4 clutch bags

S

Shiloh

Registered Guest
First off: hello and thanks for letting me sign up for your community! I've been browsing the VFG website for a while now. I'm very new to vintage selling and I'm rather young so I wasn't alive to even recognize a lot of things :)

ANYWHO, my mother gave me 4 clutches she wants me to sell for her (nope, i won't be posting links when I do sell them, etc, don't worry n_n) as she is going through foreclosure on her home and really needs some spare money. I've tried doing some research but I really don't quite know what I'm looking for.

The first three clutches I'm posting were bought at a run-down thrift store in Charleston, SC in the mid to late 90s.

CLUTCH 1:
Blue with sparkley stuff (no clue what to call it). Inside tag leads to an address but unfortunately that address is now a grocery store. I plan on calling them if I can't get dating info to at least know how long they've been around.
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CLUTCH 2:
This is covered all over in glitter but it isn't like glitter items you buy in the store today where it falls off if you touch it. I haven't seen a single piece of glitter anywhere since she handed it over.
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CLUTCH 3:
This one also has glitter allover that doesn't fall off. The pattern is really pretty but I'm afraid to date it since I have no clue when glitter started being used in accessories.
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CLUTCH 4:
I have no clue where she bought it, only that it was a random thrift store and what she paid. It looks like it's from the 90s to me but I'm not sure. I think it's suede...it's very soft and there is a wear spot on the fabric where you push the clutch closed. It seems to delicate.
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Thanks for ANY help with this. Sorry my first post is me askign for help. But I appreciate any I get. I love this learning experience!


EDIT: I found sometihng on ebay listed at 1950s that has a floral pattern and glitter (NOT MY LINK) http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Black-S...Men_s_Women_s_Accessories&hash=item439fb1ce3b
I'm guessing my mom may be right on saying these are from the 50s? I was thinking they were but, as I said, I'm inexperienced.
 
I'd say the first three are early 60's - I love the floral glitter one. :)

I know the glitter you're speaking of - and I've also see purses that DO shed glitter all over!

That first one I'd refer to it as electric blue eyelash metallic -- or something like that. Very unusual & pretty!

The last one I am not sure - perhaps 90s, as you've suggested. The label is Escada, which is a nice, designer label. I couldn't tell you, though, if it's authentic. If you're planning on selling these on eBay, keep in mind that they have a history of restricting sales of designer items... especially to new sellers. I do not know if Escada is high enough on their list to restrict, though.
 
Thanks for being so helpful and adding something new to my vocabulary (eyelash metallic! that's awesome haha)
 
I hope nobody minds if I ask for any other opinions, especially on the Escada.

I still need to also figure out how to price these. It seems a lot of clutches online are just defaulted to the wrong decade.
 
I'm no help on the Escada--hopefully one of our designer mavens will be along with advice on that.

But I agree with Kristine that the first 3 are 60s. The manufacturer of the first one (vs the store where it was sold--ie Jewell's) is Garay, a well known name for mid-century purses. You can learn more about the company at the Bag Lady University site (which is a great site for researching/dating vintage bags in general):

http://bagladyemporium.com/BLU/index.php?n=Main.Garay

The clasp (of textured finish goldtone metal similar to what was being used in costume jewelry brooches late 50s and into the 60s) is a strong dating clue on that one, as is the wonderful floral pattern on the "Fiancees" purse (I had a great colorblock purse by that manufacturer that I regret having sold!)

Good luck to you and your mom!
 
Oh awesome! I just love how knowledgeable everybody is here. I actually thought the clasp on that one reminded me of a 50s brooch. I'm so excited! I'll def be bookmarking the Bag Lady site as I've never heard of it and I know it'll be of use with a few other purses I have lying around. Thank you so much!
 
I've recently picked up some Escada, which prompted me to do some research. First place to try when you have a label should always be the VFG resource, which is an amazing piece of work. Escada is here

I'd say that bag couldn't be earlier than mid 80s and could run to very early 90s. I'm getting late 80s, but that's based on gut alone! The Escada pieces I have are nice - if a bit glitzy for my taste! - but I don't think it's high end enough for ebay to worry about.

I had electric blue mascara to match your fluffy bag in the 80s. Yikes, it looked terrible. That bag, on the other hand, is verrry pretty.

Sarah
 
Are you putting up on eBay? Am really interested in two of the bags as I love them. Can you let me know what your plans are or when they are available?
 
I've used the label resource before and have tons of thigns I'm selling or have kept for myself that I can add but I don't know how to date soem of them quite yet. I guess I'll get to that! I really have so many things I want to add to the label resource...even modern thigns that aren't vintage becasue I keep seeing them listed online AS vintage when I know for a fact they are not :P

As for how I will list them, they will eventually be listed in my Etsy store once I photograph and figure how much I want to list them for (except the Escada since I'm still thinking it reminds me of early 90s which may not qualify as 1990). I haven't really seen any clutches, especially like the blue metalic and floral one, that are similar enough to mine for me to feel comfortable pricing them yet, unfortunately. When they are listed, it will be in July as I'm going on vacation next week and I don't think I'm allowed to mention my shop for you to either keep an eye on them or make an offer due to forum rules as I'm just a 'friend' and by no means a member.
 
I looked around and pricing for Garay bags on eBay is less than $20. You might get a bit more on Etsy for it, but most everything over there is less than $40 with a few being as high as $65. Of course, none are as unique as the one you have.

If it was me, I would list it on eBay a like $30 or try Etsy at $40.

The Escada bag is a bit difficult because Escada itself is a difficult resale. I dont even pick up the clothing any longer because it is a hard sell. I looked on eBay and mot of the bags were again selling less than $20. A few went into the hundreds but those are generally newer bags and have tags.

Again I think I wuld list that bag on eBay for about $20. I believe that you cant list that one on Etsy because it technically isnt vintage, although someone may correct me.

again, these are my opinions and someone else might have some better pricing strategies for you.
 
I agree with twolittlebeauties that this isn't the typical Garay - when I think Garay I think black fabric or beaded. or black. or black. Or did I say black? I would be tempted to put it on ebay at a high price with a "best offer" . I have a feeling it would go to someone "on a mission" for this color and if it is in top condition it might even go to not the typical bag collector. I agree it might fare well on Etsy as well. To me, I won't pay much for a "typical" basic evening bag - in fact next to nothing but if I was shopping retail for a new bag, I know gals that don't think twice at paying $40 and even $100 for an evening bag and more. So don't be afraid to not ask $5 for it. I really can't say what it would go for because Garay isn't the type of maker like Willardy where there is a built in market with auctions that are listed in catalogs to compare to - it is totally pretty much based on style. *hmmm...can't think of an exact number of what I would put it at at the moment, but will get back to you unless someone has a better idea.

Anyway, I think overall the best offer thing or etsy thing would do well. The better your pictures are, the more you are likely going to get someone to snap it up.
 
Well, with the garay bag, there is one pearl missing on the clasp, unfortunately, along with some tarnish on the underside of the clasp and a few glue marks on the inside lining. The flower clutch, however, is in fantastic condition. I may try the 'best offer' for the Garay on eBay as that sounds like a really good idea (although I'll make my boyfriend do it since my account still has almost no feedback) but list the floral one on Etsy. I also wouldn't bother buying someting that is a plain color sicne they are easy to come by. I personally like loud and pretty and shiny. My wardrobe is a terrible clash of ridiculous colors and patterns.

I won't be selling the Escada on Etsy since my gut is still saying it's a little later than 1990 (the cutoff for 'vintage' on Etsy). It isn't in the /best/ condition so I'll probably just list it for $10 at an auction price. If that one doesn't sell, it's no biggie. I personally am more fascinated by the other three bags.

I think the hardest to price for me will be the floral one because it's not only in such good condition but I haven't personally seen a bag with an all-over floral print...just so far that one I linked to on eBay that only had a section of it in floral.
 
As far as the no feedback account, I would make a handful of purchases that you were intending to make anyway on that account to at least generate 2-5 feedback ratings. So maybe buy the next 5 items you would normally buy with the other account. This way you can brand your image on ebay with your own account. If someone really wants something, they aren't going to have a problem with a low feedback number as long as the percentage is good. I wouldn't buy from someone with zero FB unless they sell elsewhere on the internet or they list their phone number from their physical store as that proves they are "real' and not a spam account.

The damage will pose a problem for someone wanting something in pristine condition, but to someone who just wants to carry it for an event, it is not going to matter as much. I am not really sure still what to price it at. Maybe others will chime in

As far as the one on Etsy, the purse was listed in March, so has sat for awhile at that price. There are variables, of course - if the seller doesn't promote themselves then things might sit longer unless its unique - but it hasn't exactly been snapped up. I don't think the seller is showing it to its ability/ really using the title to advantage, etc. so that's another variable. The price is too high, all things considered.
 
I figured...I'd be tempted to buy it personally even though it is missing that pearl (that's the only imperfection visible from just carrying and it's not someting one sees on first glance). But I know collectors want pristine condition.

Oh yes, I think the price is too high there too. But that is the only bag by this label that I am personally finding. And the shape and clasp are very similar. I personally wouldn't pay $30 for a black clutch. That's just what was showing up on Google shopping. (which stinks since my store STILL isn't syndicated on Etsy)

And I do have 4 feedback but I had a bad transaction recently and I've been scared to go back on eBay and check my percentage XD The buyer completely misunderstood the difference between 'combined' shipping and took it as additional items shipped free (even though I outlined it in the auction) so...I need to get over there to make sure my feedback is still okay at some point.
 
Did the buyer actually leave you negative feedback or are you just speculating? I would bite the bullet and look. Just because a buyer misunderstood something doesn't mean they will trash you if they are pleased with the item. Part of selling is also dealing with customers - maybe spell out what "combined shipping" means going forward so you are covered - maybe say "there is a shipping discount for multiple purchases shipped in the same box. Please inquire." or "for multiple purchases, the second item may be eligible for shipping at a reduced price if items are shipped in the same box." This way if there are a lot of lighter items, they are delighted by the discount, but if all the items are quite weighty it covers your butt if exact shipping works out to the originally quoted prices. Most people would know what combined shipping means if they buy a lot on line, but this lays it out.

If you did get a negative, I think there is an area to leave a comment that will show up on your FB page as an explanation. I would do so, but don't leave anything snarky. Just a simple explanation "Combined shipping doesn't imply free shipping. Sorry for the confusion".
 
You can respond to feedback left on ebay AND you can ask ebay to remove it if it is a neg. Point them to the auction description or terms or wherever you noted the combined shipping. And from now on, ya may want to call that a "shipping discount." I use that. I think I found it in my seller preferences..?

It's so sad that Escada is so hard to sell. I think the quality is fantastic & I absolutely lusted after it in the 90's. I have a pair of black wool escada slacks that no longer fit me & have a mom waist with (eeeek!) pleats that I can't bring myself to part with. I know - I'm sick. ;)

I adore the Royal Blue Eyelash Garay Clutch. Maybe you can find a replacement pearl? That would help a lot, I think.

As to the other two - they're both very cute. I especially like the floral one, too. If you decide to sell it, you may want to use a plain bacground. I think it would show up much better.

So there's my 3.5 cents. Best of luck whatever you decide.
 
Well, no negative feedback and the seller seemed to be understanding. But sometimes eBay really scares me since, if I remember correctly, sellers can only leave neutral or positive. Although I may be wrong. I'm obviously okay on Etsy as I have 100% positive feedback and nobody wants a negative anywhere XD

I wonder how I'd go about finding a replacment pearl (much less attaching it). I'll probably shoot these with one shot of me (or a model if I can ever find another) holding it and then shoot the rest either on a scarf like I usually do or perhaps just use an old pretty nightstand I have. I haven't made up my mind yet. I definately do not want to distract from how pretty they are :3

It's looking like the blue clutch though is going to be the most popular so I need to decide if Etsy or eBay is best. I really am uneasy about the typical culture of 'get it as cheap as you can' on eBay but I've only mostly sold things like video games and toys on there that are newer.
 
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