My favorites? Glad you're interested! I have a shopaholic aunt in West Palm Beach who loves to send me her oldies but goodies. Some are incredible.

FURLAFurla is an Italian manufactuer of fine leather goods, most notably, pocketbooks. This is a mid price-point bag, and some of the signature characteristics are wonderful. Look for large, oversized brass ball clasps or a tassle with a large, brass ball fringe. I found a silk moire insert leather shoulder bag at the annual blow-out yard sale last year for $2.00 in fantastic condition. People just aren't that familiar with the name, but it's a high quality manufacturer that's still producing beautiful designs.

COBLENTZThe heyday of Coblentz were the 1950s - 1960s. You know the Kelly Bag - as in Grace Kelly? That's a Coblentz design. They made exquisite croc bags and the detailing is just incredible. It's hard to find good crocodile these days, and Coblentz is a fabulous find - in fact, it's a downright steal on eBay because not many people recognize the label. These bags typically include the signature Coblentz faux tortoise makeup mirror in a very generous size. If you are very lucky, you can find one with a matching coin purse. Before there was Birkin, there was Coblentz. Very retro chic, and makes a statement. Shop and ye shall find. Coblentz also made a line for Saks Fifth Avenue. An incredible value!

BOTTEGA VENETAThere's two classic vintage Veneta looks. One is their woven leather, and the other is their black leatherette trimmed in tan leather. Sound familiar to...LV? It is. I have two - one fisherman's style purse and a large, over-sized tote. Twelve years and going strong. Try to find their red heart-shaped coin purse. Very unusual looking, I think it might be out of production, and it's a charmer. These last forever. Another fabulous Italian designer that doesn't blast a label.

ESCADA Margaretha Ley is a wonderful designer who made witty, fun bags for this high end designer German fashion line. Great fun, great quality, and a sleek understatement.

Do a little research online at FIT or eBay for fab designers that aren't as vogue as some of the other designer labels when shopping vintage. Vintage is - vintage. It isn't about the name, really - it's all about the quality.

Worth keeping in mind when the bidding skyrockets into a frenzy for a 30 year old bag. It's the quality that counts, and not the logo!

Tips for the parsimonious from Twinkie's Toolbox