Category Archives: ’80’s

A BOX OF TRUE VINTAGE SHOES IN THE BASEMENT

A LITTLE HUNTING GUIDANCE FROM THE VINTAGE SLEUTH . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A BOX OF TRUE VINTAGE SHOES IN THE BASEMENT

Another of those boxes in the basement which I hadn’t thought about in a while – finds of the last 10 years stored away. It’s always fun to see what’s inside!

From the top row down, we’ll start with the DUDS, from the viewpoint of a true vintage hunter:

Pairs #1, #2 & #3 – nice to very nice classic styles in leather, 1980s at the earliest to 1990s. Pretty shoes. Ho hum. NOT vintage. But the pumps are, by today’s style standards, very retro. The navy sandals are kind of retro ’40s.

Pair #4 – True vintage late 1950s – early 1960s gold-tone all – leather stiletto pumps. For cocktails and dancing the cha-cha.

Pairs 5 & 6 – True vintage bowling shoes, 1950s – 1970s. The two-tone ones are suede.

Pair #7 – Original true vintage Dr. Scholl’s leather exercise sandals from the very early 1970s. They’ve made…

View original post 158 more words

TRUE VINTAGE (?) 1980’S (?) TIGER PRINT SHIRT JACKET BY ABS

TRUE VINTAGE (?) 1980'S (?) TIGER PRINT SHIRT JACKET BY ABS.

TRUE VINTAGE (?) 1980’S (?) TIGER PRINT SHIRT JACKET BY ABS

GO ON THE WILD SIDE TONIGHT – OVER A BLACK SKIRT, PANTS OR SHEATH DRESS. HEAR ME ROAR . . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE (?) 1980'S (?) TIGER PRINT SHIRT JACKET BY ABS

This shirt/jacket is an unusual one for me to include in my collection – is it true vintage or not? The A B S clothing company was started in 1982, so it might be 30 years old and animal prints were iconic at that time (again!). If it was made in 1982 or 1983, I’d be willing to call it true vintage and I’ll explain why.

Animal prints have been a significant fashion trend at one time in the 1940’s, mid/late 1950’s, late 1960’s and again in the New Wave early 1980’s, as far as I know. They show up at other times, too, but were a bigger deal in the fashion world at these specific times.

When I saw this item, I immediately thought of the early ’80’s and was also impressed with the quality of the garment. I have since learned that the A B S company is…

View original post 189 more words

AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS IN THE TRUE VINTAGE WORLD

file0001209214386 ebook cover #1 (1)Two days ago I had the privilege of talking with two of the owners of vintage clothing stores in Melbourne who have been doing business for years there.  Both of these stores were included in my book’s reference section two years ago, but I hadn’t had the opportunity of meeting these women in person until now.

Nicole Jenkins, owner of CIRCA, is a true ‘grande dame’ of the vintage trade and has written several books.  One was awarded a bronze medal by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.  Trained as a costume designer, she really knows her stuff down to the most technical details.  I certainly learned new things during our short visit and her passion for the care and conservation of true vintage fashion items plus her wealth of knowledge earn my respect.  She has lovely items for sale, plus a huge inventory behind the scenes – ranging from 1820’s to the present day.  Well worth a visit.

“Annie” and her husband have operated RetroStar for eleven years and are real veterans among vintage-hunters.  They have a delightful collection of remodeled true vintage and original true vintage, plus a smattering of new merchandise.  Jewelry, accessories and clothing of all types – dresses galore.  I especially enjoyed their relatively new “Forties/Fifties Room” that is filled with gems from those decades, in beautiful condition.  No matter what you’re seeking, there’s sure to be something of interest.  They bring in large numbers of “new” items every month.  Don’t miss it – lots of fun.

So there – what a treat!  Just another of the “perks” of my sleuthing investigations . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ANOTHER RECENT FIND! TRUE VINTAGE BRAND DOES THE ” ’80’S DOES ’40’S ” THING

ANOTHER RECENT FIND! TRUE VINTAGE BRAND DOES THE " '80'S DOES '40'S " THING.

BEAUTIFULLY TOOLED LEATHER BAGS FROM MEXICO – CIRCA 1960’S – 1980’S

BEAUTIFULLY TOOLED LEATHER BAGS FROM MEXICO – CIRCA 1960'S – 1980'S.

A PAIR OF TRUE VINTAGE SHOES THAT REMIND ME OF AUDREY

A PAIR OF TRUE VINTAGE SHOES THAT REMIND ME OF AUDREY.

TRUE VINTAGE “EIGHTIES DOES FORTIES” OXFORDS: WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND

TRUE VINTAGE "EIGHTIES DOES FORTIES" OXFORDS: WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND.

TRUE VINTAGE “EIGHTIES DOES FORTIES” OXFORDS: WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND

About this time of year, the fashion magazines begin showing the “new” Fall styles and, inevitably, I see clothing and accessories that echo many of the wonderful true vintage items in my closets.  These oxfords are officially “vintage” from the Eighties, even though they’re styled after shoes from forty years before that!

Just goes to show that everything that goes around comes around and that is so true with fashion. Of course, some decades do it better than others and having some superbly made originals can be the ultimate best.  I’m happy with these, because they’re still made of good leather with Vibram soles, and should continue to last as long as the 1940’s originals would do.

My original 1940’s ones are still my favorite, but they’ll come later. I’ve got a ton of shoes to photograph and you’ll be seeing lots over the next few weeks. These are from the ’80’s and look great with suits, pants, dresses and skirts from the 1940’s, as well as many other outfits. There’s nothing more classic than a good oxford shoe. And, if they;re made well and fit well, nothing more comfortable except bare feet.

Especially if you have a lot of walking ahead, from hideout to hideout . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE SUMMER FORMAL DRESS FROM THE 1970’S OR 1980’S

TRUE VINTAGE SUMMER FORMAL DRESS FROM THE 1970'S OR 1980'S.