Category Archives: accessories

TRUE VINTAGE FULL-LENGTH CRINOLINE HALF-SLIP FROM THE 1950S

Here’s one way to look REGAL, even in a plain dress.

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE FULL-LENGTH CRINOLINE HALF-SLIP FROM THE 1950S Even if you don’t have a Fifties dress to wear with it, put it under any long dress with a full-enough skirt and it becomes a GOWN.  Just perfect to make an entrance at a holiday party. . . .

The full length, high-waist elastic slimming panel and back zipper are all unique. Crinoline netting is sandwiched between two layers of fabric for comfort and a smooth line.

Foundation garments were so important in the past – usually more issues to be considered than even now, like garters and boning.  Their design was a real art and a science.  There are companies now which make “foundation garments” and hosiery in the old style, if you want them.  I ran into one in Australia!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960s METALLIC SAPPHIRE BLUE STILETTO PUMPS

HERE ARE THE MATCHING SHOES . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960s METALLIC SAPPHIRE BLUE STILETTO PUMPS

A relatively rare find, early ’60s pumps a lot like the ones my mother wore in 1963. I was surprised to see the metallic finish, but these are definitely true vintage. I’m not sure if they are patent leather or not – the soles are man-made but the insoles are part leather. Just enough of the markings are left, as well as the appearance overall, to show that they are at least 50 years old, though in excellent condition!

They are almost a perfect color match for the dress which I just posted, and would look very good with it. They were another surprise find, which completely delighted me.

As always, you just never know . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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NEW FIND IN AUSTRALIA – BEAUTIFUL MID-CENTURY RHINESTONE BRACELET

NEW FIND IN AUSTRALIA – BEAUTIFUL MID-CENTURY RHINESTONE BRACELET.

TRUE VINTAGE GENUINE ALLIGATOR HANDBAG 1940S – 1950S

TRUE VINTAGE GENUINE ALLIGATOR HANDBAG 1940S – 1950S.

TRUE VINTAGE GENUINE ALLIGATOR HANDBAG 1940S – 1950S

PERFECT MID-CENTURY ACCESSORY FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE GENUINE ALLIGATOR HANDBAG 1940S - 1950S

This beauty is one of my favorites. I really had an OMG experience when I found it because alligator skins had been outlawed in North America for decades. If I did see a purse in a shop that sold vintage it would be very expensive but, I was able to buy this one “for a song”, and with a song in my heart!

It shows it’s age a bit, but is entitled to. I like to think of Mata Hari carrying it while on one of her undercover missions. Lined in leather, the maker’s stamp in gold tells that it was made in Panama. Love the interesting clasp.

True vintage alligator, crocodile, lizard and snake skin purses are good any time of year and with almost any outfit because they are a classic. I always use a good leather conditioning product on my collection at least once a year …

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AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS IN THE TRUE VINTAGE WORLD

AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS IN THE TRUE VINTAGE WORLD.

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

A FACE-FRAMING TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S HAT

A FACE-FRAMING TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S HAT.

A FACE-FRAMING TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S HAT

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A Face-Framing True Vintage 1940s Hat

As many of the hats from the ’40s, this one is pretty dramatic. It sits on the back of the head and is all brim in front, with none in the back. This is one of the decades when hats were super-important – – sometimes the most central part of an outfit. I must admit that some hats from the ’40s are not my favorites, but they were always fun and interesting.

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VINTAGE-HUNTING IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit a street market and found a great 1960’s dress that I’ll show on the blog soon.  There were a few other treasures there – notably some beautiful old furs with unusual features.  I didn’t need to add them to my collection (and, space is an issue when traveling) but I’m always interested in looking at examples of old pieces.

After that, I was privileged to be guided around downtown Melbourne and noticed several vintage-clothing shops.  Didn’t have much time to stop, but I did run in to SHAG – one of the stores which is included in my book’s reference section, but  which I had not visited personally since it’s my first trip down under.

So much fun to look at what’s on their racks and to meet the salesperson, Leah, to get an update on the business.  They now have a website and on-line store, which will be added to their info in the book (a real advantage of using a digital format, rather than print).

I also discovered, sadly, that Anonymous Posh has closed.  Sounds like it had a good run, though!

Such fun to poke around or true vintage fashion down here – it is different in interesting ways, but also the same. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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