If you'd like to introduce a little vintage into your wardrobe, a pretty vintage handbag is a great way to do that. They are usually quite reasonable, and on top of that, no one else will have one exactly like it. From the bigger shopper totes of the 60s and 70s to tiny beaded evening bags popular in the 1920s and 30s, vintage purses are such a lovely thing to own!
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Vintage Whole Body Baby Alligator Purse Organizer Shoulder Style 1950s[/caption]
1920s and 1930s
In the 20s and 30s purses tended to be small, pretty and intricate. They could be made of metal mesh, satin, beaded, embroidered or appliqued, but they were always little works of art. One of the foremost and collectible labels of the era are Whiting & Davis, makers of beautiful mesh bags.
1940s
Handbags from the 1940s evoke that age of Hollywood glamour and style. Leather was popular for daywear and velvet and satin clutches for evening wear. Wicker and bamboo bags were also popular for summer and beachwear. Whimsy was also the theme for many bags of the era, in colorful designs and unusual materials.
1950s
Purses from the 1950s vary wildly from the iconic leather Kelly bag to super-sophisticated clutches and also some really fun and whimsical fashions. What do you think of the Whole Alligator Bag below, complete with head, legs and tail?
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Vintage Whole Body Baby Alligator Purse Organizer Shoulder Style 1950s[/caption]
1960s and 1970s
The Sixties and Seventies were a great time for quirky fun fashion, and this shows in the wonderful choice of handbags from this time, I particularly love the wooden bag which looks like a miniature sideboard! The wonderful thing about vintage handbags is that each one is so individual. You're very unlikely to come across another person with the same bag as you and that makes it all the more special!
