Packing My Bags.
Good lord, do we have a treat for all y’all. It’s our favorite of the Remixers, come to dole out some of her most succulent wisdom of thrift couture and DIY fashion. We are honored to feature our most regular Thrift Star of the Week, Sarah (aka Sherbet Tone), our new regular blogger.
Enjoy…!
signing off,
Amber & Eve
After watching the Darjeeling Limited the other evening, I found myself craving even more the one thing that has been on my mind all winter: Vintage Luggage. Anyone who has seen the film will probably recall the delicious custom, hand-painted Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton pieces that play a central role. (Unfortunately, I was unable to find a quality photo of these gems.) Though, I am not talking luggage for travel, I am talking luggage for life. It seems that so many of the-way-out-of-any-twenty-something-post-college-girl’s-budget “it” bags recall the shape, texture, and details of vintage travel totes and train cases. Take for example this lovely girl (from Facehunter):
Based-on the details of that tiny suitcase and the pattern, my best guess would be vintage. And it’s absolutely perfect. I think the key is getting one that is just the right size. I recently purchased a children’s vintage suitcase from House Vintage in Portland, OR. (The reason am touting vintage, in particular, is because it tends to have qurky and whimsical patterns and hues that make it stand out.) It was exactly what I had been desperately searching for:
However, the possibilities go well-beyond suitcases. There are also the brightly-colored, wonderfully roomy totes of the 60s and 70s. Anyone who is a fan of wardrobe remix will have noticed everyone from lewis.samuel to ringo, have a banana to mystery bugs carrying varitions of just this thing. And with a little DIY, those bags could have anything the carrier desires painted on them as well. So, in short, don’t be afraid to roam with excess baggage.
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November 8th, 2007 at 7:26 am
Lovely first column, Tone. I like the idea of carrying old fashioned luggage, it would make me feel like a romantic and impulsive jet-setter.
November 8th, 2007 at 8:07 am
Fun topic! I get raves about my vintage leather suitcase and cosmetic case set, bought at Salvation Army about 15 years ago for $4. It goes everywhere with me except when flying (damage potential). It has even been borrowed and used onstage. Such fabulous finds are still out there in the thrifts! Keep ‘em out of the landfill, ladies, and look smashing doing it!
November 8th, 2007 at 9:52 am
Fantabulous first post Sarah! I have long been an admirer of fabulous vintage luggage and cosmetic cases. They are ridiculously useful around the house - as well as out and about. My favorite of my pieces is a vintage charcoal grey circular suitcase that i keep all my scraps of extra fabric in while they patiently wait for their turn as patches, appliques, etc. Now only if I could find a second one to stencil a faux Chanel logo on….
November 8th, 2007 at 10:23 am
I think I will die if I don’t see The Darjeeling Limited soon!
I’ve been longing for some vintage luggage as well… my friend has the most amazing psychedelic suitcase–nothing designer, but nonetheless adorable. I’d even go for avocado Samsonite!
November 8th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
I am so completely with you. I found the one at the bottom of this post for less than 20 bucks. I got asked at a craft fair (I use it to store my fabric stuff) if it was for sale.
I’m *always* tempted by old Samsonite hard cases. Adorn just had a tutorial on dressing them up with various crafty things.
November 8th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
i love that outfit from facehunter. cool entry
muchlove@sweaters&vests.
November 8th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
My musician/producer/dj pal has about 30 of these exact, 60’s soft sided zippered small and medium sized luggage - because they make great wiring and other accessories cases.
November 8th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Thanks for all of your lovely comments! I was a bit nervous, it being my first post.