Purse Envy
I am not sure when or how it started, maybe it has always been so. Though it does seem in just the last few years the accumulation has exceeded the need and I can only admit that I am an addict.
In my own defense some of them have been gifts, like this patent leather Prada bag from my generous sister. I usually use it just for special occasions.
Of course it should be no surprise that Orla Kiely is my favorite. For the last 5 years I have gifted myself a new Orla bag and sold an older one on eBay to help fund it. Though her prices are not as outrageous as some, they are not cheap either.
My most recent is from her Mainline line, it has leather trim and came with a cloth purse bag (bonus!) and I bought it on Amazon which has pretty good deals on Orla bags. I love the lollipop flower pattern. She recently opened a shop in NYC and I can't wait to check out next time I'm there.
Lulu Guinness designs bags with a definite retro flair, fairly pricy, I have acquired my small collection via eBay. Her bags are also very photogenic, I love using them as props.
Of course I love vintage bags as well and this amazing Rendl Original above, I bought eons ago in NY at the Piers Antique Show. I paid quite a bit for it and my only regret has been it's slow deterioration. The strap especially is in poor shape. I think possibly due to the humidity down here. Check this mint conditionRendl I found going for $2,400!
I found this handpainted wood purse at an estate sale and this very early 1900's pewter purse at an auction.
Check out more on the subject in this fun book, The Power of Handbags by Anna Johnson.
Models Claire B. & Frida both with Factor Women, H & M by Faith Brooks
all photos & content © Lara Rossignol
Orla Kiely, Orla Kiely shop, Prada, berkin, handbags, purses, vintage Share Article 5 Comments
Reader Comments (5)
Oooooh, I'm a confessed pursaholic and your yummy photos aren't helping to curb it any ;-) And...did ya have to mention Orla Kiely having a shop in NYC? Lol!
Fabulous bags. I understand your addiction totally.
I'm a handbag addict as well. Some women love shoes but I love handbags. I just bought a beauty from Kate Spade on sale.
Thanks Lara - just what I need, another handbag! LOL! I TOTALLY understand this addiction along with leather boots. Because of you, I now own several Orla bags. If you find a support group for this, please post on your blog! Glad to see you are getting settled on the West coast. Looking forward to more wonderful posts.
I have two amazing vintage alligator handbags - in near mint condition - from my maternal grandmother. I rarely use them, but when I do, I always get compliments on them. I remember once I carried one into Neiman Marcus, and the saleswoman in the handbag dept. "oohed and ahhhed" over it :-)
So your post made me go into my closet, take them out of their dustcovers, and see if they happened to be by Rendl. The brown one has the stamp of "Bellestone". A quick search on the web tells me that "Bellestone was one of the foremost and most desirable makers of skin handbags" in the 1950's/60's. The other is a black bag which, oddly enough, had imprinted inside in gold script "Made in France expressly for Macy Associates". I don't think she ever worked for Macys, so she must have gotten this from a friend or second-hand; I'll have to ask my mom.