Vintage Judith Leiber Is a Gold Mine

Tassels? Check. Gemstones? Check. Exotic leather? Check check check.

While spending late nights scouring The RealReal for a bridal purse, I stumbled across some insane evening bags that all had one common denominator: Judith Leiber. I know what you’re thinking, and it’s not all bejeweled martini glasses or blinged out cell phones.

Photo Courtesy of The Leiber Collection

Tassels? Check. Gemstones? Check. Exotic leather? Check check check.

Today, many of us are gravitating toward timeless statement pieces that echo a bygone era. The resurgence of Elsa Peretti’s iconic Bean from Tiffany & Co. (we can thank

The Millennial Decorator

for that), long tassels for out belts and bags (

Christina Grasso

does tassels best), and our collective affection for oversized earrings reminiscent of our grandmothers' jewelry boxes all exemplify this trend.

Judith Leiber captivated thousands with her dazzling handbags, and I find her more understated pieces very wearable for the everyday. It’s surprising that more brands haven’t drawn inspiration from her work. Wearing one of her creations is akin to donning a piece of art, and my favorite way to invest in a timeless wardrobe is good basics with unique accessories.

It also doesn’t hurt that her pieces don’t break the bank.

I was about to buy this purple Judith bag while doing research, but someone beat me to it. Practice what you preach, right? Here’s how I would style it, I wish whoever bought it well…

Nour Hammour Trench, J.Crew T-Shirt, Levi’s Low Loose Jeans (I LIVE in these, size up one size so they sit low), Portolano beanie, Adidas chocolate sambas, Khaite x Oliver Peoples sunglasses, Summer Fridays balm

Nour Hammour Trench, Khaite Nevada Boot, Skims Plunge Dress, LIE Studio Earrings, J.Crew Opera Gloves, Dior Lip Oil, Mini Maison Pearson Brush

When doing a little research on the history of Judith Leiber, I came across this iconic exchange:

What do you say to women who think your bags are impractically small?

JL: All you need is a lipstick, a compact and a $100 bill – in case your boyfriend or husband doesn’t want to take you home.

Now that’s my kind of gal. Do yourself a favor and set a “Judith Leiber” saved search on The RealReal, you already know that I have. Etsy and eBay also have god Judith Leiber selections, but I find the UX of The RealReal better for this search.

Behold, the treasure trove of vintage Judith Leiber

This belt would make any plain outfit amped up

Oxblood? Evening? Lizard? This bag is tough to regret at that price point

Black blazer + slip dress+ this bag = the simplest formula

I’m in love with the buckle on this belt

An art-deco dream, this clutch would make an amazing gift for your vintage loving friend

This belt feels frankly illegal to share without buying for myself

We’re all loving chocolate bags, and this may be the best I’ve seen

The black tassel makes this bag so easy to pair with a sleek black outfit for a pop of color

Before this I didn’t consider a belt to be jewelry, but now I’m thinking otherwise

I never said I’d wear hunter green but I’m wearing it now, so maybe royal purple is next on my list?

Can you imagine this bag with Navy Manolo Maysales?

The diamonds may be a bit much for some, but oof this handle! I feel this bag is already getting compliments.

Can imagine this necklace with an unbuttoned oxford shirt? It’s insane

This split belt is to die for, would be amazing on a maxi dress

This bag is definitely only fitting a $100 and a chapstick

I think I’d take the strap off of this bag for an evening look, I love a top handle

Technically this is a sub brand so perhaps not the same value, but how hot for an evening bag?

Another chocolate bag that will never go out of style

How easy to layer this belt with a simple dress to zhuzh it up

I can’t not include a bejeweled bag in this post - Loewe tomato anyone?

The defense rests its case.

Talk soon,
K.H.B.