Vintage reflections

What’s in your purse?

Somewhere, deep in the darkest corner of mine, amid the jumble of grocery store receipts, gloves (right glove only) and keys, there is a mirror. I think.

Time was, no woman’s purse was complete without a compact. A tiny vanity-to-go with powder, rouge or lipstick and even a coin or two for a phone call.

I remember being handed my mother’s compact and a tissue to wipe a smudge off my face or apply a little lipstick.

In old movies, a woman’s compact could instantly become a tool, enabling her to spy on someone without being observed.

These little containers were more than utilitarian objects; they were works of art.

And they’ve become very collectible.

Alice Bel called to tell me about her collection of compacts. She’s been searching antique shops and shows for more than 15 years, and now she has more than 200 antique and vintage compacts displayed in her bedroom.

She doesn’t have to go anywhere to powder her nose.

Bel’s collection is the product of good networking and a spouse willing to take treasure hunting trips with her.

“I don’t fly,” Bel said. “So our traveling is driving around to interesting places. And I always go back to check out the shops where I found a compact before.”

Dealers keep an eye out for Bel as well.

“When I walk in, they pull out their compacts,” she said. “They don’t hold them for me, but when they see me walk in the door, they bring out what they’ve got.”