One Enid Collins please, extra sugar.

Enid Collins of Texas got her start in the purse business in 1959. She made whimsical handbags of wood or weaves and hand decorated them with everything from simple paint to plastic beads, glass and mirrors. The style is signature and immediately recognizable. To some, the purses are gaudy and tacky. To others, they’re works of vintage purse art.

Today, they’re not only a hot collectible, but also a super cute and original tote. If you’re looking for a purse with a story, Enid Collins’ models are it. You can find many of these purses on eBay or other auction sites, but it’s important to check for imitations (that said, some “fakes” are made from DIY kits sold by the Collins’ company in the late 60s, so while they’re not 100% authentic, they’re halfway there).

If you do decide to pick up one of these hyper-adorable and collectible purses and you’re concerned about authenticity, check the signatures. Early bags will have a hand-painted signature on the bottom and are the most desirable. Older bags will show a stamped signature with the date. For a simple, easy to understand guide to recognizing original Enid Collins’, check the eBay guide here.