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.
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!
