Gucci sunglasses white aviator style GG 3108 S excellent condition with case    US $51.00

Von Zipper Mens FERNSTEIN Metal Aviator MATT GOLD Signature Sunglasses NEW    US $54.94

New Womens Polarized X Loop Sunglasses Aviator Gun Metal Frame Dark Lens    US $10.50

Exclusive Modeling 80s Men Cool Large Vintage Black Aviator Retro Sunglasses    US $7.95

WW2 German Helmet Aviator Pilot Sunglasses Moto Mirror Goggles Eyewear Mirror    US $14.54

Air Force Deluxe Silver Mirror Aviator Sunglasses NEW WITH TAGS    US $7.75

New Mens Sunglasses Aviator One Piece Lens Sunnies Shades Trendy FF7807 blk red    US $7.95

NEW VINTAGE AVIATOR RETRO METAL FRAME RED SUNGLASSES    US $8.95

VINTAGE BL RAYBAN AVIATOR SUNGLASSES low starting price    US $36.00

Celebrity fashion Aviator Sunglasses OLIVE Gradient len    US $9.95

Classic Vintage Aviator Sunglasses Glasses Tortoise Gold Brown Black Men NEW R6    US $9.99

ROCK REPUBLIC Aviator Style SUNGLASSES 62 012 125 Color Assassin Plum    US $26.59

Some vintage aviator sunglasses styles include:

1. Wire frames with a tinted lens. These are the most typical look for aviator sunglasses. They tend to come in a rectangular shape that is very flattering on most people.

2. Plastic frames aviator sunglasses. These aren’t as classic as the wire framed sunglasses but they are still a pretty hot seller.

3. Polarized aviator sunglasses have made an appearance in such Hollywood films as Top Gun with Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer. That film started a rage across North America for the aviator sunglasses look.

Another useful function of aviator sunglasses is like any pair of quality sunglasses. They also offer approximately UV400 sun protection. Sunglasses shouldn’t just be trendy and good-looking accessories for your face. Any pair of sunglasses you wear should do your eyes a favor by wearing them. Whether it’s direct sun or a reflection of sun from water, ice or snow, the eyes’ retinas stand to benefit when you wear your vintage aviator sunglasses, thanks to their ultraviolet light protection.

There is a long and interesting history to flying for personal and professional reasons. The Wright brothers, were two Americans who are credited with inventing and building the first successful airplane and making the first sustained human flight on 17 December 1903. In the two years afterward, the brothers made their flying machine into the first fixed-wing aircraft. They probably wore vintage aviator sunglasses.

Amelia Earhart didn’t fare so well. Famous as the first woman to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a solo flight, she received the distinguished Flying Cross award for that accomplishment. Sadly in her 1937 attempt to circumnavigate the globe, Amelia Earhart disappeared somewhere over the central Pacific Ocean near Howland Island. She was officially declared dead in 1939. Back then they probably wore goggles rather than vintage aviators.

The name Enola Gay is quite popular. It is the name of the first atomic bomber, whose code name was "Little Boy" by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). Little Boy was used in the attack on Hiroshima, Japan on 6 August 1945, just before the end of World War II. The name of the B-29 bomber was Enola Gay Tibbets, the mother of the pilot, Paul Tibbets. In an interview later the day of the bombing Tibbets, while being interviewed on Tinian by war correspondents, confessed that he was embarrassed at having attached his mother's name to such a glum mission. Throughout his life after the bombing however, Tibbets staunchly defended his mission.

His famous quote, "I'm not proud that I killed 80,000 people, but I'm proud that I was able to start with nothing, plan it and have it work as perfectly as it did," was delivered in a 1975 interview. Aside from that rather questionable aviation history, there are many people who fly quite happily and without dropping bombs on anyone.

ANTIQUE VINTAGE LEATHER TRAIN CASE 18X165 SUITCASE LUGGAGE TRAVEL BAG WITH KEY    US $8.50

Vintage Miniature Leather Suitcase Valise Mini Bar Hidden Liquor Bottles    US $9.99

Mens Vintage All Leather Briefcase suitcase luggage Very Old Nice    US $9.99

Vintage Pressboard Suitcase w Leather Straps Corners Black    US $10.00

Vintage Carilite suitcase w leather trim great look    US $12.99

Small Vintage Samsonite Tan Leather Suitcase Carry on 15 x 10 x 7 inches    US $15.50

3 Vintage Luggage Suit Case Doctors Bag Leather Handles    US $15.50

Real Leather Briefcase Bag Law Lawyers School Student Vintage Travel Suitcase NR    US $19.00

Vintage Leather Suitcase Luggage w Original Hangers KEYS Papers TRUNK    US $19.99

Nice Vintage Reddish Brown Faux Alligator Leather Samsonite Suitcase Luggage    US $20.50

Nice Vintage 40s Tweed Brown Leather Suitcase Luggage    US $22.00

Vintage Mock Crocodile Leather Suitcase With keys    US $24.14

Vintage 1940 50s Leather Salesman Suitcase with attachments for pens tools Inc    US $24.95

Vintage Hartmann Tweed Leather 25 Suitcase Luggage    US $25.00

Vintage Cowhide Leather Suitcase Split Cowhide Leather Luggage Briefcase Travel    US $30.00

Vintage Hat Box Vintage Suitcase 1940s Shabby Chic Storage Leather Ply Wood    US $33.18

Step 1: The first thing you need is to find some vintage leather luggage with a hard body. You will probably also want ones that are stackable. You may have some vintage suitcases that are suitable already. Or you can search for some at thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets, consignment stores, eBay, some antique stores, or ask around if anyone you know has some old suitcases they'd like to be rid of.

Step 2: Clean the suitcases, especially on the inside. Brush out and vacuum any debris. If the inside is musty smelling sprinkle some baking soda inside, let it sit overnight and then vacuum it out thoroughly.

Step 3: Decide what you will be storing in your vintage leather suitcases. You'll probably want to use them for things you do not use that often. If you've stacked them up together the contents may not be as easy to access, especially things in the bottom suitcases. I use a lot of my suitcases to store my collection of vintage linens. You could also use them to store memorabilia or blankets.

Step 4: Put labels on your suitcases so you can easily recall whats in there. You could use vintage leather luggage tags. Or use manila mailing tags tied on with ribbon or string. Or anything else you think looks attractive and strikes your fancy.

Step 5: Decide where you will place your vintage leather suitcases. You can stack them at the end of your bed. Next to the side of your bed as a night table. Or you could use them in the living room stacked next to a sofa as a charming side table. If you aren't stacking them you can use them underneath beds or tables. Small suitcases can also sit on tables or shelves. If you cant find any old, hard suitcases in colors you like consider painting them or covering them with decoupage. Consider putting the stuff you are storing in the suitcases in plastic zipper storage bags to keep them more protected. If it looks like the suitcase you want to used is moldy think twice about using it for storage. Mold is not healthy for you and you don't really want it around. You could try cleaning it, but if you do make sure you do an excellent job.

Old suitcases, especially ones from the 1940s through the early 1960s, are pleasantly retro, neutral in color, sturdy, and flat: qualities that make them perfect for decorating, storing items, and stacking. Ive seen this in several home decorating magazines and books, and Ive implemented this dynamic in my own home in several different manners.

3 Vintage Luggage Suit Case Doctors Bag Leather Handles    US $15.50

VINTAGE 1940s LEATHER LUGGAGE TAG RRL RALPH LAUREN STORE NYC    US $20.54

Vintage PLUM Leather Duffel Bag 80s Travel Luggage Gym Duffle Rare    US $22.90

Vintage HARTMANN Nylon Leather Carry On Bag Luggage 20 1 2L x 12T x 9 1 2D    US $29.99

Vintage HARTMANN Brown Tweed Leather Carry On Bag Luggage 21L x 12T x 12D    US $29.99

VINTAGE LEATHER VALISE Carry On Luggage Travel Bag    US $39.99

VINTAGE LEATHER HARTMANN LUGGAGE    US $75.00

Vintage Suaza Columbian Soft Leather Garment Bag Carry On Luggage    US $81.00

Below are ideas for choosing vintage leather suitcases, ideas for storage, and possible ways of assembling the suitcases. Choosing the right type of vintage leather luggage is important. The best suitcases for stacking and storage have perfectly flat tops and bottoms, and have a sturdy, hard outer shell. Suitcases that are compromised structurally or are flimsy at all will not be suitable. This is usually not a big problem in finding and selecting suitcases—they were made well and built to last.

Most age wear issues with old suitcases have to do with superficial wear and locks, handles, and the like that dont work perfectly. Luckily, this is not an issue when using them for decorating and storage purposes. Superficial wear like fraying, bumps, and patina lend an overall rustic, vintage effect that is pleasing, and the extent of any wear is just a matter of personal taste.

Although suitcases in almost perfect condition are harder to find, they are out there. It just might take a bit more patience and scouring to find them. One thing to remember is to inspect the inside of the suitcase before purchasing it. Ive found some really filthy vintage leather luggage innards with mold and mildew that just cannot be cleaned well enough to warrant buying. However, a minivac, lysol, windex, paper towels, and common cleaning products can really improve most older suitcases.

If youre like me—always looking for ways to keep items organized—you probably wont have to brainstorm too much to think of things you can store in the suitcases, from shirts to pants to vintage bathing suits. However, because of their very nature, its wise to give it a bit of thought, for best utilization.

First of all, the suitcases are portable. Make use of this idea. If you have a 72-hour emergency kit, the suitcases are ideal. Think of anything that should be grabbed quickly in a house emergency: a ton of old, loose photographs, photo albums, diaries, mementos, family antiques, silverware or china, etc. Anything of value, monetary or personal, that is normally stored out of sight, are good candidates for vintage leather luggage storage.

Of course, portability is not the only consideration. Suitcases make great storage for anything that needs to be out of the way, but readily accessible. Out of season clothing, shoes, potential children's hand-me-downs, holiday decorations, gift wrapping supplies, etc., all make great items for leather luggage storage. How nice not to have to dig though boxes and bags in the basement or attic.

Also, if you are a bargain shopper who stocks up on sale items, the suitcases make a great reservoir for stocks of small items such as office and school supplies, toiletries, candles, fabric, and just about anything.

LADIES VINTAGE ROUND SUEDETTE BLACK HANDBAG    US $7.88

Vintage Genuine Snakeskin Quality Handbag Classic Shape c40 50s Snake skin Bag    US $189.60

Vintage Genuine Art Deco Handbag with Hand sewn Beaded Detail c20 30s Purse Bag    US $47.40

EXCOND ROOMY VINTAGE 1960s BOXY HANDBAG MATCHING GLOVES WEYMOUTH AMERICAN    US $56.88

VINTAGE ART DECO 1940S CHROME AND CROCODILE SKIN HANDBAG    US $60.20

STUNNING VINTAGE FRENCH 1940S GENUINE BURGUNDY LIZARDSKIN HANDBAG FAB CLASP    US $15.78

GENUINE VINTAGE 1980S BLACK GENUINE CROCODILE HANDBAG CROCODYLUS POROSUS    US $33.18

AMAZING BLACK CALF LEATHER RARE VINTAGE 40S FRENCH HANDBAG STUNNING SHAPE MINT    US $35.96

VINTAGE womens BROWN BLACK CHILTERN ITALIAN LEATHER HANDBAG 11 x 8    US $12.62

RARE FABULOUS VINTAGE BLACK LEATHER SILVER WELSH WOOL TAPESTRY CLUTCH HANDBAG    US $15.78

Cute Vintage Gold Tone Coloured Clutch Handbag Purse    US $30.00

VINTAGE 1950s GENUINE SNAKESKIN CLASSIC TOP HANDLE STYLE HANDBAG BEIGE BROWN    US $142.20

VINTAGE GENUINE BLACK CROCODILE HANDBAG DATES 40S 50S GORGEOUS    US $31.60

Vintage Tapestry Handbag Evening Bag Ladies Accessory    US $12.62

VINTAGE BLACK LEATHER HANDBAG 1    US $15.78

VINTAGE BROWN LEATHER HANDBAG 2    US $11.04

Vintage Embroidered Chinese Style Clutch Bag    US $31.58

VTG 50S CASHMERE ROYAL BLUE CLUTCH COAT HUGE SHAWL KNOTCHED COLLAR L    US $69.99

VINTAGE 70s MOD VTG KNIT BEIGE OP ART PUFFY CLOUD POCORN PRINT CLUTCH COAT M L    US $39.99

ANTIQUE 1940S FILIGREE MARCASITE NEEDLEPOINT CLUTCH BAG    US $55.30

RARE FABULOUS VINTAGE BLACK LEATHER SILVER WELSH WOOL TAPESTRY CLUTCH HANDBAG    US $15.78

Cute Vintage Gold Tone Coloured Clutch Handbag Purse    US $30.00

VTG Ray Strauss Spain Plaid Wool Clutch Wrap Shawl Cape Coat Fringe Boho S M    US $40.00

Vtg CLEMENTS RIBEIRO LINEN Geometric POP ART SWING CLUTCH COAT DRESS Punk Rock    US $62.99

VTG 50s Lilli Ann Wool Clutch Swing Coat Rainbow Lining    US $39.99

Vintage 1930s evening clutch bag sequins faux pearls on oyster colour satin    US $9.48

Vintage stamped black leather clutch evening chain bag    US $86.90

70s vintage rare fendi leather handbag clutch designer indie hipster classy    US $118.50

1950s Lilli Ann turquoise mohair Paris clutch coat w arctic fox collar sz M    US $229.99

1970s Vtg BLACK SNAKESKIN LEATHER CLUTCH SHOULDER Bag    US $71.10

MOD 60s Vtg PONY SKIN LEATHER CHUNKY CLUTCH PURSE Bag    US $94.80

DECO 1950s Vtg RICH BROWN PYTHON SNAKESKIN POUCH CLUTCH HANDBAG Bag    US $150.10

Step 1: To clean the exterior of vintage leather handbags, wipe the outside of the bag with a white damp towel. Dry the exterior by rubbing the bag in light circular motions. For leather or suede, lather up the saddle soap by rubbing it into the leather with a damp cloth. Using a separate damp cloth wipe away the lather. Polish the leather using a dry towel. Apply leather conditioner.

Step 2: If you don't have saddle soap, to remove dirt from leather apply a small amount of leather cleaner to bag with a clean white towel using circular motion. Next, condition/moisturize using a separate clean white towel in circular motions. Allow to dry after wiping off residue.

Step 3: For suede handbags, do the following.

1. Brush the suede in an upward motion with a thick towel.
2. Remove dry stains with a pencil eraser.
3. Brush suede in an upward motion using a suede brush.
4. Apply a small amount of white vinegar to stains.
5. Use a dry cloth to wipe the stains away.
6. Allow to air dry.
7. Brush the suede with a suede brush in a downward motion.

Step 4: To clean the INTERIOR, lightly wipe the interior with a damp cloth after removing small particles with a lint or fabric brush.

Step 5: Special cases.

You may attempt to remove ink by applying vinegar or powder citric acid dampened with water, by using the tip of a course eraser or by using fingernail polish remover. You may not be able to remove set-in ink. The best protection is to keep ink pens in a separate container stored in your purse.

Fingernail polish: Use fingernail polish remover. Generally, it doesn't harm leather and if its on suede...the damage is already done.

Lipstick and facial makeup: Use a white cloth/towel soaked with warm water and soap. Gently rub in circular motions until gone. Blot dry with white towel. The best prevention is to place makeup, lipstick and nail polish in a plastic baggy and place that into a separate cosmetic bag inside your purse. This way your purse and cosmetic bag is safe.

Step 6: Hardware

To Clean and polish HARDWARE (brass, gold, silver and other metals), wipe with a damp lightly soaped (mild soap) towel then polish with a dry towel. I recommend not using commercial chemicals; they may get onto the leather and fabric material of the bag and cause damage. Shoe repair stores can re-plate hardware. Fobs and straps: Contact the manufacturer/designer for replacement.

STORING

Many designer bags come with their own dust bags. Store your bag in its original dust bag. If you don't have a dust bag available use white cotton pillow cases. Stuff them with acid free tissue to retain shape. I don't recommend using plastic. Plastic has the potential to cause mold and mildew through humidity. More likely than not, tissue paper will not attract moths. Drop moth balls in the storage area-NOT in the bag. Store bags in a cool, dark, but dry place. Vintage leather luggage naturally darkens  over time creating a natural patina. Some vintage leather handbag manufacturers advise not to treat them with commercial cleaning products in order to preserve the patina. Don't use a toothbrush to clean hardware; scratches may occur.