totally crushing

{vintage 1970's leather bag with brass strap closure}

I must confess, I've got a crush.  No no, not that kind of crush, I have a vintage crush on this b-e-a-utifully distressed vintage satchel bag, via 86Vintage86.  Even as I sit here typing I find myself smiling just thinking of vintage brown satchel bags.  Whether it be made of leather or canvas, one thing is for sure: they are most definitely a huge weakness of mine.  The more aged and distressed the better!  Take the bag pictured above, with its scuff marks and weathered exterior, it's practically busting at the seems with character!  It  makes me wonder where it has traveled and what adventures it has been on.  It's not canvas, but it is so Indiana Jones!  I'm a huge fan of Starwars, but Harrison Ford's Indy is so much sexier than his Han Solo and I think it's the manly World War II era outfits.

{movie still from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom}

The fact that vintage bags like this one have survived through the ages is a true testament to their craftsmanship.  Pride was put into the creation of this satchel.  It is evident in its architecture, in the materials used to create it, and its overall design.  Seeing a bag like this one is a reminder of how things are not made well anymore.  It seems like things that are made today are not made to last.  It is as if everything is made with an expiration date in mind just so we have to buy more items to replace the new one we just bought!  I don't know about you guys, but when I see a bag of simple beauty such as this one, I long for the days when people took the time and put in the effort to create something that lasts.  Until that day comes, I have made it my goal to find as many of these lovelies as I can to fill my closet (and yours).  

{vintage 1970's Coach, by Bonnie Cashin}

Very similar in style to my current "crush" is a vintage Coach bag we sold some months back at our vintage shop.  I was very fond of this one as well.  -Marcela

(update: 86Vintage86 is offering Ela's Idea's readers 20% off for the month of June!  Use coupon code:ELA20.  We will also match their offer at our elasvintagefinds shop with the same coupon code!)

How to use coupon code. Click to enlarge

Indiana Jones movie still image courtesy of www.indianajones.com