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Monday 16 April 2018

New favourite handbag alert!

It's not possible! No way! My lunchbag handbag has been usurped by a sneaky handbag interloper?! Oh yes, yes, and yes!!

Introducing my new absolute favouritist new handbag. I didn't know it was possible to have such a handbag crush. I'd sponsor myself if I weren't already doing it. But, really, I should ask for more - I egregiously undervalue my services. Heh.


This is a vintage shiny handbag, vinyl I'm pretty sure, "A handcrafted Bernard Original, Made in Canada, Montreal," probably late '50s/early '60s. That's handcrafted vinyl, everyone. I've had this bag in my collection for several decades (yes, you read that right, from Value Village back in the day), but it never really sang to me until now. Until I wrote on it. Yesss.

One side says: "I'm not the accessory - she is!" And the other side says: "Handbag attitude." Indeed.



Below is the genuine handcrafted vinyl interior, which features two sleeve pockets, one on each side, and a zippered pocket in which to squirrel away flat, totally top-secret stuff.


I have to say, this bag was the most fun bag I've ever carried around town, and I've carried a few. I couldn't get more than a couple of blocks without someone smiling and stopping and asking about my bag. Of course, one might expect that reaction when carrying one's bag out front like a cross against a vampire or a stiff-armed Frankenstein with a dribbling baby, in a happy way of course, not a horror show way, to show it off.

No, I just swung my bag at my side, all lah-ti-dah, going about my business, but the bag cried out for attention even when I shushed her. She made me feel like a million bucks.


Speaking of a million bucks, I adore the co-star of this shoot, the Jacqueline Conoir suit - she is a local designer. It's a shame I didn't get better photos of it - I was obsessed with the bag. The black fabric has a circle motif, which you can only see in certain light.

I bought the suit a couple of years ago at My Sister's Closet and only wore it once. In fact, it was in my donate pile, but by taking in the pantlegs by about 3 inches on each side, and adding buttons, one black, one blue, a couple of inches over on the front, I've decided I love it. You can see it pre-upcycled here. It was definitely a more feminine styling.


But now guess what? I'm selling this bag! Gaaaa!!! It freaks me out! You must all know that saying: if you love something, set it free, if it comes back, it was obviously preprogrammed. Heh.

No, what I mean is, I'm ready to set this free for real. I am not kidding when I say this is my most favourite bag ever. The bag itself has been with me for decades, not an easy feat, and the upcycle has made it come alive, but letting it go will be part of a letting-go process in general in terms of my closet.


AND, I want a new camera, one that will do bokeh backgrounds. I adore my point-and-shoot, but I'm ready for something new, not a replacement, but a DSLR with a super-fast lens, which makes this purchase an extravagance I'm willing to sell things for. If I didn't want a new camera, I might not sell this, but letting-go is a good thing, right? I keep telling myself that.

I may undervalue my other services, but the bag, non! I am selling it for US$150. If you are interested in being an Accessory to my plans, heh, please email me and we can work out the details.

As my friend Mr. Wonder says, Signed, Sealed, Delivered, it's yours. Own a piece of Bag! Heh.


I'll link up with Patti at Not Dead Yet Style for her Visible Monday, thanks, Patti, and Catherine at Not Dressed as Lamb for her #iwillwearwhatilike. Thanks to you as well for hosting. See you there!


24 comments:

  1. Love that DIY bag!!!!!!Super cute work on the suit!!! Can't wait to see you in action when you get that camera!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, that camera would be super fun. But who knows? Maybe I wouldn't like the bulk of it. And this bag, if it doesn't sell, I'm going to carry it everywhere.

      Delete
  2. Oh, you could start your own line based on that handbag. I'm serious. It's amazing, and so are you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I had this bag idea for a couple of years and finally, FINALLY acted on it when I stumbled on this vintage purse in my closet. xox

      Delete
  3. Melanie, you never cease to amaze me with your creativity. I am a big collector of vintage handbags and I've written on a couple with white out! Haha, so funny. It does quickly update a vintage bag. Love what you wrote! Always inspired by you.

    Cherie
    http://www.stylenudge.com
    STYLE NUDGE

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. White out is a great idea! Yes, I've ogled your vintage bags many times. You have an amazing collection - well, of clothes and bags and shoes! xo

      Delete
  4. The power suit against an artistic mural and an iconic woman dashing in front... yes , yes, and yes!
    This handbag is amazing. How cool that you rescued it from your closet and made it the star of the show. OK, of course it is not the star. You are the star. That is clear, absolutely!
    Indeed- SHE IS !
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That container was a new alley find, and I met some cool people during my little photo session as well. I like to know the residents.
      I think I priced the bag high so I could secretly keep it! And I like the way the cheeky phrase plays against the suit too.
      Thanks, Elle. xox

      Delete
  5. LOVE this bag! I know you're selling the original but I agree you could create a whole line.

    I've been doing a bit of upcycling on a thrifted blazer tonight. Your DIY energy rubbed off on me a couple of days ago. It's good to get back to some creativity.

    I hope the bag sells quickly! It's a STEAL!

    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have tons of ideas and I loved making this one.
      That's great you've been at it. Can't wait to see your blazer!! Yeah, getting back at it here too has been invigorating.
      Well, I decided not to under-price this time; it's so very, very, very easy to do. It's just one phrase on one bag but it's a lifetime of creating that got me here. You know what I'm saying.
      xox

      Delete
  6. Oh, I adore this bag - what a great idea to give it new life! The suit looks killer on you! I hope that will be staying in your closet, but fully support the movement of...movement in closets in general. We must always be making room!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This bag is FUN!!! And the suit will stay for a while longer. Especially now that the pants are narrower. But time to get to my closets. You are a role model in your closet management. I often think of you when I set about tackling mine.

      Delete
  7. Hahaha, fantastic! Not only the words, but I just love vinyl! Great job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Nancy! I thought this was patent leather at first, but I know the interior isn't. So I'm pretty sure it's vinyl. No matter what, I love it. xo

      Delete
  8. ohhh, I love this bag, such a fabulous idea to write on your bag and let it behaves as a Schtar! It totally rocks!. And I totally agree with Suzanne: you could create a whole line!
    Your suit looks absolutely comfy&cool, edgy and elegant!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Writing on my bag was just what it needed to come to life again. Again, thanks for these positive words! xox

      Delete
  9. Stuff that has something to say! That could be your line.
    You look smashing. And brilliant. Way to go, Mel.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha! That's a good one, Pao. I'm write that in my notebook. Thanks! xox

      Delete
  10. Sooooper cool bag, Mel!! What a great way to reinvent a piece that was collecting dust. I love it!!

    Hugs,
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She's alive. She's ALIVE! - Say that like Gene Wilder in Young Frankenstein, and that's how I felt when I was done this project. xox

      Delete
  11. Your stride carrying that bag is seriously unapologetic. YOU dear Mel will NEVER be an accessory even though you gave the bag it's voice.
    Love, Jude

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I let the bag think she's the star, but we all know who's ready for her close-up, don't we? Heh. Thanks, Jude. xox

      Delete
  12. I'm just thinking that you could carry the camera in the bag...

    ReplyDelete
  13. egregiously, usurp..two more words I never heard before. Very educational your blog.
    Now.. the suit.. soooo good. Totally up my alley as you can guess. Big fan here.
    Now on to the bag. I agree with Susan (Une femme) and Pao.. you should work together with a handbag company and design. If this bag had been a new bag with the letters on it in a more lasting and less ducktapy way, I would have paid $380 to own it. It is fantastic and I so understand why people stop and smile. (Being my honest self here.. sorry.)
    Greetje

    ReplyDelete

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