sources, clockwise: sleek black vintage handbag from vintagerevolver, vintage black leather barrel purse from sprinklesburton, vintage black leather clasp purse from whatsheknows, vintage black leather doctor purse from estatesale.
It finally happened: my beloved vintage, leather hand bag is starting to bite the dust. It began earlier this year: the stitching along the handle was coming undone, and for awhile I could ignore it. But now it’s gotten much worse. I need to repair it (shouldn’t be too hard), but I know that the bag probably only has so much time left in it (it’s my “workhorse” bag)! So I’ve been searching around Etsy for some options. My criteria, as with most women and their hand bags, is pretty precise: something that isn’t too big or too small, will fit my essentials (cell, slim wallet, sunglasses, keys, a couple of lipsticks and a compact), not too shiny, is a structured shape, the strap should be long enough to slip over my shoulder but not so long I can’t hold it in my hand, and has a pocket or two inside (because I hate digging around for my lipstick!).
Of course finding this “dream bag” within my criteria and price range (which admittedly, I was spoiled by the thrift shops in VA; I usually found vintage handbags for less than $5!), has proven to be difficult. But I did unearth a few beauties that are worth checking out!
And now, enough online window shopping! I really need to go do something productive with myself; like making the pretzels I promised Sailor Husband three weeks ago… lol!
* Little Black Bag
Oooh, finding the perfect handbag can be such a bear. Good luck in your quest!
I adore LBB number 3 you listed – the “Vintage Black Leather Clasp Purse”.
Ironically – the cheapest as well.
Besos!
I know exactly what you mean. My go-to LBB, which I bought (new) almost 10 years ago, has become too mangy to wear. Sigh. My favourite out of this bunch is the bottom left
Oh I am in real need of a LBB too – I actually don’t have an everyday one, only a small frame bag that isn’t good enough for everyday usage really. I think now that I’m graduating and (hopefully!) entering the work world, I should invest in a perfect LBB but haven’t found the right one yet (that I can afford anyway!)
I do not have an LBB…I have kids…so I found a purse that is big enough to double as a diaper bag, when I don’t actually want to CARRY the diaper bag.
MacDill used to have 2 really neat thrift shops, there is only 1 now…open to active duty E6 & below. They used to have the neatest stuff…I am gonna guess that the one still has good stuff. I wanna say it’s something like Airmen’s Attic…I haven’t been in so long it’s hard to say, but if you’re out near the base anyway, check out [manmade] Davis Islands as well, they may have something good out there. Plant City is another great antiquey area…but a little further inland. It’s a fun day trip, though.
I like the one on the top left corner. I love that style of bag.
I know this is off topic but I didn’t know you use to live in VA. I live in VA (originally from NC). Since your husband is a sailor have you ever heard of Newport News Shipyard or Norfolk Naval Yard? I worked at NNS for about 5 years. Did you ever thrift around this area (Norfolk, Newport New, Virginia Beach)? If you had any suggestions on places to thrift? If you haven’t or don’t know the places I’m talking about….Sorry I was just wondered.
Thanks
Oh I love the one from estatesale!
Lovely choices, Casey! I tend to wear purses into the ground too, my last one to bite the dust was a dark brown over the shoulder number that went with most outfits nearly as well as black. A few months back I picked up an inexpensive black purse at Winners (which I think is like TJ Maxx in the States), which while perhaps not full on 1940s, goes quite well with most styles.
I love purses, but a lot of them hate me! I’m allergic (really, really allergic) to nickel and often to leather (I think it’s the dyes/tanners more than the material because suede and I are friends), so avoiding external metal (buckles, studs, decorative zippers, etc) on a bag that has vintage appeal can be tricky. Luckily though I recently found a lovely dark red one at Sears for $20 (on sale) and a white and black structured polka dot (fabric) one from Payless, and am feeling positively spoiled to have three “safe” purses in rotation at one time.
But enough about moi! I really hope you find the bag you’re searching for – and for a steal of a deal!
Have marvelous day,
♥ Jessica
*Tiny typo* (sorry about that)
Have a marvelous day!!
♥ Jessica
the one on the bottom left is sweet – it looks like a box for some intstrument, a flute or something. otherwise i really liked the on on the top left:) have a great day!
bottom left for sure!
got to love the frustrations and joys of dream bag searching… xxxc