Cashin Cache

There's something inexplicably thrilling about prowling eBay for vintage. In the process of hunting for, say, ridiculous sunglasses, you come to realize the sweet-spot brands to shop for: ones that aren't so major that there's tons of B.S. to dig through (Chanel, Gucci, Dior) but the ones that aren't too obscure to turn up results. I spent, oh, some 20 hours recently searching for a new-old bag, and, as my shopping evolved my go-tos for the world of oversized leather sacks you throw your shiz in and try not to set on subway floors became Bottega, YSL, and Coach by Bonnie Cashin.

Yes, I said Coach. And I f-ing hate Coach—no offense to my many stylish friends who own bags, keychains, and wristlets. But the brilliance of Bonnie Cashin, who lauched the company's women's accessories line in 1962 after doing big things on her own in the ready-to-wear world, is that she totally got simplicity. No logo fabrics, no weird tassles—just modern shapes in cool colors with unexpected hardware, like exterior kiss-lock pockets.

Here are some of my favorite classic designs by the B.C.:

Double header satchel purse, avail at Ruby Lane.

Watermelon tote, also at Ruby Lane.

Double kiss-lock handbag, was on eBay—try to ignore the doily.

The UCLA library acquired the designer's archive in 2004, and there is a really rad online exhibit on it's website. A few choice photos:

Her Noh coat, in paper, circa 1965.

A graffiti wall in one of her houses where she posted quotes. HI, ADORABLE. Circa 1962.

The designer, circa 1960. Um, Chiquita bananas?

1964 Coach ad.

Can you tell I have a girl crush?