Thursday Purseday: Refined Straw

Is it Spring yet? Rain is good for an area with constant drought conditions, but I'm personally tired of the grey skies. My pick for today for sunnier, warmer weather.

The Finds: Floral Embellished Straw Editorial Natalie, Coach, $498; Kinetic Art Top, ModCloth, $39.99; Aviator Short, bebe, $69; Floral Patent-Leather Thong Sandal, Donald J Pliner, Neiman Marcus, $265.

For more lovely #ThursdayPurseday picks, check out these other blogs:

Brancorpa, Demoiselle, 

Peach Bride, Pearls for Paper, A Realistic Wedding, 

Sparkle & Hay, and The Unreal Bride.

Thursday Purseday: Day Dreaming About the Caribbean

We've set the dates and location for our honeymoon! Now it's onto the day dreaming and the outfitting. Of course I'm looking at (and dreaming of) vintage (or thrift finds whenever possible) for our trip. The first thing to find? A purse. More specifically, one that looks good whether it's lounging on the beach or held smartly in a museum. I've already got a bag for hiking (it's super comfortable, holds the necessities, and has gone camping and to the playa). 

Some basic criteria my honeymoon dream bag needs to satisfy:

1. Environmentally responsible
2. Neutral colors
3. Size (large enough to hold a camera, my iPhone, my wallet or coin purse, and some sunscreen)
4. Shape (has to fit tucked inside my carry on because we're flying; purse I took with me to NY was 10"  x 13" x 4" and to Yountville was 8" x 12" x 3.5")
5. Must close (can't have contents spilling out if I drop it)
6. Comfort (can't irritate my wrist or my shoulder) 
7. Easy to clean
8. Ability to keep contents dry
9. Price (no more than $50 with tax)

First I scanned this season's offerings to get an idea of styles and color palettes.

The Finds (from left to right): Abby by Straw Studios, $45.60, from eBags; Straw Studios B10024, $48, Found Lori's Shoes through Making It Lovely; Wicker Whip Stitch Satchel by Magid, $41.60, from eBags; Mathilda by Helen Kaminski, $595, from eBags. 

Too casual. Too cheap looking. Too neutral (as well as way over budget).

Next I scanned the John Romain offerings, not expecting anything to meet my budget requirement. (John Romain is my new vintage crush.) Gorgeous handbags made in America; they're as green as you can get - fair labor laws, produced "locally" and not shipped around the world, and previously loved by someone else.

The Finds (from Top left clockwise): 7.5" diameter by 3.25" deep, John Romain, c.1960s, $88, from Raleigh Vintage; 6.5" x 11" x 4.5", John Romain, c.1960s, $30, from Mommy's Pocketbook (leather noticeably worn; some stitching is loose); 8" x 11" x 4", John Romain, c.1960s-1970s, $35, from Karen3231 (leather noticeably worn on handles and fold); 7.5" x 12" x 6", John Romain, c.1950, $50, from Angels Camp; 7.5" x 11.75" x 5", John Romain, c.1960s, $75, from Vintage Diehls.

You know the advice given to brides? Never try on a dress that's outside your budget, because chances are you'll fall in love with it and end up with heartbreak. I should know better than to look for John Romain bags. Want to know the result? I found two that are tugging on my heart strings. Can you guess which two?

Of course, there are other vintage options. Some have integrated wrapped straw or wooden handles.

The Finds (from far left clockwise): 5.5" x 8" x 4", c.1960s, $22, from Fashion Rerun; 7" x 8.5" x 4", $26, from Selective Memory; 6" x 13" x 4", c.1960s, $16, from Something New Again (unlined, opens fully); 6.5" x 12" Bag, $14, from Another Thyme; 6.5" x 11.5" x 4.5", c.1960s, $38, from Raleigh Vintage.

Others have faux wood, lucite, or metal handles. (Passing on those with metal handles as I fear they might be hot to the touch if I left the purse lying in the sun.)

The Finds (from far left clockwise): 8" x 14" x 5", Dayne Taylor, c.1950s, $15, from Roadside Vintage Hut; 6.5" x 11" x 5", Filcraft Importing, $25, from A Periwinkle June; 8.5" x 10" x 4", Simon, c.1960s, $28, from Vintage Stew (liner appears to be detached on one side); 6.5" x 8" x 4", $49, from Full Circle Studios (also available from Burlap Bikini, $27.99).

To me these work for a museum or a picnic, but seem a little too formal for the beach. Then there are purses with rolled leather handles - again most are either a little too formal or more appropriate for a picnic in the park.

The Finds (from top center clockwise): Dimensions Unknown, $14.23, from Made Ya Look; 6.5" x 11" x 5.5", c.1950s-1960s, $18, from Bags by Suzi; 7.5" x 12" x 4", Du-Val, $35, from The Vintage Ramble; 9.75" x" x 13" x 5", $28, from Marybeth Hale (leather decoration shows some wear; liner has hole); 8" x 11.5" x 4.75", Gary Gail Signature, $25, from Chic Vintage Styles; 6" x 11" x 4.5", Mr. Jonas c.1960s, $43, from Pineapple Mint (leather hinges on the bottom of the bag are worn).

Then there are these bags that work for sight seeing or visiting a museum but again maybe not the beach. (A few options exceed my budget.)

The Finds (top clockwise): 7.5" x 9" x 4", $24, from The Primitive Fence; 8" x 14" x 5", c.1950s, $40, from Studio 1950 (a couple of breaks in the straw); 9" x 12" x 5", Burlington, c.1960s-1970s, $75, from Skinny and Bernie; 9" x 13" x 5", c.1960s, $60, from Vintage Girl NY (leather shows signs of wear); 9" x 13" x 5.25", $35, from Seesong.

There are so many options from which to choose - all work with very different styles.

The Finds (from top center clockwise): 8" x 14" x 3.5", $35, from Whim and a Prayer; 7.5" x 13.5" x 4", c.1950s, $24, from Dirty City Vintage; 7" x 10" x 4", $24, from The GetUp Vintage (leather shows some signs of wear); 8" x 10" x 4", $29.99, from Emma's Vintage; Dimensions unknown, $25, from the exhausted etiquette (some holes in the liner); Dimensions unknown, c.1950s-1960s, $15, from Blase' Vintage (leather shows signs of wear, front leather clasp is scuffed); 6" x 10" x 6", c.1950s-1960s, $19.99, from The Groove; 7" x 12" x 6", c.1970s, $20, from Hardwire88.

I've "narrowed" the purses to the nine that I'm seriously considering.

The Contenders (shown at relative size to each other) Top Row: 1. 7.5" x 9" x 4", $24, from The Primitive Fence;
2. 7.5" x 13.5" x 4", c.1950s, $24, from Dirty City Vintage (leather straps show wear);
3. 7.5" x 12" x 6", John Romain, c.1950, $50, from Angels Camp;
4. 9" x 13" x 5.25", $35, from Seesong;
5. 6.5" x 12" Bag, $14, from Another Thyme.
Bottom Row: 6. 7" x 12" x 6", c.1970s, $20, from Hardwire88
(liner appears to be pulling away from the wicker, needs to be reattached); 7. 6.5" x 11" x 5", Filcraft Importing, $25, from A Periwinkle June;
8. 9.75" x" x 13" x 5", $28, from Marybeth Hale (leather decoration shows some wear; liner has hole); 9. 6.5" x 11" x 5.5", c.1950s-1960s, $18, from Bags by Suzi. 

If you were me, which purse would you chose for your Caribbean honeymoon and why?

Thursday Purseday: Pink Kelly Bags

I love adding a dash of color to my outfits. My favorite purse at the moment is a vintage pink purse I picked up for my trousseau. Here are some Kelly bags that I think would accent a going away outfit nicely.

The Finds: Hermes Kelly 22cm Pink Handbag, $235 (originally $376); Vintage A. Miss America by Smartaire Handbag, $84, from Mod Human Vintage; Andrew Geller Purse, $25, from Retro Impressions.

For more lovely #ThursdayPurseday picks, check out these other blogs:

Brancorpa, Demoiselle, 

Peach Bride, Pearls for Paper, A Realistic Wedding, 

Sparkle & Hay, Swatchbook Weddings,
and The Unreal Bride.

Finish Your Retro Look with Vintage Details

When you're planning a vintage affair, the details matter, starting with what you're wearing when the guests first see you and continuing to how you leave your reception.

cubes's reflection in the mirror of my overnight case.

After our wedding, cubes and I looked as if we'd just arrived from the past as we checked into the Hotel Triton. I was wearing a 1950s cocktail dress with vintage-inspired black Mary Jane pumps, holding my bouquet of antique hydrangeas with my box purse dangling from my wrist and clutching a train case in my other gloved hand.

While no one was observing our departure for our mini-moon, I still followed through with the vintage theme. I traded my train case for a set of three pieces: a hat case, an overnight case, and a small suitcase.

For my birthday, I chose to dress vintage. I decided on the 1950s with a gorgeous grey dress with full circle skirt, petticoat, black pumps, pink elbow length gloves, and pink purse.

Of course when cubes and I headed back to Yountville for our dinner at The French Laundry (an unexpected birthday present), I sported vintage accessories - the same pink purse I'd chosen for my birthday and the luggage from our mini-moon.

Purse by JR Florida was purchased from Klassy Klassics. Luggage was purchased from The Vintage Perspective's Post.

Until last week, I hadn't really accessorized with my pink purse. After the numerous compliments, I received it will definitely be making an appearance more often.

Thursday Purseday: An American in Paris

A couple of weeks ago I discovered Haleigh's blog, "Making Magique." Haleigh was "conceived in Canada; raised in California, and destined for Paris."

My pick for today is not so much a purse as her entire blog. I mean what girl doesn't dream of growing up and living in Paris? Gigi (Amazon link). Funny Face (Amazon link). An American in Paris (Amazon link). I want to be Haleigh when I grow up. Until then, I'm going to dream.

If you haven't seen Haleigh's blog, it's a visual delight, full of lots of ideas for engagement shoots.

Credits: Alice Les Metamorphoses for Making Magique

For more lovely #ThursdayPurseday picks, check out these other blogs:

Brancorpa, Demoiselle, 

Peach Bride, Pearls for Paper, A Realistic Wedding, 

Sparkle & Hay, Swatchbook Weddings,
and The Unreal Bride.

Thursday Purseday: Covered in Fur

First there were feathers. Then there was faux snakeskin. Now? Fur, of course. Mink. Weasel. And Rabbit.

Where to Find the Look: Christian Louboutin Eden Vision Fur Ball Clutch from Saks Fifth Avenue, $1,395, Fendi Black Velvet Fur Ruffle "Spy" Bag from BlueFly, $2,990 on sale for $2,032.99.

Where to Find the Look: Rabbit Fur Handbag with Pink Handle from La Vintage Amor, $45; Morris Moskowitz Mink Fur Handbag from Vintage Arcana, $74.99.

What's your stance on fur? Love vintage? Hate new?

For more lovely #ThursdayPurseday picks, check out these other blogs:

Brancorpa, Demoiselle, Magnolia Rouge,
Peach Bride, A Realistic Wedding, Sparkle & Hay,
Swatchbook Weddings and The Unreal Bride.

Thursday Purseday: Birds of a Feather

Peacock feathers are so last year. Pheasant feathers seem to be the new hot trend (noticed by Postcards & Pretties last Friday). With that declaration, I immediately thought of Sex in the City - Carrie Bradshaw's feather purse by Salvatore Ferragamo. Her bag was actually ostrich but the coloring is similar enough to pheasant.

I'm still dreaming of the spring and Valentine's is just around the corner, so I'll choose a fresh pink feather purse for today's pick. 

Credits: BagBliss; Feather Purse Dead Stock from Deborah Vintage, $25. 

Weigh in: Are feathers hot? Or not?

For more lovely purses, check out these other blogs:

Brancorpa, Demoiselle, Magnolia Rouge, Peach Bride, A Realistic Wedding, Sparkle & Hay, Swatchbook Weddings and The Unreal Bride.

Thursday Purseday: Retro Beads

I'm definitely still in the holiday spirit. So for this first Thursday of 2011 I'm picking fun flirty beading.

Where to get the look: Lipstick Pouch from North Brooklyn Dry Good $10; Black Clutch from Vintage Jewelry Etc $8; Red Purse from Budgerigar Vintage $11.18

Thursday Purseday: Pretty in Pink

I think I now have a thing for pink. What with magenta boots for our Burning Man wedding and my mom's going away dress with pink accents and vintage pink purse I got to match it. Yep it's official I've got a thing for pink.

Today's clutch is absolutely gorgeous and would add punch to any navy or black outfit. And it's even on sale!

Hermes' Pink Birkin via {This is Glamorous}
On clearance for $1,195 at Luxe Voute

Check out these other blogs for more Thursday Purseday posts: Brancoprata, The Charity Wedding, The Demoiselle, Lemon Bride, Magnolia Rouge, Meant to be Sent, Niche White Bridal Loft, Peach Bride, Postcards & Pretties, A Realistic Wedding, Sparkle & Hay, and Swatchbook Weddings.

{Green} Thursday Purseday: Something Blue

For a timeless city hall wedding, I can totally picture a bride decked in gloves, clutching a simple nosegay and this stylish purse. Can't you?

$95

Couture Allure Vintage Clothing


$625
Timeless Vixen Vintage (Etsy)

Check out these other blogs for more Thursday Purseday posts: Brancoprata, The Charity Wedding, The Demoiselle, Lemon Bride, Magnolia Rouge, Meant to be Sent, Niche White Bridal Loft, Peach Bride, Postcards & Pretties, A Realistic Wedding, Sparkle & Hay, and Swatchbook Weddings.

{Green} Thursday Purseday: Beads

How cute would this purse be for a vintage bride?

Vivant by Sarne

$35

The Vintage Peddler

Check out these other blogs for more Thursday Purseday posts: Brancoprata, The Charity Wedding, The Demoiselle, Enchanted Dream Weddings & Affairs, Meant to be Sent, Niche White Bridal Loft, Peach Bride, Postcards & Pretties, A Realistic Wedding, Sparkle & Hay, and Swatchbook Weddings.

Thursday Purseday: Purple Rosettes

As we get closer to the our wedding I have purple on my mind. Besides that I just love purple it's one of the secondary colors in our wedding. Therefore my first submission for Thursday Purseday has to be a purple bag.

Betsey Johnson Petal-uma Belt Bag

$142 from Zappos.com

Check out these other blogs for more Thursday Purseday posts:  Brancoprata,  The Charity Wedding, The Demoiselle, Enchanted Dream Weddings & Affairs, Meant to be Sent, Niche White Bridal Loft, PeachBride, Postcards & Pretties, A Realistic Wedding, Sparkle & Hay, and  Swatchbook Weddings.