Author Archives: Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy

MEDIEVAL POLAND IS FABULOUS

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-111112111111 Knights and castles, crumbling but beautiful cathedrals abound.  Poland is modern, too.  The tourist industry is certainly alive and well, so you can enjoy the antiquity and vintage ambiance as well as comfort and convenience.  Right now I’m staying in an old farming estate, last rebuilt in 1922 and now refurbished as a quiet, beautiful and elegant retreat with its own lake.

Yes, evidence of the past is everywhere and I have seen several “secondhand” shops, but the focus seems to be on 1990’s – present day fashion (and maybe not too much 1990’s, either).  I found one place that sold a little bit of true vintage but my impression is that it’s hard even for the vendors to find.  Given the history of this region in the 20th century, that is not surprising and I’ve learned that beautiful examples of clothing from WWII and before do exist here, but mostly in museum collections.

I welcome comments from anyone who knows more about this country and am sure that, hidden away, many treasures exist.  I’ve been too busy looking at architecture to locate them and, as always, you just never know.

Prospects. (and Internet) should improve by the time I arrive in Ireland so,  stay tuned .  .  .  .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SLEUTHING IN SHERLOCK’S REALM

In the shadow of an eleventh century castle, along the banks of a winding river, I sloped into a flea market where many fascinating antiquities were for sale and discovered a few items worth carryi…

Source: SLEUTHING IN SHERLOCK’S REALM

MID-CENTURY WOMEN HAD FUN MAKING DECORATED SWEATERS & COLLARS

This was a really big thing in the Forties, Fifties and early Sixties. Hand-decorated clothing, decor and gifts were things that most women did at one time or another. It was more than just a hobby…

Source: MID-CENTURY WOMEN HAD FUN MAKING DECORATED SWEATERS & COLLARS

MID-CENTURY WOMEN HAD FUN MAKING DECORATED SWEATERS & COLLARS

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This was a really big thing in the Forties, Fifties and early Sixties. Hand-decorated clothing, decor and gifts were things that most women did at one time or another. It was more than just a hobby.

During the 1940’s, when so much was rationed and unavailable to buy, it is how women made up for the things they couldn’t get any other way. This was probably true in the Thirties, too, during the Depression.

In the 1950’s, during those Happy Days, it became part of leisure time activity and another expression of women’s love of pretty things and an abundant lifestyle.

These magazines that were given to me really highlight how the handicraft trade was marketed to women aggressively – it was part of women’s role and almost a duty as a homemaker. Take a close look . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SLEUTHING IN SHERLOCK’S REALM

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-111112111111In the shadow of an eleventh century castle, along the banks of a winding river, I sloped into a flea market where many fascinating antiquities were for sale and discovered a few items worth carrying away.

Most notable among them were mid-century jewelry and buttons, true vintage furs (the ONLY kind to buy or wear), and Victorian-era baby clothing.

The evidence will be on display at a later date.  Stay tuned .  .  .

MORGANA MARTIN,  THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

RARE FIND!! TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S BLOUSE

I just LOVE finding true vintage blouses! They’re so pretty and versatile – and so rare to discover in great condition. This one was kind of a bargain-basement item – not top qual…

Source: RARE FIND!! TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S BLOUSE

RARE FIND!! TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S BLOUSE

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I just LOVE finding true vintage blouses! They’re so pretty and versatile – and so rare to discover in great condition.

This one was kind of a bargain-basement item – not top quality, and maybe produced during WWII when materials were rationed. But it’s got a lot of personality to make up for that.

I see it paired with a pencil skirt or cigarette pants. Tomorrow I’ll show some great platform sandals that go well with it, though certainly of a higher-class . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

EUROPE IS GREAT –

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-111112111111 Thanks so much for your patience with my screwy schedule and the dodgy Internet.  I still keep discovering ‘new’ things and more updates will be forthcoming.  Stay tuned .  .  .  .  .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

 

TRUE BLUES – MORE TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S DRESSES AND COORDINATING SHOES

Two shades of blue – cornflower and sea blue – with shoes that go along, all from the same era. I’m stuck in the Sixties right now, and loving it! Again, fitted sheath styles but …

Source: TRUE BLUES – MORE TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S DRESSES AND COORDINATING SHOES

TRUE BLUES – MORE TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S DRESSES AND COORDINATING SHOES

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Two shades of blue – cornflower and sea blue – with shoes that go along, all from the same era. I’m stuck in the Sixties right now, and loving it!

Again, fitted sheath styles but with the extras that make them unique. Madge wears an embroidered frock with a sheer layer over an opaque liner. Stella is rocking a sleek number with matching tie belt – perfect elegant simplicity in beautiful shantung.

The slingback sandals in cornflower and white are European-made – often the best quality imaginable! The multi-color pumps are appliqued with flowers all over. Both are 100% leather.

I love, love, love finding true vintage clothing and accessories that perfectly complement each other. Like putting together more and more puzzle pieces . . . .
Such Fun!!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM