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Thursday, January 27, 2011

THE BOTTOMLESS PIT!

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I try to keep it real on my blog, so I’m going to begin this post by telling y’all that my husband refers to my purse as  the “BP” (bottomless pit).  I have the same philosophy about my purse that I have in my home…You NEVAH know what or when you might NEED something!  Of course, this has advantages and disadvantages.  When someone mentions something they need, I often shout (with some pride), “I have that”!  I don’t tell them that it may take 30 minutes to find whatever they are needing!  The bad thing about my “BP”, is that my back problems probably are a direct result of that “BP”! 
In spite of the fact that I love my BP, I also have a  thing about tiny vintage purses.  (I just can’t use those little things!)  Ladies used to carry only their necessities, i.e., lipstick, powder, and a nickel for the pay phone.  My Mother’s black bakelite purse is the perfect example of that.
black ext
On the inside of the tiny purse are a powder and a blush.  See that little tube of lipstick?  That was attached to a special string, hidden inside the tassel on the end of the purse.  When I was a child, this purse was in the attic of our home.  My sister and I played dress-up with the purse, and at some point, the little lipstick became unattached.  Behind the lipstick, you may be able to see a hole in the purse.  If you are familiar with Bakelite, you know that it should NOT be stored in an attic.
black intr
My grandmother had a mesh bag that my sister and I loved to carry around too.  Have you ever just held one of these in your hand?  I love the feel of the mesh, and I spent a lot of time in my childhood, bouncing the the mesh up and down in my hand.  I suspect that, combined with its age, is why the mesh looks so dark now.
gmothrs
Mother’s mesh bag was obviously not played with as much as grandmother’s, and it still looks pretty good.  (I was bouncing the mesh on this one in my hand before I took this photo-I can’t resist doing that).
mothers mesh
I am so sad to tell you that my little childhood Easter purses are probably considered vintage now.  (I know, NOBODY keeps this kind of stuff….except me!)child purses
It is even more devastating to tell you about the purse that got me started on this post.  Every year, for Valentine décor, I get out the box purse that I carried when I left my wedding to go on my honeymoon.  Sadly, these box purses have become vintage collectables now!  I’m really NOT THAT old, am I?
vtine girl
This purse is not as old as it looks.  I allowed my daughter and her friends to play with it when she was a child.  (By the way, I’m also not as old as I look!)
box purse cmbnd

The next photo is an example of girls carrying purses that are closer to the size of the “BP”!
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Now, do you want to see inside THE famous BP? 
NO WAY I’m revealing THAT on my blog!  Thank you for coming to visit.  Be sure you click on the links below to find wonderful Favorite Things in Blogville.  laurie



34 comments:

Tardevil said...

That's funny he calls your purses the BP b/c I call mine the 'black hole'. Love looking at the 'vintage purses'. I've never seen a bakelite purse or a box purse. Maybe I need to shop more, what do ya' think? ;O)

lvroftiques said...

Laurie I too have a BP and I'm sure it IS responsible for my back troubles lol! But ya just never know when you might need hand sanitizer..kleenex...sunglasses...phone...kitchen sink...Just checking to see if you're still reading *winks*
Ohhh do I love your small purse collection!! They're all beauties! And you're right that mesh is so wonderful to touch. It's pretty addictive. I have a few small bags too but none as nice as yours. I need to get crackin'! I'm already an antique for a car! Lol! Vanna

Blondie's Journal said...

I thought I was the only one with a BP. It takes an hour to clean it out. And I, too, usually have just about anything anyone could need!

All of the purses are fabulous...I never heard of bakelite, but I do remember some of my grandmother's purses that my mother saved. And I'll never forget those little wicker or straw purses we carried on Easter Sunday!

XO,
Jane

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I don't have my honeymoon purse, but I do have the outfit I wore! My favorite purse of all time was a lucite one I used in college. It broke and I didn't keep it, but I tell you, I LOVED that purse.

Sarah said...

Laurie, the Collins bag brings back oh so many memories. I had several through the years, as did my mom and sister and all my friends. My favorite was a little min one that was black with an owl. My Chi Omega little sister gave it to me. Sadly, I really don't know what happened to those bags. I kept them for many years, but I no longer have them. Guess one of those Januarys when I was in a clean out the closet mode, they must have gone to the thrift store. What was I thinking?
So it's fun to see your little vintage purses. I like small bags! ~ Sarah

Anonymous said...

I keep my purses small so they don't become BPs. Nothing is more irritating to me than scrounging around in my purse for whatever it is I'm looking for.
BTW, I share your fondness for vintage purses. Have a good weekend doing your favorite things.

Anonymous said...

I keep my purses small so they don't become BPs. Nothing is more irritating to me than scrounging around in my purse for whatever it is I'm looking for.
BTW, I share your fondness for vintage purses. Have a good weekend doing your favorite things.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

What a cute post. I loved seeing all the purses. It hasn't been easy but I am getting away from a big purse. I just can't do it anymore. I use to be just like you saying "I have that!" I do love that box purse, how sweet to have had it when you left on your honeymoon. It is so you!!!

Sweet European Dreams said...

yep, I'm a member of the BP club as well. I'm not ashamed though - it works for me! I have a serious LOVE for bakelite and I'm not sure that I've ever seen a bakelite purse? So very cute! Glad I could link up with you and your fun ladies this week! -diane
http://www.sweeteuropeandreams.com

Anonymous said...

Love, love, love that Bakelite purse!
Now I'm imagining the feeling of bouncing the mesh bags up and down in my hand...
Have a wonderful weekend, Laurie!

xinex said...

I want to see your BP purse, Laurie. I guess mine would qualify for that too cause I used to be called the "walking closet". I love your vintage purses. I have a collection of them but they are probably not as vintage as your mom's and grandma's. I love the mesh cause it feels like water, it just shapes to anything....Christine

Susan Freeman said...

Me too ~ I'm a member of the BP Club and it seems to be getting worse. Love those vintage bags!! Thanks for another great party!!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

bj said...

adorable little purses..
thanks so much for hosting.

bj said...

adorable little purses..
thanks so much for hosting.

Infatuated with Homes and Gardens said...

Thanks so much for hosting this party I hope to have a good look at all of the blogs ,I am your newest follower!
~Sharon~

Lynn said...

Cool purses Laurie, Happy Weekend:@)

Sonny G said...

I like those little antique purses..
Mine's about medium and I dont carry a lot of stuff..

My mom always carried what we called
: The Suitcase:: hahahahaha

Anonymous said...

Hi Laurie! What a great post! I need a bigger purse too! Now I love your mesh ones from you mom and grandmom but the little box one! I had a couple of those too! Wish I still have them! You're just a treasure chest! Well, not you, but all you've saved!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Honey at 2805 said...

My initials are BP!

Thanks for a fun post and hosting the party!

Kathleen said...

Definite BP here! Every receipt and coupon for the last year! Spoon, scissor, on and on...I have it. I also have one shoulder that is permanently drooped from it!
Love your mom's purses. My mom had the BP malady too. Even when I switch to a smaller bag, the BP gets locked in the car!

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Laurie! I love your collection! I don't think I have any of my old purses of any kind! I do have one Easter bonnet, though! lol Hope you are having a great weekend!...hugs...Debbie

Maggie said...

Hi Laurie,
I remember my Nana had a mesh purse like the ones you have.
I've never seen a box purse like your honeymoon LOVE purse, I think it's gorgeous. There's always something new to discover in blogland.
Hope your weekend is the best!
Maggie

The Charm of Home said...

Hi Laurie,
You have the funniest edits on your blog. I'll be at the party! Love your old purses, I mean BP's. LOL
Sherry

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Laurie, yes, I think we all carry a lot more in our purses than we need to. I love your vintage bags. I can't believe you have some from your childhood.

Katherine said...

I love those wooden box purses. I used to have one I bought from Salvation Army but have no idea whatever happened to it. I see them for sale all of the time on Ebay! I'm your newest follower (found you over at Savvy Southern Style) and I'm going to link up to your awesome party!

Sue said...

Crack me up, Laurie! I don't carry a large purse at all. I wouldn't have enough stuff to put it in.
What?- you say! As incredulous as it seems, I just carry my wallet, my phone, and a few cosmetics- contact lens blink and clean and a lipstick. What more do I need? LOL The brief case, however, is another story! Even mini-laptops are heavy....

Savannah Granny said...

I am so loving the LOVE bag. All of these bags are such sweet treasures. I know what you mean about the mesh bags. Can't stop bouncing them. Thanks for a glimpse of the beautiful bags. Love the way the bakelite bag was totally outfitted. Can't say "pimped out" cause it was mamma's bag. LOL Ginger

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I am such a purse gal! Love them and all kinds. Your vintage purses are awesome. I would so love those metal mesh purses. Thanks for hosting this fun party!

Unknown said...

Laurie, a great trip of memories and purses and another idea for my blog. I carry only a very small purse these days, even when we travel. Years ago I gave up the biggees after shoulder pains. Mnay times now I don';t even take a purse when we are out and aoubt locally esp. when Jerry drives..I have a collection of vinatage purses too which I will have to share someday..but less is better to tote..

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Laurie my purse is so heavy that I'm surprised I don't have a dent in my shoulder from carrying it! I can't take out one thing, however, as I need it all! :)

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Laurie,
I so love your cute little purses!
I am jealous that you were wise enough to have kept all these cool things!
I so wish I had a few of my old purses to pull out!
Hugs friend,
Cindy

Heidi Pocketbook said...

Lol, great post! I like that the inside of your going away purse has ink marks--I'll guess one of your dd's autographed it at some point when playing with it.

Thanks for sharing all of these cool purses!

Hugs from Heidi

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Oh girl you are too funny..my late hubs use to call my purse my "Lets make a Deal" purse do you remember that show and Monty would ask if you had such a thing in your purse?? Wally use to say if I was on that show no matter what he asked for I would have in my purse ha ha!! I kid you not I use to carry a small hammer even..don't ask why I don't even know...
Now I wear a fanny pack to go shopping need both my hands free to grab things ha ha!!
Love that you still have your Easter purses...I still have my baby shoes and bonnet of course they have seen better days now..Hugs and smiles Gloria

Gweny said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your mothers old purses. I also love anything that bring back memories of my childhood. The best comment I've heard today" I'm not as Old as I look either" LOL