Mid-Century Mania – Bags!

Note the miniscule handbags.
For this section on bags, une femme is once again doing a modern take on a mid-century look.  Although it may have been a hard-and-fast fashion rule in the 1950’s and early 1960’s to match bags and shoes, one can still achieve that overall look today without going to this extreme.  The idea is to keep the style and material similar.  Don’t wear a pointy-toed, kitten heel pump with a big, suede fringed boho bag.  If you’re wearing espadrilles or rope wedges, go for a straw bag rather than patent leather.  (And knot that blouse at the waist a la Brigitte Bardot.)

When shopping for current bags, think smaller and structured.  Regardless of materials, a big slouchy bag is all wrong for a mid-century look.  Avoid a lot of buckles, heavy hardware, dangling googaws.  From a mid-century perspecive, the bag was a functional accessory that complemented the clothing but did not take center stage, unlike today’s It Bags. While most of us could never manage on a daily basis with the tiny bags that women usually carried during this era, there are some nice mid-sized structured bags that will serve modern needs nicely. The good news is that you’ll probably end up with one that’s lighter and easier on the back and shoulders.

When it comes to modern interpretations of mid-century style, kate spade rules.

This patent shopper tote, while much larger than what Joan would have carried (even with a change of clothes) is perfect for workdays and still evokes the just-leaning-toward-mod 60’s.
The London Quinn styles are also a nice option for a neat, structured look, combined with modern practicality.  Usually available in a few colors.
This new Five Points Camille bag has possibilities too for mixing into a mid-century look.  (I haven’t seen this bag in person, but like the styling.) Also available in gold or grey.
A bit spendy, but this Valentino satchel is a gorgeous shape.  The bow isn’t too over the top.
Prada at ShopStyle
This Prada number gets the shape right, and the texture keeps it from being too literal.  Click on image for details.
Prada at ShopStyle
And here’s another Prada reminiscent of the small box bags shown in the pictures at the top of the post.  (Again, click image for details.)

Though we tend to think of handheld “pocketbooks” as a quintissential mid-century style, a smaller shoulder bag with a definite shape can also fit the bill.  Think of the iconic Chanel flap, introduced in 1955.

Some current (and less pricey) options:
YSL “Chyc,” $1,650.  (Ok, I know I said less pricey, but this is a gorgeous, classic bag whatever decade you’re dressing for!  And still less than a Chanel.)
This Marc Jacobs (I know, but when he gets it right, he Gets. It. Right.) Large Single is a great looking bag and is available in a variety of colors and textures.  $625.
kate spade again, but this one’s a beauty.  $345 at Nordstrom.

Finally, if you want the real deal, check out Vintage Skins for some gorgeous authentic mid-century reptile bags, at a fraction of what you’d pay for a Nancy Gonzales or new crocodile or alligator bag.  While many of these are on the smaller side by modern standards, most would make excellent evening bags.  And a few (relatively) larger bags are also available.  
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18 Comments

  1. That last bag is such a beauty.In the pics I have of my mum when she was my age she’s wearing white gloves and carrying bag just like that – gloves!

  2. I have a small vintage black alligator bag in perfect shape. I found it in a second-hand shop. It is a lovely thing that I have used as an evening bag on those rare – when WAS the last time? – formal occasions.

    Your Mid-Century Mania series is very enjoyable. Thank you.

  3. You are doing such good work on your Mid-Century Mania project! Congratulations! Unfortunately this era does not raise hysteria in me ; )

  4. I have two old alligator bags! So lucky: one was my grandmother’s and I rescued it from my mother’s donation box.

  5. I have a small, boxy-yet-soft, pretty two-tone brownish bag from Paris that I bought in Toronto in the mid 1980s! I have been thinking of taking it out again, as it just right for the time.

  6. Unfortunately, I’m a huge fan of cavernous slouch bags and poking around in them for 15 minutes trying to find my Blackberry. It’s sad. I do have some very petite LVs but they don’t seem to get a workout. Love those bows. They remind me of my mama…

  7. I never thought about whether one used the alligator bag for day or night “way back then”, its particular proportions and elegance work with my dressier stuff 🙂

  8. Gorgeous collection of bags for us to feast our eyes upon – thank you! I love Kate Spade and so enjoyed visiting her stand alone stores when I went to USA. x

  9. I love the old vintage handbags. But for authenticity, I might note that alligator or reptile bags were strictly for day, you wouldn’t take them to dinner (though who really cares these days?).

  10. LuxeBytes – yes, it really makes the bag, doesn’t it? And without copying another designer!

    Tabitha – I’ll confess, I bought that bag and it’s a beauty. I’ll probably skip the white gloves, though!

    metscan – that’s OK. Not everyone gravitates to the same things; it’s what makes life interesting!

    Frugal Scholar – oh, that’s fortunate! Supposedly these skins are very durable when cared for, and should last several more decades.

  11. Wendy B – me too!

    J.W. – your bag sounds gorgeous. What a lucky find! Glad you’re enjoying the series.

    Miss Cavendish – it sounds perfect, don’t let it languish!

    Rosina – I tend to find that too-structured bags don’t fit my style either. I’m looking for that perfect mix of slightly structured with great organization. Your mama liked bows?

  12. hostess of humble bungalow – decluttering is always a good thing!

    Faux Fuschia – you rock those YSL clutches! It’s an art.

    Kalee – interesting point about day vs. evening bags. I think now that people don’t dress up as much in the evenings, an alligator bag wouldn’t be out of place.

    Semi Expat – I’ve been impressed with the kate spade bags lately. She seems to have found her groove again.