Vintage Purse

Carrying a purse, or a handbag, is so much more than just a means to hold your money and you makeup.  A purse carries along with it a fashion sense that reflects your individual style and personality.  A vintage purse embodies a nostalgic aura that no “modern” designer handbag can match, and will draw just as much fashionable attention.

In today’s stylistic society, anything goes, including nostalgic apparel.  A vintage purse added to your ensemble will never go out of style and will remain totally chic.  Some will spend thousands of dollars on a designer handbag, such as a Gucci, just for that authentic look and feel.  Others, however, will save a couple thousand dollars and pick up a vintage purse for an equally distinguished flair.

Handbags, per se, have been around for thousands of years.  Typically, in the distant past, they were just leather or cloth drawstring satchels used to carry around anything from money to medicines to seeds.  Through the late 1700, women’s clothing styles did not easily accommodate pockets and women started to carry around small embroidered drawstring bags called reticules.  They typically contained their perfume, powders, and a handkerchief.  Through the 1800’s and into the Victorian era, the handbags typically grew in size and became an either round or square shaped flattened styles bag.  Usually heavily embroidered and beaded, they were also made to match the woman’s outfit.  By the early 1900’s purses were a mainstay and a woman rarely left home without one in hand.  As the purse sizes and uses exploded, shoulder bag versions became a natural succession by WW2.  Not only was it a burden to always carry a heavier purse in hand, it was certainly more convenient to have both hands free during an outing.

Handbag styles changed through the 50’s and 60’s and up through the 70’s until today.  They typically reflected iconic fashion sensibilities of their times, as the current designers meandered through, using varying materials and designs to suit the current needs.  Choosing a vintage purse can be as exciting as entering a candy store.  The range of choices are so vast, and every design speaks of prideful heritage ensuring you will never be “out of time.”  Whether you choose a Victorian handbag, Edwardian handbag or an Art Nouveau vintage purse, you will be rewarded with a timeless and nostalgic accessory that will compliment your personal fashion appeal.