Category Archives: accessories

WHILE WE’RE INTO UNDERWEAR – JUST FOUND: PERFECT SPECIAL-DUTY MID-CENTURY LINGERIE!

I have never had a long-line bra, and lusted after the perfect one for years.  It’s one of those things that has to fit just right or it’s a mess.  Well, not only is this one in my size, but it does just that (fit perfectly)!  Now I’ll be free to debauche in God-only-knows what shameless costumes.

No, probably not.  But, a strapless dress or that plunging neckline . . . . . .YES!!  and, feeling like a ’50’s vixen all the while.

Next, the slip that is not a slip.  It is a “skirt liner” that’s worn like a slip, but is tailored like a skirt with a back zipper and kick pleat and is made of more substantial fabric. Great example of another garment that will come in handy under just the right skirt-cumstances.  Forgive me.

Finally, a peachy split slip to be worn under gaucho pants or any kind of split skirt.  I have a long pair of slacks liners, but sometimes they just won’t do.  So, there!  In one fell swoop, I discovered these ’50’s to ’70’s pieces that will sometimes be indispensable and just right with clothing from those decades.  It pays.  You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S SUMMER SLIPS IN LEMON & TANGERINE

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S SUMMER SLIPS IN LEMON & TANGERINE

Pretty citrus – color lingerie in luscious ’50’s nylon, with exquisite decoration.  Rare colors!  Believe it or not, I just found a similar one in pale yellow the other day . . . . . . . . . .

The temperatures keep going up and down, but how can we doubt that Summer is coming if we wear these?

As always, luscious fabric and gorgeous trimmings.  The seaming on the bodices is unusual on the two yellow examples and probably deserves a Special Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

DISCOVERY! SUMMER WHITE MID-CENTURY HANDBAGS

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Beaded and beautiful – one even had a pretty hankie tucked inside!  (also found some old pennies)  Vintage 1950’s – 1960’s, made in Hong Kong (of course!), made in U.S.A., too.  All so clean and well-loved.

The beading is hand-done.  The 1930’s – style on the bottom right has the brand name stamped onto the satin lining.  The purse made in Hong Kong (bottom left) has, naturally, a silk lining.  The larger handbag on top has fun plastic beads crocheted into raffia and Lucite trim.  Big enough to hold all your daily needs.

I’m always so impressed by how well mid-century women cared for their clothing and accessories.  Yes, it was sometimes an issue of economy – if you can only afford to have one “good” dress, preserving it becomes very important.  However, way beyond that was a personal value placed on items of quality that were lovely to look at and wear and the wish to treat them with respect.  I try to fill my closets with garments and their complements that inspire the same sentiment.

So, no careless coffee spills, scattered crumbs or dogs in my lap with these . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960s FESTIVE COAT OVER YOUR EASTER PARTY FROCK

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True Vintage Early 1960s Evening Coat
I showed this coat last year, but what time could be more appropriate for a re-run . . . . . .

Imagine yourself in this, over a gorgeous green dress, on your way to a swanky cocktail party or the church dance. This beauty is by Lilli Rubin, in emerald rayon blend, lined in turquoise blue! The collar, neckline bow and elbow-length sleeves are hallmark features of that era, as well as the color. The fabric is a jacquard with flowers embroidered all over.
What a great surprise it was to find this!! It starts up all kinds of fantasies about elegant dinners, evenings at the theater . . . . . you just never know . . . .

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LOVELY SPRING HALF-SLIPS FROM THE 1950’S

MORE LOVELY HALF-SLIPS FROM THE 1950'S

Conjures thoughts of Spring, in spite of the winter storms – this, too, shall pass . . . . . . . ..

Spring IS just around the corner. Especially once we get past March, it’s the time that Spring and Summer fashion traditionally is brought out in force and warm weather clothing appears on the store racks. The way the weather has been changing, it can be different tomorrow!

Before the weather does get hot, beautiful lingerie is a must under Spring clothing when the colors get lighter and the fabrics do, too.  Nothing modern compares well to the heavy nylon and artistic, high-quality decoration of slips made before the early 1960’s.

So, whether you’re into pastel dresses or not, wearing one of these can make you think of sunny skies and keep a secret smile in your heart. . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RARE FUN FIND! 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S WWII POST-WAR PUMPS

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Very basic, faux suede – which leads me to think that they might have been made during wartime.  Perhaps they were just an economical brand of everyday shoe.  2″ Cuban heels – couldn’t be more practical – just right for Lucy or Ethel in the day of an average 1950’s housewife, or classic rockabilly style.

Love these old standard brand names – “Vitality Shoes”.  Certainly put a spring in my step when I found them! . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEWLY DISCOVERED ACCESSORIES AND SHOES – HERE WE GO . . . . . . .

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True vintage late 1960’s 100% leather hand-made stiletto heels.  What shoes should be!!! Black patent leather with fabric bow decoration.

These were originally sold at a well-known mid-western department store.  They were made to last, and they have.  Small metal taps at the toes to prevent wear.  The soles have not been repaired, but they can be forever as needed.  That’s the beauty of these beautiful vintage items.

More on the way – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ANOTHER FABULOUS FIND – NYLON STOCKINGS WITH SEAMS!

ANOTHER FABULOUS FIND - NYLON STOCKINGS WITH SEAMS!

For some woman, before the popularity of pantyhose, these nylons would have paired nicely with the panty-girdle I showed a couple of days ago.  They could be from a few years earlier, too.

These beige beauties are a real keepsake.  I love the look of stockings with seams, but will probably never wear this pair.  They’re too precious!

Imagine when keeping your seams straight throughout the day was another thing to have on your mind!  Well, you wouldn’t have had to check email . .. . . . . . . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – 1960’S PANTYGIRDLE WITH GARTERS

A TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S - 1960'S PANTYGIRDLE WITH GARTERS

So, here you go – with the bullet bra shown yesterday, this is what you need beneath your sweater and pencil skirt.  Because, ladies, a firm foundation is mandatory.

Without it you’d look just, well, . . . . . . . . sloppy, to put it nicely.  Of course, I say this with a smile but that was very much the standard of the time.

Watch old movies from about 1960 to see how it’s supposed to look.  And, after all, you do need a garment to support your stockings. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

UNUSUAL FIND!!! YES, IT’S A TRUE VINTAGE STRAPLESS BULLET BRA

UNUSUAL FIND!!! YES, IT'S A TRUE VINTAGE STRAPLESS BULLET BRA

One of the most bizarre silhouettes in fashion was the “bullet bra”, which made women’s breasts look like torpedoes under their sweaters.  Quite unnatural-looking and strange, but it was definitely the thing for a while.

It’s hard to ID in this photo and it’s not right for Madge to model, but the surest way to recognize these brassieres is from the pointy shape of their cups.  Also, the construction of older bras is characteristic, too.   Maybe it will suit Stella better . .. . . .

1950’s and early 1960’s bras often have heavier elastic and lots of stitching on the cups, with a more definite shape, even if they aren’t of this particular style.  A “foundation garment” really was that – like building a brick house.

Thank goodness, now we prefer more subtly-tailored lingerie, physical strength and fitness to give us the body shape we prefer.  But, many ’50’s and early ’60’s garments require a firm girdle and bra underneath to support their characteristic lines – looks great and its FUN!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM