Plastic Covered Purse with Leaf Detail. 1960s. Maker: JR, Florida, USA. Ivory satin fabric purse with intricate leaf pattern. The branch is made of white and gold trim, which lends a three-dimensional look and leads to the design that goes down the bottom and up the sides of the purse. The leaves are differently-colored appliqués (possibly leatherette, as they are slightly puffy) that have been embroidered onto the base fabric. Someone artfully pleated the front so that the leaves stand out even more. The purse is covered in plastic and finished with gold braid around the front and back and there’s gold hardware, including little feet on the bottom.

As I’ve said before, I love these plastic-covered bags. I have this weird obsession with tactile things, especially when they have a 3-D effect. (I also have a collection of vintage framed ribbon ladies, paper dolls with fabric embellishments.) These purses have a sophistication to them, whatever their design. And you can still get them relatively cheaply, a plus for those of us who are forever looking for a bargain!