Kobey's Helps Shopper Fill A Purse Passion

by Elizabeth Anderson

When it comes to finding vintage handbags, Cindy Meek of Ocean Beach knows a great deal when she sees it. The August issue of Vogue currently sited unique, one-of-a-kind vintage handbags the big rage for Fall, but our savvy shopper is ahead of the game. Over the last five months, Cindy found four bags, each for under $10, whose styles are currently being repeated by big designers.

"I shop at Nordstrom, Macy's and even Marshall's. Nowadays, many bags are at least $50 to $60 for anything decent, but I can find some of the same styles in Kobey's garage sale area! By looking around I can get a couple more and switch more often," Cindy explains. "Most people say to me about my handbags, 'Hey, that's really cute, where did you get it?' I tell them, at Kobey's!"

Although she also shops the thrift stores, she believes Kobey's has the best selection of used merchandise. She explains, "Compared to Kobey's, thrift and antique stores are the same because they experience a slow turn-over of merchandise. I've found pretty much the same stuff is going to be there every time I go, with only a few new things. At Kobey's garage sale area, there's completely different things every week. You never know what you'll find!"

Cindy cites a black silk evening bag with top metal clasp fashioned with turquoise beads as her most exceptional find so far. She's used it to accessorize a black dress and relates it as her favorite bag for festive gatherings and cocktail parties. Another favorite is a blue linen handbag with blue and white interior stripes with matching change purse.

She elaborates, "Looking for great handbags is my thing. I look for different colors and interesting styles. I've found some with lots of cute little compartments, some with matching change purses attached by a chain and others with mirrors. I think older bags made in the 50's and 60's have better quality. A few little dings only add to a bag's character."

Besides handbags, Cindy looks for home decorating ideas when rooting through the garage sale area. Lately she's been inspired by antique door knobs and old luggage. She explains she's seen vintage door knobs in catalogs used as picture hangers and drapery tie anchors for $30 a piece. She says you can find them at Kobey's for around $5. Cindy plans to turn some old luggage and hat boxes into interesting end tables and has used heavy, antique irons for bookends. "You can do a lot with nothing and make something really fun," she says. "It all depends on how creative you can be!"

Kobey's would like to hear from you! Is there a special something you collect which you look for at Kobey's? If you have a shopping experience to share or would like to offer helpful decorating or refurbishing hints please call 523-2700 ext. 312. You could be our next shopper of the month!

This article first appeared in the November, 1996 issue of Kobey's Magazine.
Some information in the article is subject to change.