Monday, August 22, 2011

vintage travel bags





I have a weakness for vintage travel bags.
So when I see the perfect one at my new favorite little thrift store (ARC in Tempe), I couldn't pass it up. 
Seriously, it's perfect. Whenever we hit the road, I always grab a pile of magazines, my journal books, writing pads, reading books, Bible, study material, etc. And who doesn't look for the perfect bag that stands upright and that you can carry in one arm, rather than in crates that requires both hands. Hey, when you're unloading a van at 115 degrees, you want each load to count!
And the bag was only $2.50! 
And my favorite color. Raspberry red!


And then I remembered that I also had a vintage make-up train case. The exact same color. SO, back outside for another photo shoot. And then while researching Royal Traveler, I find out they were made by Samsonite. Ok, that makes sense.


But it gets creepier. I remembered I had yet another train case. An American Tourister train case. The exact same color. Back outside for yet another photo shoot. And then it occurs to me... does this constitute a collection? Or an intervention? Don't answer.
Anyway, while researching American Tourister I stumbled upon THIS American Tourister commercial from 1971. It happens to be one of the longest running commercial ads ever. And I can see why! Do you remember it? It must have been so ingrained in the recesses of my mind... that when we married in 1979, I insisted we buy American Tourister. We kept that aqua blue piece until recently, when we sold it at a yard sale. 


Just so you know, I bought each train case at thrift stores for under $5.00... and I store project ideas in each case. The makeup trays are so handy for small objects and tools for each project. I love creative storage and these train cases are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. And as you witnessed from the commercial ~ pretty darn indestructible! haha!

13 comments:

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

ok, we really have to go shopping together. I want suitcases so bad...but of course, I want them in cream, tan, and black colors...my hubs would say....what, you want the moon too??

Bonnie Bee said...

OK... it this MY luggage... I had the entire set!!!.. received it for my graduation from grammar school.. in 19?? (.. sooo not telling)I hated to get rid of it.. I loved the RED!!!! it would definitely come in handy now at the airport with all the BLACK luggage!!!! Enjoy my old travel companions...

Debbiedoos said...

hi Linda...i saw your link three times LOL...so yes it did go through. Great bags! Thanks for joining me, and I hope to see you again.

Mindy said...

Adorable! I've been CRAVING vintage a make-up train case....and vintage luggage. You've inspired me to keep shopping.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Good job Linda!
You found them in such perfect condition too!
Some things are just classic!
I want to go shopping with you again too!
Hugs friend,
Cindy

Nancy said...

I had the Samsonite luggage in green -- received for graduation present. Notice the two indented squares above the "Samsonite" on the silver logo tag? Samsonite sold lettered tabs which fit in the squares for the owner to personalize their luggage.

Cindi said...

Yes, I had the same bag too and my sister had it in blue.

I'm not liking that something I had is called "vintage" though. I guess it's better than antique.

Hmm, I'll have to check to see if Mom still has it in the back of a closet somewhere.

Terri @ A Creative Princess said...

They're great and yes, I had them in blue! I would love for you to link up to It’s a Party on Thursday (actually, it starts tonight)!
www.acreativeprincess.blogspot.com

Grammy Goodwill said...

I hate it when I found out I'm vintage. hehehe I took the train case on the right - and its two big brothers - to college in 1971. I loved red back then. I think the train case might be in the attic because my daughter liked it so much. I never thought about actually using it. Gasp.

laxsupermom said...

$2.50?! That's insane! It looks to be in perfect shape. I would have grabbed it in a heartbeat. And it's just Kismet that it matches your train cases perfectly. Thanks for sharing.

I'm hosting my monthly Before Blogging Throwback Thursdays party, and would love for you to come show off something you bought, did, or created Before Blogging. Can't wait to see what you bring to the party.

Randi~Dukes and Duchesses said...

Great bags - and great shape! You definitely scored. I'm a sucker for those old train cases.

Glenda @ Magnolia Bend Drive said...

Great find on the red vinty bags.... Looks like the previous owner didn't travel much. Enjoy!

Pam Kessler said...

I've been on the lookout for a train case, but haven't found any that aren't smelly yet! Love that color.