A black and yellow flower pin composed of two petal layers with polka dots on the black petals.
There are two components in flower pin creation. They are, in fact, the flower pin structure itself and then the flower pin decoration afterwards.
For the purposes of defining the first aspect of flower pins, in other words the structure, there are one layer, two layer first, then three, four, and five petal layers next. The top three are usually embellishment layers without any structural function.
A further refinement of the decoration process is one or a combination of enamel spray, paint brush, polka dots, and embellishment layers. Descriptions of both components, structure and decoration are in this post.
The basic flower power pin found on ebay and etsy is a one petal layer flower with petal spray in one color and the center in another color spray. Then the stem is green and tends to rub off over the years.
STRUCTURE
Primarily the pins are molded steel, not your typical metal for jewelry making. Molded steel is inexpensive and easy to use. During the time period that the pin creation is voluminous and very inexpensive, the molded steel pins are easily cranked out with a simple spray application of enamel paint consisting of one or at most two colors. The giant daisy pins are an outstanding example of this.
Two layer complimenting petal colors of the very popular, giant daisy pin found on ebay
DECORATION
The earliest pins are simple sprayed enamel. But as time goes on and the pins become more decorative and less socio-political, both the structure and decoration become both more complicated and more expensive. In addition there are more layers or the two layers have decoration.
Polka Dots In fact, polka dots liberally come in to play in flower pin creation. WOW, how popular polka dots are. Actually, polka dots play a major design role in all kinds of fashions.
A collection of six polka dot decorated pins
Embellishment Layers To top this off, the extra embellishment layers create quite stunning pins. These usually third, fourth, and fifth layers are embellishment layers with no structural purpose at all but plenty of decorative appeal. The addition to base enamel spray are possible wisps of brush strokes, more layers of petals, hole punches in the outer layer and other adornment at the center to finish it off.
A collection of six, three and four layer embellished flower pins
CONCLUSION
The flower power pin is still both abundant and very popular today. Unfortunately, the major difference is the price. They are no longer socio-political hand outs but pricey collectibles. In fact, I gingerly collect them as I have to save up to purchase them.
Lenore Dame Metal Flower Brooch in Gold & Violet – One-of-a-KindAnd my newest purchase is what I believe to be a relative to the embellished flower power pin. It is in fact this three layer magnificent pin. You can learn more about these magnificent brooches at these links.
Most of my favorite lucite handbags are either unavailable, too expensive, or have imperfections. For one or more of these reasons I do not own one or have one in my collection of vintage accessories so far.
But lucite fascinates me because of its unique designs, the finish using a variety of materials added to it, and the history of lucite itself.
It does not mean that I never will. But serendipity has not shown itself to bring one into my life.
For now since I do not possess one, I am writing this blog post in recognition of my favorite lucite handbags. You can read more about them in this earlier blog post 1950s Lucite Handbags.
Types of My Favorite Lucite Handbags
I am aware of numerous types of lucite handbags. There are clear ones with and with out an etched design. Then there are clear or colored ones with another material on them. Third there are solid opaque ones. Last there are translucent colored one.
Clear and White Lucite Handbags Below are examples of clear or white lucite handbags with or without an etched design in them. White and clear Lucite handbags.
Brown or Dark Red Translucent and Opaque Lucite Below are examples of brown and dark red translucent and opaque lucite. examples of brown translucent lucite handbags
Colored Opaque Multicolor Lucite Below are examples of colored 3D Lucite or other materials in them. Colored Opaque decorated and 3D Lucite
Solid Colored Opaque Lucite Below are examples of pure opaque colored lucite handbags. Three examples of colored opaque lucite handbags Red is supposed to be the most rare and therefore the most valuable. I prefer it in opaque rather than a transparent red lucite.
I have only found one Furla bags in person. In fact it is a round and fire engine red. It is similar to the one pictured here. Therefore, I had to have it.
My discovery of a Fabulous Furla Handbag is part of an interesting story. First of all, FURLA handbags were unknown to me. Not only that, I had no idea of its value. Most unusual was my introduction to this Furla bag. It was by coincidence that I found it when I attended a local community Thrift sale.
My First Furla I loved it, especially the unique round shape and bright color. First of all, it was fire engine red. Second of all, and rarely found, it was round. How rare is a round red handbag?! I had to have it.
History of Furla
That was the first time I heard of Furla. In fact, it was the only time for many years to come. When I did hear their name again, it was because I discovered a totally different kind of Furla bag online, such as the Jelly, Candy, and Re-Candy collections. In fact, they could not have been more different from their original rich leather predecessors that launched the company almost 100 years earlier in 1927 in Bologna Italy by Aldo Furlanetto.
Questions and Answers
Since much has changed since the founding of the wholesale leather goods company in 1927, a number of questions about Furla came to mind. Fortunately I found some answers in the article, Furla Bags-Handbag, Your Next Shoes
Question: Is Furla a luxury brand? Answer:Yes, sort of. “One of the biggest debates around Furla is whether the brand falls into the ‘luxury’ category. It’s not on the same level as Gucci or Chanel, but it’s not at the level of Longchamp or Kate Spade.
Furla sits comfortably in the spot known as ‘accessible luxury’. While their bags won’t break the bank, they’re investment pieces that will last you a lifetime, with impeccable Italian craftsmanship.” Furla Bags-Handbag, Your Next Shoes
For example, these are accessible luxury bags more prestigious than Coach, let’s say, Kate Spade, and Dooney & Bourke, for example. Luxurious Furla soft leather bags costing over $500.
Question:How Can you Tell if a Furla is a Fake? Answer: 6 Best ways to identify fake Furla bags
“When we think of counterfeit bags, it’s usually top-tier luxury brands that jump to mind. The counterfeit or ’super fake’ market is larger than ever and becoming more prominent thanks to social media platforms like TikTok.
Brands at the attainable luxury price point are also finding themselves becoming victims of the counterfeiting industry. As a timeless brand with versatile designs, it’s no surprise that Furla has joined this list.
The best way to ensure that you’re purchasing a genuine Furla bag is to buy directly from the brand or an authorized stockist like Saks Fifth Avenue or Farfetch. If you’re planning to purchase a Furla bag pre-loved from a website or store, you want to know what signs to look out for.” Furla Bags-Handbag, Your Next Shoes
Second Generation Furla
There are actually two things that contribute to the collectability of Furla bags. The first is the Furla-Brand concept that was established when Aldo’s children Carlo, Paolo and Giovanna joined their father in the company. In fact, this was in the 1970s. Then the second aspect is part of the next generation which is described below.
Believed to be birthed in this century the Yellow school bag is a knockout.
The Next Generation
Question:What brought about the dramatic addition changing the style from solely traditional quality leather goods to include nylon and rubber? Answer:This latest collection is attributed to Giovanna. It has actually breathed new, vibrant life into an already outstanding accessible luxury European handbag and accessories dynasty. Most importantly, this latest collection includes an emphasis on recyclability and sustainability. In fact, the fun Furla designs collection follows for viewing.
Furla Bloom Bag Made with a paperlike fabric and biodegradable from New Arrivals
Furla Candy Bag A purple Furla Candy bag on ebay.com
Furla Jelly Bag Great looking Furla Jelly Bag in light blue on Poshmark.com
The Latest Furla
Furla Re•candy Bag The Furla Re•candy Bag is currently one of the hottest fashion statements amongst young and Gen z women. In addition, this new Re•candy is totally recyclable. This is all due to the fact that this fine leatherware company has also a growing focus on recyclability and sustainability. Furla-Re•candy exhibit at the 2022 Milan Fashion Week featured in a Town & Country article, photo courtesy of Furla.
Okabashi is the name of my latest favorite healthy brands of shoes. Actually the name is inspired by the Japanese concept of wellness. As a matter of fact, I have worn several brands of healthy shoes over many decades over my lifetime to date.
My three favorite healthy brands of shoes all available on Poshmark.com
The three brands of healthy shoes are specifically Birkenstocks, Merrell Encore Breeze clogs, and Okabashi. As much as I love all three brands, Okabashi shoes are the most unique in of all of them for the following reasons.
Okabashi Intro
1. made in the USA
2. easy care
3. are eco-friendly
4. are very reasonably priced
The introduction to the concept of Okabashi shoes from their website Okabshi.com
Birkenstocks from the Past
Let me just mention briefly that I no long wear Birkenstocks for one reason. One pair that I got caused a callous on the outside of my foot. As a result, they never were comfortable. The callous took years to soften, as well. Although I am sure they would be fine now, I wanted to try other brands. But I see they are on Poshmark.com and much more affordable now, too.
These six pairs show the latest styles of Birkenstocks.
Merrell Encore Breeze Clogs Abound
This brand and style are still an integral part of my wardrobe. Actually a recent buying spree resulted in several very affordable additional pairs for me. Read about this on my blog entitled, Poshmark Fair Prices.
These six pairs of shoes show the latest colors of Merrell Encore Breeze clogs.
Okabashi Revealed
I have purposely waited to reveal the appearance of these shoes until they end. That is because I wanted my readers to be surprised. Besides all the benefits mentioned at the beginning of this post, they are very attractive. In addition, they come in great colors. So here they are. Besides an image, here is the website too, okabashi.com.
Today is an ‘I like red’ day. In fact I have been having lots of those days, lately. If there is something I have in red, I wear it. If I like something but don’t have it, then I like to find a photo and write about it. Therefore here is how I do it.
wiki color wheel on yahoo.com
Merrell Clogs It just so happens that there are two items on Poshmark that I love. In fact both are red. One is a pair of shoes and one is a purse. Right now I can neither afford nor find them in the right size or an affordable price. So here is the next best thing.
For example Merrell Encore Breeze clogs are one of my favorite pairs of shoes. They actually used to come in all sorts of bright colors. But no more. So I did find the perfect color on the account of filli58 on Poshmark. Unfortunately, they are too small. Therefore, they are part of my ‘I like red day’ blog post list.
Merrell Encore Breeze Red Rose Mesh Mules Clogs Womens Size 5.5 on Poshmark
In another situation, I found an Arcadia bag in the color I like. In fact, I know that I like it because I have one in another color just like it. But again, it’s a no go. At over $100. it can only be a dream for now. Therefore it goes into the I’ll write about it category. So here it is, gorgeous for all to see.
Arcadia Handbag This beauty comes from the Poshmark account of ‘nmartinyuk’. In fact, I know it would coordinate perfectly with the Merrell Encore Breeze red clogs as well as anything else I’d need it to.
Arcadia red tan trim satchel shoulder bag on Poshmark
So I am going to head off to my real and imaginary closet. Actually, that is where I will find just what I want to complete an I like red day outfit. You are welcome to join me.
My Real and Imaginary Closet
The magic of what is behind these closet doors is the real as well as the imagined. Between what is really in my wardrobe in addition to what I wish could be behind these closet doors is the complete wardrobe of whatever I imagine.
For example, the Merrell clogs are the right size in addition to the gorgeous Arcadia bag is the right price. When I open the doors, my completed ensemble is complete, real as well as imaginary.
magic folding doors from deviant.com
My pocketbook collection is sizable. In fact it is so substantial that I can not put it in one place.
No Room for Storage I can’t store it either. Therefore I have come up with a unique solution. Since I can’t store them, I decided to display them. And this post is a tour of the collection display I created.
What They Are I have limited my collection to a few brands that are my favorites. Some of them were expensive when I could afford such a luxury. But now I have become a thrifter in my collecting habits.
An Economical Hobby It comes as a surprise even to me how economical my hobby has become. These days it is required that any addition to my collection be a fraction of its original cost. Even with that constraint, I have been able to get quite a lot of very nice pre-owned and vintage bags.
Where I Get Them – New from Catalogs My collection’s history could be described as a pyramid. For example, it started with a few new retail bags available through colorful mail order catalogs. These included Coach, Dooney & Bourke, and lastly Kate Spade.
Outlet Store Malls In fact, the above collections now have outlet stores with discounted new handbags. Once I even treated myself to a bag from that venue.
Where I Get Them – Pre-owned But since then I have progressed to pre-owned bags. It is like hitting the lotto because this method includes an abundance of online stores like Poshmark, Etsy, eBay, Mercari and more. Least I forget thrift stores, fundraising events and even garage sales.
apartment layout for pocketbook collection tour
THE TOUR
Here, There and Everywhere My pocketbook collection is displayed in just about every room in our apartment. In fact, one is welcomed immediately to my collection upon entering our foyer.
Exclusions Actually the only two rooms excluded from the display tour are the kitchen and bathroom. This is for sanitary reasons that I have not hung any of them there. But let’s continue with where they are.
Repurposed media racks make perfect display unit for some of my vintage handbags
1.Hallway Racks Welcome to our apartment and the first pocketbook collection in the display. As you can see, they are showcased on two sets of video cassette racks repurposed ideally for this task.
2.Small Hallway Petite Bags This part of the collection consists of small, mostly monochromatic patent leather vintage Coach bags. In fact, they were mostly thrift store finds.
Hallway Tour Continued These are actually the second set of bags displayed to welcome tourists in the small hallway on the way to the bedroom. For contrast to the purses, their background is a vintage red and gray tablecloth.
3.Bedroom Corner Here a colorful and varied part of my collection resides. For example, there are Very Bradley bags, Arcadia bags, and a variety of other bags accompanied by matching hats.
4.Bedroom Wall This is where the second largest part of my collection on tour is located. Specifically, the east facing wall is where it is located.
Mostly Dooney & Bourke bags with a great plaid cloth behind
5.The Living Room/Studio To conclude the tour one moves on to where it all started. Before being the display’s focus, this was a living room. But now it isn’t a traditional living room at all.
Where the Tour Originally Began
The End Is the Beginning
The end is where I originally started displaying pocketbook. In other words, it is how the tour began. I’d ask, “Would you like to see my pocketbook collection?” And into the living room a guest and I would go.
This wall displays most of my Coach Bag collection as well as others and is the view on my studio wall
Where Will It Go Next? As I mentioned earlier, the kitchen and the bathroom are not part of my pocketbook collection tour. In fact, they never will be. Since they are the only rooms without a display, I don’t know where I will go next. But I never imagined what I have accomplished so far. Therefore you never know where I will go next.
My Pocketbook Collection Passion seems to come and go. But the fact is that it never completely disappears. The reason is that it resurfaces whenever I find and then fall in love with another irresistible brand.
First was Dooney & Bourke. Then was Coach, next was Kate Spade, and now is Arcadia. In fact Arcadia ia a very newly discovered brand for me. My latest pocketbook collection passion is Arcadia Handbags. But will it stay or share the ‘come and go’ fate of Coach and Kate Spade? Well, at least it is tops for now.
Passionate Purple From the first images, one can see two NWT bags. These ‘new with tag’ bags come in great colors and designs. Luscious colors are usually available on newer bags, specifically the NWT.
A rare Arcadia Design and color on Poshmark
Mouthwatering Mustard Another of my current favorites is quite a unique Arcadia. In fact it has almost as much smooth leather as it has embossed patent leather. The asking price is almost $300. But the new with tags ‘NWT’ bags are way outside of my price range.
Latest Discovery
Just when I think I have found my favorite Arcadia handbag, another even more beautiful comes along. What could be more beautiful and stylish than a pink and black Arcadia handbag?
Again,the bag I love is not affordable. So what do I do? I have found a solution. There are several online stores that carry Arcadia as well as other bags. In fact, they carry a wide range of ‘pre-owned’ price reduced bags.
Pre-owned Bargains
These online ‘buy and sell’ shops include Poshmark, eBay, Etsy, Mercari, and occasionally Priclist. In fact these sites can offer some terrific pre-owned bargains that I have benefitted from. But I also have made a number of purchases that had to be returned due to unacceptable conditions. Actually getting approval to make a return can be a nuisance. So it’s best to check out thoroughly what you want to buy before you take out your credit card.
Secondhand Shop with Caution
This is because conditions for returning purchases are very strict. So it is essential to examine the online photos and description before purchasing any pre-owned items. A new handbag can be an expensive purchase. Therefore a greatly reduced pre-owned price can signal minor or significant wear and tear.
Arcadia pink mini bag with dust cover
Here’s A Bargain Here’s a great looking pre-owned bag. I love it. Take note of the scuff in the bottom left corner. In addition, read the description that confirms it.
“Arcadia mini shoulder bag. Pink Patent Leather with Tan leather trim. Dust cover. Minor scuff as shown. Otherwise good condition. Made in Italy”.
If that is all okay with you, remember to add tax and shipping. Then your total for this bag that will never look new is over $40. To me that is a bargain. Besides I do love pink. So I might go for it. How about you?
Pre-owned but Not a Bargain
Meanwhile here’s another pre-owned bag. It looks great from the front. The price is great too. So why is it so cheap? Now look in the photo of the corners confirmed by the description. It looks terrible. The photo is transparent but the description is not. No bargain here.
“This bag is gorgeous and has gold detail with leather trim. The corners have some wear but everything else is like new.” I don’t think so!
Beware the wear and tear on this ‘gorgeous’ ‘like new’ bag.
The meaning of spectator sport style as in ‘spectator pumps’ was a complete mystery to me in my youth. So I decided to do some indepth research recently to find out. As it turned out, the spectator pump was part of the spectator sport style that appeared in the fashion world starting in the 1920s. In fact, the trend has survived over the last century to a greater or lesser degree.
Curiosity Plants the Seed
As a result of long term curiosity, I decided to explore where this name came from and why fashions were branded ‘spectator’. Basically, all I knew from my youth in the mid 1950’s was the name ‘spectator pumps’. As a matter of fact, my mother had a pair of them. Because they were so popular most women did. Thus, I wanted to know where this popular but strange name came from.
Women’s Spectator Style Pumps from Etsy.com
DEFINITION FOUND
It turns out that the definition of spectator sport style that even exists in fashion today, can be summarized by the name of a particular fashion icon, Ralph Lauren. Granted, he was not the inventor of the style. None the less, he immortalized this classy fashion statement.
Iconic Brand
As a result. this fashion style has great popularity still. In addition, it has brought great fortune for the Ralph Lauren brand. To summarize this definition are simply these words ‘a fashion style for spectating sports’. And it comes in many clothing items and accessories.
HISTORY
The history of this style includes specific and classic for both men and women. Therefore, this next section from Spectator Sport Style addresses those qualities with description and appropriate photos (as much as possible).
SPECTATOR STYLE FASHIONS: Then
Part One: Men’s Winter Spectator Fashions
Racoon coat circa 1920’s spectator sport fashions from Wiki
“Attending sporting events was a popular leisure time practice that was popularized in the 1920s. Fashion-conscious spectators dressed in attire appropriate for a variety of sports events. The weather often dictated the fashion.
For instance, male and female college students who attended autumn and early winter football games wore bulky raccoon fur coats or heavy tan-colored camel hair and woolen polo coats belted at the waist or with a partial belt at the back.”
Part One: Women’s Winter spectator sport style
tailored woolen tweed suits with knee-length skirts
“Women’s sportswear was becoming more masculine. By the late 1920s college-aged women wore tailored woolen tweed suits with knee-length skirts and loose-fitting slacks to collegiate sports events.”
(I was unable to find an exact replica of the sort of outfit described above. But the Hermes tailored woolen tweed suit pictured above bears a close resemblance to it. Granted the shoes may be from a later date.)
Part Two: Warm Weather Events Spectator Fashions
“Warm weather events such as horse races often were held in stylish surroundings such as resorts. Wealthy male spectators wore navy blue woolen blazers with gold buttons.”
Men’s Navy Blue Blazer with Gold Buttons and Handmade Men Black and White Shoes, Men Spectator Dress Shoes, Brogue Shoes
“In the late 1920s men and women began wearing black-and-white spectator sports style shoes. They were white wing-tipped leather shoes trimmed with black leather or patent leather at the toes and heels.”
Women’s Spectator Ferragamo shoe and matching Diophy handbag
“Women wore spectator pumps with matching spectator handbags, white leather rectangular pocketbooks with a clasp at the top and black leather or patent leather trim at the four corners.” (I was unable to find the exact vintage handbag. Instead I included this current, very handsome Diophy bag).
Part Three: Aviator Jackets Became Spectator Rage
“In 1927 Charles Lindbergh (1902-1974) became the first aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. He became an instant popular cultural hero to millions of Americans. By 1928 fans of Lindbergh bought mass-produced reproductions of his leather aviator jacket to wear at sports events”.
CHARLES LINDBERGH AVIREX A-2 Bombers Cockpit Flight Leather Jacket. Very RARE
Part Four: Golf Participant and Spectator Outfits
“Golf matches also were fashionable places to see and be seen. Men watching the golf games wore clothes that mimicked the players’ outfits: three-piece sports suits that featured knickers (loose-fitting pants that ended just below the knees, usually fitted at the bottom by a button), a vest, and a jacket.”
Vintage golf outfits from a variety on manufacturers available on Amazon.com
“These often were made of light-woven woolens or tweeds. Knickers were worn with colorful argyle (diamond-shaped pattern) knee socks. Many of the accessories to golf attire, such as ties, caps, and socks, often were fashioned from Scottish clan plaids, because the game of golf was developed in Scotland.”
Part Five: Tennis Participants and Spectator Outfits For Men From Vintage Fashions comes this example of the men’s tennis outfit. It is similar to the spectator’s attire.“For tennis matches spectators wore variations of tennis players’ garb.
“The major difference was that tennis players wore white only. Men often wore soft, loose-fitting white woolen flannel trousers with a navy blazer.
Part Five: Tennis Participants and Spectator Outfits For Women
“Women wore knee-length pleated summer dresses in white or pastels, or loose trousers with pleats in the front.
During the late 1920s many women chose to wear berets, or soft, wide rounded woolen caps with narrow headbands, with their spectator style clothing”
1920s tennis clothes on vintagedancer.com
SPECTATOR STYLE FASHIONS: Even Now
HATS: The Ultimate Spectator Sport Accessory The Kentucky Derby is home to one of the most spectacular spectator sport events today. It even has a signature spectator sport fashion, the Derby hat. It would seem that almost as many people enjoy the hats as do the horses.
A sampling from the collection of colorful, original scarves and shawls from Hermes.com creates this wonderful, colorful border above
Chanel evening bag sold on Rebag
WHAT I LOVE
I love all kinds of colorful accessories. They range from head to toe. For example, these include items from hats to handbags. Then handbags to scarves and shawls. Even scarves and shawls to shoes. As well as shoes to costume jewelry. Whatever the item is, there is one thing that they all have in common.
Stepping out in Stride
Kurt Geiger makes an outrageous colorful statement in the shoe department. No need to take my word for this. Instead check what’s next in colorful accessories.
Kurt Geiger shoes for casual and dressup occasions.
Going Out in Style
Emphatically, the one thing all these items share is their flair. The Kensington collection from Kurt Geiger of London is a statement to their pallette.
The Kurt Geiger Kensington Collection of very Colorful purses
OVER THE RAINBOW
Colorful accessories come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges. These Balenciaga bags are definitely at the over the rainbow end of prices. But appeal is not always based on cost. In fact, I have also found some very affordable brands that are equally as attractive. Dasein and Diophy are two such companies. You can learn more about them in a little while.
This Balenciaga Logo Ville Bag Printed Leather XXS available on ReBag is a perfect example of a fantastic colorful accessory.
IMAGINE: Everyday Affordable and Still Colorful
Here are two colorful bags that I have now. One is a Dasein handbag in turquoise. The other is in orange. They are available is numerous other solid colors in addition to a leopard print. Just imagine if this style came in the colors of the Balenciaga bag above. It is my dream idea for Dasein to create a bag in the Rainbow pattern colors. In fact, I plan to ask them to make this design.
Above are the Turquoise and Orange Faux Patent Handbags available from Amazon.com and Daseinbags.com
Last but not least is a brand called Diophy. In fact, they carry some amazing colorful patterns at very reasonable prices. Here is an example of both the affordable and the irresistible.
NEWLY DISCOVERED HANDBAG TREASURES MAKE MY SEARCH EXTRA FUN
I keep a close watch on what is new as well as what is newly available in the world of handbag treasures. Let’s say this is sort of the-bag-of-the-month club. Sometimes there are bags I have never seen before. Then I jump for joy.
Other times, there are bags I love so much, they bear repeating. There are even handbag treasures that are so affordably special that I have been able to purchase them. Dasein fits right into that category. This brand is featured at the conclusion of this post.
HANDBAG TREASURE BRANDS
There are several brands that I adore. Besides this, I have special ways that I keep track of my passion for my favorite brands. To start, let me introduce the brands:
A collection of six polka dot decorated pins
A collection of six, three and four layer embellished flower pins
