By Abby and Elle
Box-shaped handbags returned to the fashion scene several months ago, and there’s no sign of slowing. Elle has loved box bags ever since she laid eyes (and hands) on this one, picked up for a pittance at This Way Out, the vintage shop located in the basement of the Beachland Ballroom.
“I love carrying this bag because I feel prissy and retro,” she says, adding, “not to mention sometimes frustrated, because it barely holds both my wallet and my iPhone at the same time. But that’s a different problem.”
Elle’s Vintage 50s/60s Box Purse, grey with paisley interior and root beer Lucite handle.
You, too, can get your hands on a charming box bag, either new or retro. Check Etsy for a great selection of retro bags, including — and here’s our Amazing Discovery — bags from the late (from what we can gather) Enid Collins, who designed a number of wooden box bags, often festooned with “jewels,” during the 60s. Her style is part kitsch, part funk and totally endearing. (We are so buying one of her bags.) You’ll see an example of her work at the end of this post, and you can learn more about her work here.
We’ve curated a number of intriguing box bags for you below, with links just in case the mood to buy strikes. Enjoy!
Classic black. Square bag from Nasty Gal, $99
Summer perfect. Princess Charming bag by Atlas, $48
For those times you want to get your whimsy on. Handcrafted 1960s Parcheesi Game Board bag, $169
Make a statement that screams Exquisite! Kate Spade square gift box clutch, $398
Perfect bag for girls night out. Fatal Flirt Mesh bag, $26.99
The sophisticate. Mod Cut Velvet Italian Box Bag, $345
For the well-bred hippie. Enid Collins LOVE box bag, $250
Endearing! Enid Collins Love Doves box bag, $98.50
Abby & Elle Upstairs Fashion & Design 