3-Dimensional Paper Doll Window Box Purse. 1960s. Maker: Unknown. In addition to vintage handbags, I also have a teensy—OK, it’s BIG, but not as huge as my purse collection—assemblage of “ribbon ladies.” These were made in the 1920s-1960s and featured paper dolls that were “dressed” in fabric, and then framed behind glass for display. (Caveat emptor: A lot of reproductions are being made today and sold as old on eBay.) Mine are mostly from the ‘40s or so, but I have one that features a picture from Le Moniteur de la Mode, a 19th century French fashion magazine. The beautiful paper ladies are wearing elaborately-designed cloth dresses, which you can see here in this shadow box, which I've got displayed on a wall in my living room. Well, imagine my excitement when I came across this purse, which features women of the same era. They’re not wearing fabric clothes, but their paper dresses were created in a similar 3-D style. I suspect they’re mid-20th century prints reproduced from another old French fashion magazine, La Mode Illustre, which some clever crafter used to make this delightful box bag in the ‘60s. The ladies are behind a glass window, which is trimmed in green and gold. The avocado green paint on the wooden purse was a popular color choice in the ‘60s and early '70s. I had a dresser that same hideous color. Note: The purse was only put on top of the shadow box for the photo. She's now safely back upstairs in The Pink Room. Although, she's definitely art, don't you think?

Wicker Donkey Purse. 1950s/60s. Maker: Midas of Miami. Fabulous vintage natural wicker “figural” handbag in the shape of a donkey. She has a golden handle, bridle and closure. She wears a purple velvet bejeweled hat and carries a purple velvet saddle containing a treasure chest of glued-on faux jewels. Her gold fringe mane has tan velvet bows, as does her tail. She has gold fringe and beads decorating her chest. This was the first—and only—purse for which I broke my under-$50 rule. And, what’s really cool is that she’s the perfect mate to my wicker elephant purse. I feel very bi-partisan when they’re next to each other!

I’d planned to show you one of my newer acquisitions, a wicker donkey purse, but I’ll save it for another day. I’m posting this photo instead, as we had a 4.5 earthquake last night and my beautiful 1920s French mannequin head flopped over. Luckily, she didn’t break. She also made it through the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake (I bought her from a San Francisco-based dealer in '94, after the Northridge quake), so I guess she’s one tough chick. Here she is modeling a ‘40s hat I purchased from the original owner, who told me she spent a week’s pay on it while working in a factory during World War II. She’s also got Herman the Ermine (don’t ask) wrapped around her neck and, of course, a lovely 1940s handbag. There’s no label, but it’s obviously a Cordè, with its swirly textured design. I love the acrylic zipper pull and wristlet handle. And I love my mannequin head. Which is why she’s been moved from the top of my ‘40s vanity to the carpeted floor. Not as much of a drop if we have another quake.

Visit my new vintage shop, Cancan, at Ruby Lane! I'll be adding more clothing, jewelry and collectibles soon. And check out my cool logo, designed by my bud, the famous New Jersey artist Chillpaw!

Black Evening Bag with Needlepoint and Beadwork. 1960s. Maker: Caron of Houston. Black stretch-knit fabric bag with mesh insert that features needlepoint flowers, thousands of tiny, multicolored glued-on beads, big faux pink and red jewels and goldtone leaves. The whole busy mess is framed by curly gold-and-black interwoven trim. This eye-catching style is very typical of Caron. I have a number of these bags and they never fail to garner compliments. And cause blurred vision.

I know this is a little different from a regular posting, but please indulge me as I share a bit more of what else is going on in the vintage hideaway my family refers to as “The Pink Room.” In one corner, I have this exquisite pink beaded 1920s flapper dress; so very fragile and heavy with its glass beads. I have a story about the dress: About 15 years ago, I was wearing her at a wedding, and noticed there was a dirt spot on the front. I licked my finger and used it to rub at the spot, and a tiny part of the silk DISINTEGRATED. That’s when the poor old thing was relegated to this dress form. I was afraid if I wore her again and someone spilled a drink on me, I’d be nude. On her shoulder is an enormous, thick, luxurious fur with faces and tails. It belonged to a woman named Edna, a former showgirl. The salmon-color cloche is one of my first vintage hats and I would never part with her. As this blog is about purses, I most certainly won’t forget to tell you about the gorgeous ivory beaded flapper bag you see with the dress. I got it in the early days of eBay—before people became word-search savvy—and it cost me around ten bucks. Ah, I love beautiful things. Especially when they’re cheap.

Vintage Mixed Media Under the Sea-Themed Purse. 1960s. Maker: Straw World, Hialeah, Florida. This is one major fashion statement of a purse, made of thick bands of wicker and covered in the front and on the sides with burlap. The burlap was then decorated with real shells, seaweed and a genuine dead seahorse, which looks almost angelic with its shell wings. There are also scattered rhinestones, faux pearls and opalescent stones, as well as gold edging. It practically screams ‘60s Florida tourist, with big cat-eye sunglasses and Bermuda shorts. When a purse is this bulky (12” high, 14” across, 6” deep), I’m worried that I’ll bump against something, so don’t take her out, because her décor is somewhat fragile. Some of the shells need to be reglued and, also, I’d hate for Mr. Seahorse to break, considering how long he’s lasted. Also, I don’t own any Bermuda shorts.