Author Archives: Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy

OUT-OF-SEASON TRUE VINTAGE FINDS – I’VE GOT SEVERAL!

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-1111121Yes, I’ve recently uncovered about half a dozen Spring and Summer items that didn’t slow me down a bit just because they are out-of-season right now, and I’ll be showing them to you over the next few days.  Who knows where I’ll be when it’s actually the time to be wearing them!

FINDER’S TIP:  DO YOU IGNORE OUT-OF-SEASON ITEMS WHEN YOU’RE ON THE HUNT?  TSK,TSK AND SHAME-SHAME!  YOU’LL NEVER BE A SUCCESSFUL SLEUTH IF YOU THINK THAT WAY.  “WHENEVER”, “WHEREVER”, “WHATEVER”  AND “HOWEVER” ARE SOME OF THE BEST GUIDING PRINCIPLES WHEN YOU’RE SCOUTING FOR CLUES . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

HOME-SEWN VINTAGE SUNDRESS WITH SURPRISING “MYSTERY” TAILORING

Source: HOME-SEWN VINTAGE SUNDRESS WITH SURPRISING “MYSTERY” TAILORING

HOME-SEWN VINTAGE SUNDRESS WITH SURPRISING “MYSTERY” TAILORING

IMG_1748This frock just looked like a plain, old cotton sundress – rather inexpertly made – and I almost passed it by.  The fabric felt kind of stretchy.  OK, right – lots of today’s fabric feels kind of stretchy because it has Spandex built in  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

But, the fabric also told me that it wasn’t recently made.  When I looked more closely, it became apparent that the entire dress had been cut on the bias!

Take that, Spandex!!  The tailoring trick for adding some give, drape and a fabulous, molded fit that was so popular in the 1930’s was used by this seamstress to make her summer frock unique.  And, it will probably look killer on! Can’t wait to try that . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

YESTERDAY! TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MINK PILLBOX HAT

Source: YESTERDAY! TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MINK PILLBOX HAT

YESTERDAY! TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MINK PILLBOX HAT

IMG_1751Although it’s never, to me, the right thing to support a market for fur, I will continue to cherish these old vintage (50 – 60+ years) pieces of past-time high fashion.  When humanity didn’t know any better, a touch of mink was the ultimate in luxury and chic for a middle-class gal.

This pillbox style is awfully cute with the topknot.  It’s fun to find a true vintage fur that is still in good condition and, since it was so well-made and looked-after, will last for many more years.  I’ll show you two more recent finds in a few days.

However, the faux furs made now are so authentic and affordable that there is no justification for buying any kind of modern animal fur.  As beautiful as furs can be, they’re more beautiful on the animals and the fur trade should be just as dead as the poor creatures that it has killed.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

A REALLY NEAT CLASSIC 1950’S HOUSE DRESS FIND!

Source: A REALLY NEAT CLASSIC 1950’S HOUSE DRESS FIND!

A REALLY NEAT CLASSIC 1950’S HOUSE DRESS FIND!

IMG_1735I just love the fun cotton prints on so many mid-century house dresses. The sleeve cuffs are fun, too.  Can’t wait for warmer weather!

Although the original belt is missing, it will look nice  with a black one or, maybe, there’ll be extra fabric in a hem or side seam to make a matching replacement. This is a great find, in such good condition.

Mid-century women wore these so much, every day, that it’s always a treat to find one that didn’t wear out!  Back to the future again . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S CLASSIC LEATHER SLINGBACK PUMPS

Source: TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S CLASSIC LEATHER SLINGBACK PUMPS

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S HAND-MADE CLASSIC LEATHER SLINGBACK PUMPS

IMG_1717What a great color to find!  Deep charcoal gray, in a very classic style.  They’re a perfect companion for most Fall and Winter vintage (or modern, if I must) skirts, casual dresses, suits and slacks.  The best thing, of course, is the construction.

Not only do they have a leather upper, which can still be found these days, but they have a full leather sole.  So, I can keep them forever and have them repaired when necessary.  Try that with a cheap synthetic sole – no way.

Another of my favorite features in true vintage shoes are the leather insoles. And, if they’re printed in gold with the brand name that’s the very best!  Amazingly, I often find that the gold lettering has stayed on really well, even when the shoes had been worn quite a bit.  These show only light wear, with no need for repairs for a long time.  The hardware on the straps, too, is top quality and won’t ever break.

It’s so much fun finding things that won’t call for any special occasion to wear, and  the mid-heels can do anything!  These pumps will become part of my everyday closet.  Love being transported in time on a daily basis . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

SURPRISE, SURPRISE! MORE BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE SLEEPWEAR FROM THE FIFTIES

Source: SURPRISE, SURPRISE! MORE BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE SLEEPWEAR FROM THE FIFTIES