I missed this traveling exhibit in my home state: The Purse and the Person: A Century of Women's Purses at The California Museum, 1020 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 653-7524. It ran July 3-September 26, 2010.

It will be at The Women's Museum, 3800 Parry Avenue, Dallas, TX 75226, (214) 915-0860, through January 24, 2010.

If you know of any other vintage purse exhibits, please let me know and I will post the information here. In between everything else I'm doing. And I'm doing a lot. Honest.

--cartoon by Chillpaw

Gray Lucite Purse with Bead Detail. 1950s. Maker: Llewellyn. Unusual oblong marbelized gunmetal gray Llewellyn Lucite bag, with shiny front detail that looks almost as if it were cut or carved out of the original shape. Likely it was molded to have that flower pot-shaped design, with its raised beads and intricate outer line that looks like marcasite or—if you’ve got an imagination like mine—an open zipper. Sturdy matching clasp, interestingly twisted Lucite handles and exquisite moiré interior.

I just acquired this purse today. I simply had to. Fell in love with it instantly, even though Lucite purses aren’t my “thing.” Meaning, I only have a dozen or so Lucite bags as opposed to perhaps 40 or so of the ‘60s kit purses I generally carry. There was a big sale this weekend at all of the fabulous antique stores in my town, so I have to give them a plug here. If you are ever in or near Simi Valley, California, please patronize Penny Pinchers, Aubergine Emporium, Shop Around the Corner and Fishy Finds. Tell ‘em Wendy sent you!

Betsy B Wooden Box Bag with Floral Velvet Appliqués. Early 1960s. Maker: Betsy B of Florida. Crème-colored painted wooden box purse in a unique octagonal shape with lovely velvet appliquéd flowers and leaves, and velvet ribbon trim on the handle. The coolest part is that I have TWO. I’ve had the blue one for many years—can’t remember exactly how long—but the pink one recently showed up on my doorstep, for a very reasonable price. I love these bags—and not just because they’re fraternal twins. I love that there are subtle differences in the way the artist (or artists) positioned the flowers. Both purses are lined and both have inside mirrors, one round and one square. And both purses make me happy.

White Wicker Bag with Appliqués and Seed Beads. 1950s. Maker: Midas of Miami. White wicker box purse with hundreds of seed beads glued to the front. It also features faux jewels and embroidered appliqués, including daisies, pansies and a butterfly. Pink satin lining and the typical Midas white and gold braid handle. I didn’t need another Midas purse, but since it’s my favorite mid-century designer, I couldn’t pass this one up. It’s not in the best condition, but it was reasonably priced and bargains like these are getting much more difficult to find. Also, pansies. How cute is that?

Wooden Bucket Bag with Artificial Foliage. 1970s. Maker: Unknown. This ‘70s-era (judging by the quilted floral print lining) purse is made out of a slatted wooden basket with hinged lid. It’s likely homemade. It has a wooden handle and is decorated on top with cloth and plastic flowers, leaves and butterfly. The lime and pink paint reminds me of my childhood. A lot of little girls’ bedrooms were painted in similar tones. In fact, these colors are back in style—only now they call them “celery” and “blush!”

Vintage Compact Purse. 1960s(?) Maker: Unknown. Alas, I know very little about compact purses. This one is a goldtone metal weave, with mesh metal strap, cigarette holder, powder case and a slot for lipstick. Mirror is missing. Not in very good condition, but I couldn’t resist purchasing it for $8!

If you know anything about this purse, please leave a comment or email me at info(at)wendydager.com.

If I Play My Cards Right Purse. 1960s. Maker: JR Florida. Tweedy red purse with needlepoint front that says “If I play my (cards) right,” featuring four playing cards and heart, spade, diamond and club detail. Outlined in matching red trim. Cute little built-in change purse. Woven handle. I bought this at the Vintage Expo in Santa Monica and I’ve never seen another like it. Which isn’t to say there’s not one out there somewhere. Which would mean that we’re both lucky—if not in cards—then in purses!