold braided trim. Matching ivory-colored faux leather handle and frame. Near perfect condition green moire interior. Zip pocket. Sturdy clasp. Four goldtone feet.

These always remind me of the plastic my mom used to put on the couch. What’s especially fantastic about this one is its condition. It’s almost mint, with no tears or yellowing.

Bonus pic! A plethora of plastic purses!

Jolles Red Corduroy Tote

Red Corduroy Tote with Colonial Couple. 1960s. Maker: Jolles Original. Large, bright red corduroy tote-style purse with front mesh (needlepoint base) design featuring a needlework colonial couple, separated by a tree. The woman holds a basket; the man a lute, or, perhaps a shovel. (I hope not.) It is also embellished with hundreds (thousands?) of glued-on seed beads, faux pearls and rhinestones. Inside are two pockets; one zips.

Jolles bags are always eye-catching conversation pieces, sometimes embellished with three-dimensional designs. Here's a bonus pic of my three (so far!) corduroy Jolles purses. One has the legs and skirts of cancan dancers in felt and the other is a sewing motif, which you can see better in a separate post.