Romantic Purse

The Romantic Purse as it Looks Today

Falling in Love

Recently, my mom was re-sharing the story behind a beloved purse she’s had for 65 years…older than me! It immediately hit me that it would be a great blog post! Fashion, Love and Sweet Memories all rolled up into one. Here is the story of the romantic purse as written by mom: Kenlyn!

Mom (Kenlyn) and Dad (Donald) in Their Dating Years

“THIS PURSE IS 65 YRS. OLD.  IT WAS A GIFT FROM A ‘”SECRET PAL”. We worked in the same office. I had been looking at it in the window of “The Lou Ann Shop” in Aurora, Il.  “Lou Ann’s” was a great shop for accessories.  I’ve always been an accessory kind of girl. (The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!). My husband, Don, and I were just in the “falling in love” stage of our relationship. 

My Mom…now you see where I get my FANCY from!

The purse is just large enough to hold a brown bag lunch.  I would pack a lunch for us. Don would bring our favorite soda.  He picked me up in his shiny new “two tone” baby blue and white Dodge. 

My Dad and His Two-Toned Baby Blue and White ’55 Dodge Coronet (My Aunt is the little girl in this picture.)

Off we’d go to the park and our favorite spot by the Fox River.  Some times we even managed our romantic lunch on our lunch hour.   

My Dad

The purse got old and the decorations fell off.  Many times , over the years, I put it out to the curb with the trash. I’d stand at the window looking at it perched on top of the trash, remembering our lovely lunches.   Nostalgia got the better of me. I finally rescued my old purse.  I gently hosed it down and set in the sun to dry. My favorite florist replaced the decorative pieces. I have continued to enjoy using it and always receive complimentary comments on that old purse. Its also a perfect fit as a center piece for summer entertaining, on my porch. I’m so very pleased I could not part with it.  Don and I were married on Sep. 6, 1958.”

Dad and Mom on their Wedding Day

I’m so happy that my mom found the only picture she has of her with her purse in it’s original state. It’s a picture from their honeymoon. You can see the purse atop the suitcase. Ironically, my mom still has at least one of those suitcases.

My Mom on Their Honeymoon

The Romantic Purse Today…65 Years Later

This purse is still bringing both of us great joy! I’m grateful she didn’t get rid of it. My mom and I have shared accessories – purses, jewelry over the years. In preparation for writing this post, I styled the purse several ways and took it out with me for a day of fun! 65 years later and the purse is still receiving all kinds of compliments! The romantic purse is timeless!

Shop the Look

Black Lace Top
Window Pane Pants
Black PumpsBlack and White Flower Necklace

Straw Purse
Purse: My Mom’s 65 years old

The Romantic Purse Goes to Kuiper’s Sunflower Farm

Going to Kuiper’s Family Farm and seeing the sunflowers and taking pictures is always a fun day out with Mr. FTF! I can’t begin to tell you how many women stopped me to tell me how much they liked my purse! It warmed my heart to know the whole story behind it’s glorious 65 years!

If you live in the area, we highly recommend that you check out Kuiper’s for Sunflower Season and apple picking. They also do a great job for fall fun and Halloween!


Shop the Look

Blue Floral Dress

Red Floral Dress

Red Lace Up Sandals

Basket Purse

Let’s Chat

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14 comments

    • FTF says:

      Hi Jodie,

      Thanks so much! It might be my all time favorite blog post thus far! I can remember the purse from when I was little and it’s obviously older than me. I love that it’s still bringing both my mom and I great joy after all these years. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving such a lovely comment!

      Julie xo

    • FTF says:

      Hi Janet,

      Thanks so much for your kind words! I’m glad you enjoyed the story of the romantic 65 year old purse that is still brining us joy today!

      Julie xo

    • FTF says:

      Liza,

      That’s so sweet! Thanks so much! I hope you enjoyed the story of the purse! Thanks for following along and being so supportive!

      Julie xo

    • FTF says:

      Thanks so much Deb! We get told all the time that we look alike. I actually think I look more like my dad. I’m glad you enjoyed the story! Thanks for being such a great supporter!

      Julie xo

    • FTF says:

      Thanks for your kind words Mia! I’m so glad you read the blog and left us a kind comment! I appreciate your constant support!

      Julie xo

    • FTF says:

      Awe! Thanks so much Lisa! It is such a fun story revolving around a 65 year old purse that we’re still enjoying today! Appreciate your constant support!

      Julie xo

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