Bejeweled Taurus Kit Purse. 1960s. Maker: Unknown, but likely a General Crafts Corp. JewelTone Handbag. Linen-look tote-style purse with a Taurus the Bull motif in gold trim and sparkling faux gems and sequins, in colors of turquoise, green, purple, blue and pinkish-gold. Inside zipper pocket and wood bottom, typical of these kit purses.

This is a recent acquisition and it’s special because it’s my first zodiac sign kit purse. Regular readers of this blog know that I have—um—a few—quite a few—of these.

Today I was doing errands and a woman at my bank commented on the bag I was carrying, the pagoda kit purse. “I’ve never seen anything like that before,” she said. “Oh, I have four of these,” I said. “…just of this one design.” I really should be ashamed of myself.

Huge Wicker Purse with Needlepoint Windmill Scene. 1960s. Maker: Unknown. Very large (14.5” high by 10” wide) and heavy wicker purse that resembles a picnic hamper, except this one’s got some seriously elaborate decorations. Someone went crazy with the gold trimmings, white beads, faux gems and rhinestones. But that’s only to complement the needlepoint scene at the front of the purse, complete with windmill, farmhouse, country road and foliage. On one side of the purse is a needlepoint lady and on the other is her gentleman. Their clothing looks circa the 17th century. The handle is wicker, wrapped in gold trim. There are two beige velvet bows on top, accented by rhinestones. Inside are shiny orangey-pink pockets that resemble hanging shoe-holders you’d find in a woman's closet, but are much smaller. Instead, they seem perfect for those tiny bottles of liquor they give you on airplanes.

Not that I’m saying you should carry around tiny bottles of liquor. But this purse is so over the top, that's what came to mind!

Special thanks to my friend and partner in vintage, Wendy, who gifted me with this fabulous find for my birthday!