I have a certain nostalgia for things from my past. Not to be confused with materialism at all, sometimes it's more like a hazy idealized hindsight viewing of certain special things that were part of my life. That's how I'd explain it to my DH or anyone 
more focused on experiences than things. I love handbags and am not a snob about them. All styles and price ranges have won my approval. I still remember my first purse in what we quaintly called Junior High School (middle school? huh?). This wasn't it. I also remember my 2nd and third and the ones my friend had that I wanted. Back to this one...I had this caramel colored leather purse pictured in about '72 if memory serves, and the price for this roomy leather beauty purchased at Grover Cronin dept store was around $25.00. That was a LOT of my paycheck! I have so few things left from those days. This bag was with me through the 1990's when it died from mildew in an unheated front entry closet. Sad. From time to time over the years I've thought of it. It wasn't a brand name and had no label inside so how to search for it on ebay where sooner or later EVERYTHING turns up? I actually found one for a few bucks over my original purchase price but it was so beaten up and dirty and stained and mine wasn't, ever, so I passed. I recently plugged in a few search words-leather flap hippie bag- and WOW found one! Just like mine. $22. I bought it without hesitation.
I was so happy to see it again! Or it's near relation, pictured here. This one didn't have the great long strap I remembered, but shorter with a buckle. But it is in great shape, it even smells like my bag did (!!??) Without the cigarettes I used to carry back then. This bag is a classic. I lavished leather conditioner on it and am carrying it now, before I break out something bright yellow for Spring. I'm still hoping to find that vintage Etienne Aigner linen shoulderbag I had in '68.
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