Velvet pillbox with a huge satin bow behind. And, lined in brilliant red. Originally from the Sears & Roebuck Millinery Department. Pretty cool!
So timeless and elegant, it’s another forever find . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Today, on a more-or-less routine survey, I had wonderful good fortune. I’m just about to re-examine and photograph my newest acquisitions and get them ready to post on the blog. Because I have already scheduled postings for the next three days, expect to begin seeing these on Sunday, Nov. 13.
Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A mini-length lingerie slip. What caught my eye most, after the usual evidence of age and quality, was the wide and heavy lace band at both top and bottom.
It has embroidery and applique treatments there and will be a pleasure to wear. Plus, so important to have a variety of lengths, colors and styles in order to have a perfect fit for every dress that might need one.
Often the shorter ones are difficult to find in true vintage examples. So, I’m thrilled!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Although we do Christmas marketing almost year-round, back in the mid-century time no one thought seriously about Christmas stuff until after the American Thanksgiving in late November. But, if you’re making lots of your gifts . . . . .
McCalls needlework magazine promoted doing just that – to economize as well as adding a personal touch. Can you imagine getting all that done ?!
For many of our grandmothers, that was just part of the day-to-day. And, they did produce beautiful things – from hats, gloves, sweaters, socks and scarves to dolls & their clothing, tablecloths & bedspreads, just to name a few.
I love discovering some special true vintage handmade item that was probably made as a gift or a table decoration for a special family holiday. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Although you may say that the copycats made in the last few years look just like these, you would be mistaken. In almost all cases, the quality of the true vintage pieces is superior in some way or another – either materials, workmanship or design. Even these budget-type examples . . .
True vintage has features that are quite unique and tell a different story, both about the person who owned and wore them and about history. It’s fascinating. 
When you find the real thing, you may never want to buy modern retro “vintage” again.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I have collected a number of these, from ’30’s to ’60’s but I’ve NEVER seen one made like this! The outer shell is of nylon and looks like what I’m used to seeing, with common decoration of embroidery and lace at the bodice – familiar pearlized buttons at the neck – but THE WHOLE THING IS LINED IN PINK FLANNELETTE! How warm and cozy is that.
Makes me wonder if there’s a Great Britain connection here – they’re always chilly there and looking for ways to warm up. Our filmy lingerie of North America doesn’t quite do it in the damp air over there. This bed jacket could easily have been imported by someone who moved here, or by a British retailer in Australia.
It’s been so much fun to discover the differences between the vintage garments that were sold here in Australia and those at home. And, I’m only a third of the way through this investigation . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Can’t say for positive-positive, but I have my suspicions. Absolute confirmation can require a chemist’s lab but, anyway, what a cute little bangle bracelet this will be for summer – or any time.
Love the shape. Love the color. Love the mystery. What could be better?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
In such good condition, too! That was one of the biggest reasons that I grabbed this, though I do have some others that are similar. The inside is also very clean and undamaged PLUS I can see the maker’s name stamped inside, though it wouldn’t be readable in a photograph. It;s also got little amber-colored “jewels” decorating the snap clasp.
It’s just a small evening bag large enough to carry the essentials (the 1930 essentials, that is) such as lipstick, a comb, some money and a key – oh, maybe some rouge and a hankie, too. Forget the cell phone.
Maybe there might be room for a miniaturized transmitter and camera, in a pinch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The always-dramatic Marlene models three views of this gorgeous and flattering scull-cap style, woven of black and white strips and topped with a face-framing ruffle.
I COULD NOT pass this by! And, it came with a matching hat-pin – always a plus. In it’s day, it was very wearable with lots of different styles from casual frocks to dressier ones. Very elegant.
When everyone wore hats daily, imagine selecting this cute one and setting it on just right before heading out for shopping or lunch. That was when men still whistled openly at women on the street . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I have lots of pearl jewelry – costume and real – in my vintage fashion collection, but couldn’t pass these up. Large costume pearls in graduated sizes – difficult to find now! I would say that this example dates 1930’s – 1950’s.
Also, it’s in great condition, with a lovely golden color. The cord is knotted between each bead. Equally wonderful is the clasp, which has a pearlized center, surrounded by small ruby-pink rhinestones or crystals. The necklace is long enough that the clasp can be draped a bit in back if I’m wearing a neckline that plunges there.
There’s nothing more elegant or alluring than pearls . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 