Category Archives: accessories

TRUE VINTAGE MID – 1960’S WOMEN’S SPRING HATS, COMPLETELY COVERED IN FEATHERS!

TRUE VINTAGE MID - 1960'S WOMEN'S SPRING HATS, COMPLETELY COVERED IN FEATHERS!

A BIG change from yesterday’s styles – we’re leaping ahead to Easter with these statement hats, which had a real heyday in the early-mid Sixties. Each one is completely covered in feathers of one principle color, with accent tones sprinkled in.  Marlene and Celia are oh, so chic and smart.

Very flattering, eh?  Hats were always popular in the mid-century, but Spring hats had a special place after a long, cold winter and heavy, dark clothing.  Feather hats are especially dramatic and these two are no exception to that rule! I may be showing some more later on . .. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE NAVY AND WHITE SPRING STRAW HATS WITH FLOWERS

CONTINUING WITH THE HAPPY BLUES FOR THE NEXT 10 DAYS OR SO - PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE NAVY AND WHITE SPRING STRAW HATS WITH FLOWERS

Gorgeous little Spring hats from the Fifties, or maybe a little earlier – these definitely remind me of April showers and Easter egg hunts.  Nothing more classic than navy and white any time of year.

These styles that perch on top of your coiffure are easy to wear and very flattering and can be worn over almost any hairstyle.  I’m always thrilled to discover one, as they’re a rare find.

Specimens like this sometimes lurk in dark areas, in hidden containers.  Sometimes they come out at special events.  Occasionally they can be coaxed into view . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SPRING HATS

A SIXTIES EASTER BONNET, WITH ALL THE . . . . . WHAT?!!@ . . . . . . UPON IT?

Ain’t no flowers upon these babies! They’re just about as Mod as they come, with stripes of color (although they are floral pastels) and leopard spots.

The topper that Celia likes was made by a very famous designer of the time – perhaps Calvin Klein (I’ll have to look again). Even though the Calvin label is still producing today, his clothing and accessories from the ’70’s and before were quite different.

Marlene prefers a more dramatic statement, in timeless animal print faux fur plush with just enough OP ART character to make it unmistakably ’60’s. Of course, both hats are very well-constructed.

So, no need for traveling incognito today.  Go forth and make a splash!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

Sherbet colors – True vintage 1960’s Spring & Summer hats

 

 

Sherbet colors - True vintage Spring & Summer hats

These are such fun and add a happy, bright touch to any outfit.  Raffia/cellophane hats from the 1960’s are almost always seen in pastel colors, in my experience, though neutrals like black and white were made, too. Love the grosgrain ribbon trim.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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

McCALL’S NEEDLEWORK MAGAZINE FEATURE FROM 1956 – MAKE YOUR OWN HATS

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Since, at that time, a hat was a must-add to your outfit almost every day, being able to make your own saved women a lot of money.  At the beginning of every season, women would hustle to up-date their accessories.  Of course, a new hat from a milliner or a dress shop would be the first choice, but those could be pricey, even then.  And, like shoes, a variety of different hats was the best thing!

These DIY styles are so cute.  Like the dresses and sweaters I’ve shown from these vintages magazines, they range from casual to very dressy and can be surprising in how professional they look.

Up through the Fifties, at least, being able to construct and maintain the family’s clothing was an essential part of most housewives’ duties, along with cooking and cleaning. Although I’m told it could be fun, it was not a hobby . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

YOU’RE SO VAIN: The Oft-Forgotten but Fabulous Accessory – HATS

The Oft-Forgotten but Fabulous Accessory - HATS

Although I always love hats, the beginning of Fall always gets me thinking about them more.  And,  there couldn’t be an easier style to wear than this one.

The average woman before 1970 understood the allure and the impact of hats.  They used to be a central part of any outfit and occupied a center-stage position in the wardrobe of any woman or man.

This one is a simple but very effective style from the late ’60s or ’70s,  it has a chain and ribbon band and is made of wool felt.   Carley Simon wears a similar one on the jacket of her famous debut album in 1972.

A wide brim is flattering to most faces and the key, as always, is to try it on before you buy and to learn what flatters your particular face and body.  A great hat can be the most important thing you wear.

They’re also very effective if you’re wanting to be a bit mysterious or difficult to recognize . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE BOLEROS, CAPES, SHRUGS AND SHAWLS FROM McCALL’S

IMG_1480With all the graduation parties going on and the weddings coming up, we’re sure to need little cover-ups like these for the cool nights.  Despite the hot days in some places, it’s still Spring!

Well-dressed ladies in 1956 loved pretty “wraps” to wear over their dressy finery at times when a jacket or coat just wouldn’t do.  What could better than to pick the perfect style, material and color for your own custom-made accessory?

Skilled needle-workers could whip up one of these in no time.  Inspired? . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE FUR ACCESSORIES FROM THE ’30’S, ’40’S, ’50’S & ’60’S

TRUE VINTAGE FUR ACCESSORIES FROM THE '30'S, '40'S, '50'S & '60'S

It’s still not too late to glam it up with fabulous fur accessories, especially during the variable March weather . . . . . . . our mothers and grandmothers had to be prepared to look chic no matter what!

Marlene and Celia have been waiting for another chance to get into the picture.  Here you see them modeling a variety of mink accessories, with the exception of the black muff far left, which I believe is of rabbit fur and has a small zipper compartment and the black hat, which is curly lamb.

Whole skinned animals, with heads, feet and tails (and little glass eyes) were popular as stoles in the 1930’s & 1940’s, maybe the ’20’s, too.  Big “Eeew!” factor for a lot of people now.  I’ve already covered the fur issue so, if you love real furs (and animals) stick to 1960’s and before.

There’s a dark brown mink scarf that closes with a big mink-covered button (very elegant) and a blonde mink “dickie” to wear at the neckline under your coat.

The hats are probably the most visible accessory when you’re first seen – these are super-flattering but also will be warm. So, when you’re forced to take to the sidewalks, just remember —- to be well-dressed at all times is a gift to yourself and everyone who sees you.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PRETTY TIE-ON FAUX FUR COLLAR – A REAL TOUCH OF TRUE VINTAGE ELEGANCE

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Whether over a dress, blouse, sweater or coat collar, this removable “fur” accessory provided lots of glam and a little extra warmth.  Sweet and sophisticated, without the expense and care demands of real fur.

Our mid-century gal found this addition to her wardrobe to be one that she could wear with many outfits and on different occasions, for many years to come.  I’m so glad that she preserved it so well for me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A CACHE OF TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE FINDS: TREASURE WORTH SAFE-KEEPING

I came across a whole bunch of classic nylon sleepwear pieces that are ALWAYS worth adding to your collection – even if you already have several.  My rationale? :

1. if you’ve never slept in mid-century nylon pj’s or gowns (just about 1950’s to very early 1970’s), you don’t know what you’re missing!  There is nothing (including silk) that is more comfortable as well as practical in bed and for lounging.  They add warmth and are also cool, plus luxuriously smooth and soft.  The fit is forgiving.  2.  well-made and classically stylish, you won’t find anything equal in modern garments.  3.  often you may find single pieces – these are great for matching later, with an identical or similar mate, or as an accessory, such as the black sleeveless cape pictured above.  I plan to wear it over a black nightgown.

Not to forget, photo 3 is of a satin storage bag I discovered.  These have been staple pieces in women’s undie drawers and storage chests for decades.  Not sure if they are still being made to the same standard, but this one is great.  Pretty peachy pink and brown in the classic style with inner pocket and fold-over styling, plus ribbon closure ties.  Nothing is better for keeping hosiery and delicate garments safe from snags and dust.  Grab these, too, whenever you see one.  A girl can never have too many . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM