One of my all-time favorite purses is made a from vintage Japanese silk, most likely from a kimono or obi.

But like most fabric purses, well loved and used for ten years - it’s showing it’s age. I tend to keep it for special occasions and most of the time, it hangs out on my shelf - looking pretty.

I perked up when I saw this gorgeous messenger bag from Tokyomade - the top flap of the bag is made from a 50 year old vintage silk obi:

Yum!

image: Tokyomade

I was just recently introduced to the design company of Hoakan/Helga and their unique collection of jewelry, bags & scarves.

They specialize in one-of-a kind designs, with vintage, re-purposed and hand-dyed accessories, like this “Long Scarf“:

It’s 100% silk, dyed with natural dyes and then rusted - too cool!

The “Eva” bag is made from vintage leather, hand-printed cotton and a vintage dress:

And of course, I needed to include this charming “Two Bird” necklace - it’s created from vintage jewelry and recycled chain:

all images: Hoakan/Helga 

I was just recently introduced to Unique Vintage, an online boutique that specializes in all things vintage… or with a vintage flare.

I spent some time browsing through their website and I’m drooling over this silver peacock mesh evening bag from Whiting & Davis:

I’d happily give that a home

image: Unique Vintage

You’ll have to excuse a little bit of giddiness from me today…

This arrived for me this morning!

Now, I know I don’t need another purse, but I couldn’t resist

I don’t know a whole lot about the purse, other than it’s vintage wicker, made in Hong Kong.  I bought it from Covenant Garden Vintage on Etsy.  If you’ll excuse me, I need to go coo over it again…

image: C Findlay-Harder

Yoox has teamed up with Holly Brubach (former fashion critic for NYT and vintage expert) to offer a one-of-a-kind collection of vintage Christian Dior.

The pieces are available exclusively online through Yoox, in their “Toujours Dior” shop, beginning June 4th.

You can snag such fabulous pieces as these glazed resin 1970s sunglasses:

1970s leather clutch purse with a Christian Dior monogram:

Or if you’re in the mood to play 50s starlet, there’s the Iridescent Feather cocktail hat:

all images: Yoox

Welcome to day two of Her Accessories Prom Week! We’ve got some great shoes, now how about purses?

But it’s your prom, you don’t want to be lugging around a great big hobo tote, right?

Clutch purses are your friend! They’re slim, easy to carry and just big enough for a cell phone, a credit card and your lip gloss.

image source: Forever 21 

Metallic hinge wallet from Forever 21, $10.80

If you really want to up the glamor factor, how about the beaded Pearl Evening Bag from Rimistyle?

image source Rimistyle

It’s just $30.

Also from Rimistyle is this cute patent leather clutch:

image source: Rimistyle

Sugar Rush clutch, $34

Etsy is a great source for inexpensive, vintage or retro evening bags - I love this black beaded evening bag:

image source: Etsy

It’s only $15 (plus shipping)

I’m thrilled to be getting married this summer, and of course, wanted to do something a little different for my bridesmaids.  Instead of going with the traditional “everyone in the same dress”, I asked my bridesmaids to choose their own dress patterns.  Everyone will have the same fabric for the dresses and I found some gorgeous sheer printed organza to make shawls out of.

I wanted to share my floral brooches with my friends, and decided on this look:

Because I want to remain friends with my bridesmaids after my wedding, I felt it was better to give everyone as much choice as possible!  So… we’re also going with this as well:

Chocolate brown dresses with blue or green shawls & cool-toned vintage porcelain pins.  Unique & very feminine!  Oh no, I still need to figure out the rest of the jewelery for my girls