So, you wanna know about my thing with 60’s purses and handbags? Well, lemme tell ya, it wasn’t something I planned. I kinda just fell into it, you know?
I remember I was at my grandma’s place, years ago, just poking around in her closet. She had all this cool old stuff. And then I saw it – this really neat, structured handbag, a bit like a Kelly bag but not quite. It was this amazing avocado green color, patent leather, with a gold clasp that clicked so satisfyingly. I picked it up, and it just felt… solid. Different from the bags I was used to seeing in stores.
That little green bag sparked something. I started noticing 60s styles more, in old movies, magazines. I thought, “Hey, I want more of these!”
My Little Treasure Hunts
So, my hunt began. At first, I didn’t really know where to look. I’d pop into charity shops, but mostly found newer stuff. Then, a friend told me about a vintage fair happening in town. I decided to check it out. Boy, was that an eye-opener! So many stalls, so many bags!
I spent hours just looking, touching. Some were ridiculously expensive, others were a bit tatty. I didn’t buy anything that first time, I was too overwhelmed. But I learned a lot, just by observing and listening to sellers talk about their items.
After that, I got a bit more strategic. I started visiting flea markets regularly. You really have to dig at those places. Sometimes you find a gem hidden under a pile of old clothes, sometimes you go home empty-handed. It’s all part of the fun, the searching.
I also discovered online marketplaces, but you have to be careful there. Pictures can be deceiving. I once bought a bag that looked amazing online, but when it arrived, it smelled so musty I couldn’t get rid of it, and the “minor wear” was a giant coffee stain on the inside. Lesson learned!
What I Look For and What I’ve Found
I’m not a hardcore collector with a list of must-haves. I just buy what I like, what feels special. I’ve learned to look for certain things: quality of the material (is it real leather? good quality vinyl?), the condition of the hardware (clasps, zippers, handles), and the state of the lining. A shredded lining is a big turn-off for me, unless the bag is super rare.
I’ve managed to find some lovely pieces over time:
- A classic black patent box bag – it goes with everything.
- A white wicker one with colorful plastic fruit on it, so kitschy and fun for summer.
- A small, beaded evening bag that must have taken ages to make.
- A tapestry bag with a lucite handle – that one gets a lot of comments.
What I love most is the variety. You had these super structured, ladylike bags, and then you also had the more fun, mod styles emerging. The materials were interesting too – lots of patent leather, vinyl, and those cool early plastics for handles and details. They just don’t make ’em like they used to, as the old saying goes. And it’s true! These bags have personality.
Compared to a lot of modern bags, these feel more unique. They’ve already lived a life before they got to me. I often wonder who owned them, what occasions they were taken to. It’s like carrying a little piece of history.
Sure, some of them are a bit impractical. My box bags don’t hold much more than a phone, a lipstick, and a tiny wallet. And you have to be a bit more careful with them. But that’s okay. It makes using them feel a bit more special.
So yeah, that’s my journey with 60’s handbags. It started with one discovery and turned into a really enjoyable hobby. I don’t go crazy buying them, just pick one up now and then when I find something that really speaks to me. It’s a little nod to a different era, and I love it.
