I’ll let you in on a secret- I have a serious problem.
A hoarding problem…
Handbags!
Beautiful, 50s\60s handbags, in all different shapes, sizes and colours!
I call them my “collection”, but, to tell the truth, I just can’t bear to walk past one of these little beauties in a charity shop. Every time I see one, sitting unloved and lonely, I can hear it silently plead with me to give it a new home. I love them.
There’s a classic, timeless beauty to them that never looks or feels out of place. As far as dressing vintage goes, they’re one of the easiest ways to incorporate some vintage flair into an otherwise modern outfit, or seals the deal with a head-to-toe vintage ensemble.
All of my bags have been picked up for no more than £5 in local charity shops. My white one, pictured below, was a bargain at £1.50, complete with coordinating mirror. While some of them may have a little wear and tear, for the most part, they are all in exceptionally good condition. When purchasing a vintage bag, remember to check the clasp is intact and still going strong, check any zips are still functional (top tip- vintage bags will have metal zips. If it’s plastic, it’s modern!) and check the handles too! My favourite red bag (currently on loan to my mum) is incredibly fragile, as the handles have taken an awful lot of damage over time, and in places they are clinging on to life by a thread. Sadly, it’s not in good enough shape to be used, but it looks great as part of a display set up in my mum’s workplace.
I knew it was damaged when I got it- I just loved it too much to pass it by! I just can’t resist these bags. My problem is, though, that I just have too many of them. (and yet, I need more!)
Where do I put them? What do I do with them?!
Most of the time I save the use of my vintage bags for a special occasion or for when I’m going out someplace nice. Unfortunately, vintage bags like these just weren’t designed for all the junk we carry around nowadays (I’m looking at you, mobile phones). Trying to cram your everyday stuff- keys, phone, purse, lipstick, powder, diary etc- into one of these little bags just isn’t practical (It doesn’t stop me from buying them, though!) I mourn the days where women needed just our lipstick, powder and maybe a little money in our handbags!
For now, most of my bags are hidden in my bedroom, waiting for their time to shine, or until I find the perfect way to display all of them in a practical way.
Do you collect anything? What do you do with your collection? Leave a comment and let us know!
Eliza
xx
Pin-ups & needles 