Just as classic as the wool felt version, this beautiful Smithbilt hat is also of the highest quality. Not sure when it was made – these enduring styles and handmade constructions are almost ageless.
Contrasting two-tone woven-in design & leather bands inside and out. The weaving is tight and even. This hat will also last forever (almost) if it’s taken care of.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s a collection of neckties that span from the early ’50’s to the late ’60’s. Brand names include Wembley and others (which I’ve forgotten at the moment). Some are of silk, some of rayon blend and some of polyester.
Although the widths vary a lot from decade to decade, I don’t think that I would let that keep me from wearing the one I wanted to if I were a man. They can all look sharp and interesting or fun.
It’s not difficult to find these now. Once in a while I check for them. They even make nice belts for women’s clothing sometimes, and women did wear them as ties, too, in 1967 when the British Carnaby Street fashions were really in. You can wear a skinny one for an Annie Hall look, or whatever.
When it comes to wearing vintage fashion, anything goes . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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If you’ve visited my Facebook page or read my book, you will have seen this picture, but I’ve never talked as much about it, so far, as I will here. Maybe you remember when Kinney shoes had a store in just about every mall or shopping center and then kind of disappeared. Well, these lovelies were made before that time. I took them to a shoemaker from Poland who had 25 years experience MAKING shoes and now does repair. He told me that they were 30 – 40 years old.
They have a ’40s – ’50s vibe but were made in the ’70s. The label is of cloth, embedded in the insole. How often do we see that?! As you can imagine, they are very well-made of leather with Vibram soles.
I love this style so much, and the heels are very high. Any kind of peep-toe pump really gets my attention. Couldn’t resist these, and what a fabulous find! You just never know . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Okay, so you’ve decided to go out tonight and you’ve got a great outfit but it’s raining !!! An umbrella is required to protect your clothing and your good humor. SO, how about carrying a great one from the ’40s, with a Lucite handle?
This beauty turned up for me completely by surprise, at a place where I found some wonderful ’50s dresses (stay tuned).. I have some other vintage umbrellas, but this is the most spectacular of them all. There’s nothing like it made for many years, so you’ll be sure to attract attention. What a great vintage accessory!
Although I don’t carry it when I don’t want to be noticed, it does go nicely with my black trench coat. . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s a small portion of true vintage slips from my collection. These are, for the most part, less fancy than my others that are also older. Regardless, they are lovely and of very high quality. The heavy nylon that they’re made of feels like nothing you’ll find being sold today.
Slips and other undergarments were a really important foundation for vintage clothing, as they can be today if you know how to use them. A well-fitting slip can make all the difference in how a dress looks on the body. Bras and girdles in the past were essential in order for many dresses, etc. to fit properly.
Nylon takes on color very easily, so it can be dyed. The slip on the left was probably tie-dyed in the 60s. The black slip has simple, very elegant small embroidery on the bodice, which is covered by a sheer layer of fabric. The red slip is made almost like a dress with a plain red lining and overall lace on top, a side zipper and hem slit. I showed it a few days ago. The two white slips show a variation in length (very important) and plain & fancy details. It’s nice to have beautiful decorated ones and also plain ones, to wear under sheer dresses.
I could drift around the house in one of these gorgeous slips all day, and night. So comfortable, so glamorous, full of mystery. What might I be wearing under that simple-looking dress tomorrow? You’ll just never know . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Samples of two pairs I own, these were made in America by Capezio. They are styled like authentic Western-wear but with 3″ stiletto heels! It seems like they were a short-lived fashion moment, more or less. Well-made and nicely detailed, anyway.
Some other company may have made something similar, but these are probably the nicest and are a true late 1970’s fashion moment. Looked great with jeans. Just the thing to wear when you’re going out to do the Texas Two-Step. (maybe line-dancing?)
Capezio has been a popular shoe company for many years. The founder started his shop in the late 1880s, specializing in footwear for dancers. They are probably still best known for that.
When I found these, three pairs were together – probably from the same original owner. Bonanza!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Haven’t had much time to sleuth, since I’m just about to take off again – BUT – my eye is always peeled for hidden treasure and I found it! My first jewelry purchase in a while as I’m picky in that department.
Picky paid off today in a gold-tone Trifari bracelet from the 1950’s or ’60’s and a graduated necklace of black glass that is ’50’s or decades older, strung on a knotted cord. Smart-looking, timeless mid-century accessories with elegant styling and high quality manufacture. I’ll wear these for years!
It was a spur-of-the-moment investigation and I’m always prepared for those because – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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What a surprise! At a party where we all contributed “white elephant” gifts, guess what turned up? After some swapping, this was one of my prizes. True vintage decorated tote bag or purse from the 1960’s/’70’s. Near mint condition.
How do I know it’s original vintage? 1. the style 2. the types of decoration used 3. the construction 4. in this case, some minor signs of age.
How do I know where it (probably) came from? The Cardinal and the Dogwood are the official state bird and flower of North Carolina. Eat your heart out, Sherlock.
It’s so beautifully done. Love the colors. Fun!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Another stand-by style in ladies’ hats – the toque has been around for many decades. Black & white is perfect for Spring, but goes really well all year long. The bow thing that they did in the ’50’s and early ’60’s is cute, but the design is really classic and can be Mod, without the decoration.
That’s the enduring beauty of classic styling and quality construction. Excepting for the veiling, which is easy to replace, this one is in perfect condition . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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OK, all you aspiring debutantes out there – here are a pair just for you! So sweet, and proper, and ladylike (but, they’re RED!). VERY 1960’s.
Also quite elegant – wearable with almost everything almost anytime. Shoes like this have always advertised the wearer’s good taste and sophisticated fashion sense.
But, hey, they’re also pretty cute! Imagine finding a 50-year-old pair of shoes in this condition – Fabulous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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