Category Archives: ’70’s does ’40’s

More Accessories ESSENTIAL for a True Vintage Wardrobe: Scarves and Ties

True vintage scarves are a must-have. They are generally very well-made with hand-rolled and stitched edges. Often, they are made of silk; if not, the fabric is of very good quality. Mostly, it’s the artwork on printed vintage scarves that is so wonderful. The only essential example I’m not showing here is the souvenir scarf, depicting scenes from a specific place or theme. Mid-century women collected these. Large scarves are great as capes or folded into turbans. Small scarves make cute little collars or accents on handbags or pockets. Every size in between can be worn in a gazillion variations. Lots of books and online tutorials teach you how to do this.

For a menswear outfit, a true vintage necktie is key. I especially love the mid-century graphics. Some 1940’s ties are truly spectacular and the only example I have of this style is a 1970’s/’80’s souvenir tie from Watson’s Desert Inn in the Canary Islands.

Scarves and ties alone can make up a vintage collector’s obsession but I prefer to use them as accessories only. As a very useful clue added to a modern or otherwise banal outfit, they can open unexpected doors. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS SHOES FROM THE 1970’S

From the Seventies does Forties period, early in that decade, these beautiful leather shoes were made in South Africa. Couldn’t believe my eyes when I spied them. In wonderful condition, even though they were more than 30 years old at the time. I adore peep-toe pumps and virtually anything 1940’s, so this was a no-brainer. Also, investigating the clue was fascinating.

Made for Kinney in South Africa? Wow. Who knew? Of course, things made and sold in any of the countries which were part of the British colonies found their way all around the world, so could end up anywhere. I took them to a shoe repair to have one little piece of elastic on the straps replaced. The owner was a man from Europe who had made shoes there before emigrating. He corroborated my conclusion that these pumps had been very well-made.

Unfortunately, they were about 1/2 – 1 size too big for me and in an open style like this, that’s too much. The fit will be wonky and they’ll be unstable on your feet with not much you can do about it. So, a lucky gal in Australia profited from my discovery. Who knows what streets they’re walking now? I’m going to be on a shoe streak for a little while so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM