Category Archives: accessories

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S TWO-TONE OXFORDS BY JOHANSEN – THEY’RE “IN” AGAIN . . . . .

I’ve come across many shoes by this company – made in the U.S. for many years. Just love these little oxford flats for summer! They echo the blue-and-green trend that went on in the early 1960’s.  Skip off to the party on the 17th.  These will get you in the door.

As always happens, what goes around comes around in the fashion world. Just read that flats are back in again, after the recent trend of heels so high that they aren’t flattering to our legs anymore.

When it comes to design, there’s a “sweet spot” with every style that is absolutely the most attractive cut and shape. A few designers get this just right. A few more stay pretty close, but so many miss the mark altogether.

These shoes are cute and elegant at the same time. I think Audrey Hepburn would approve . . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES SLINGBACK SANDALS!!!

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES FIND YESTERDAY!!!

Perfect, barely – worn, sling-back peep-toe sandals from the mid-1950’s. My day is absolutely made every time I discover another treasure like these!  Yes, there’s enough green here, too, to qualify for St. Patrick’s Day.

100% leather soles with fabric uppers in an abstract floral print of blues, greens and beige. Unusual and gorgeous.

These are “Tweedies” brand, stamped in gold on the black leather insole of the right foot, with the local shoe store’s name stamped in gold on the insole of the left. I’ve found that it was often done this way back in the day.

Oh, what will be around the next corner? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE ANDREW GELLER STILETTO HEELS FROM THE 1960’S

TRUE VINTAGE ANDREW GELLER STILETTO HEELS FROM THE 1960'S

In the original bags from Saks Fifth Avenue – what a find! These fabric – upper heels are so beautiful and well-made.

In a swirly, abstract print of browns and greens, they could work with your dark green dress.  Leather soles, of course.

What more can I say? . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S HOLIDAY VELVET DRESSY HANDBAG

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When I discovered this purse, it was the clasp as well as the fabric that hooked me.  I discovered several dark green velvet garments around the same time and you could almost think that that they were made to go together. So, this was a re-purposing & recycling triumph as well as a true vintage score.

Just right with your dressy St. Pat’s party dress.  Doesn’t get better than that . .. . . . . . ..  well, yes, it does, but that will be another story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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MORE RED! VA-VA-VA-V00M TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S LINGERIE SLIPS

MORE RED! VA-VA-VA-V00M TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S LINGERIE SLIPS

Here are some ultimate underthings to wear whenever and wherever. No one can resist this color!  Don’t wait for next Christmas or Valentine’s Day!!

Look at the beautiful lace and detailing. Each one is a little dress in itself.  And, with wonderful true vintage quality that makes them really exquisite.

It always pays to have slips of various lengths, as shown here.  At far left would be the perfect one to wear with the ensemble posted yesterday.  The proper length for any dress or skirt is important – best just 1 1/2 – 2 inches above the hem to avoid sagging below, but maybe still giving a little glimpse when your skirt moves . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S HAT – ONE OF THE BEST ERAS!

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“Styled by Cinderella  New York” – a classic wool brimmed hat with a sophisticated schoolgirl look. The crown is stamped “Berkshire – Mohn Brothers Co.  100% Wool”.  Love the plaid ribbon band that forms a bow with streamers in the back. There is also a little elastic chin strap attached!

Picture this with a little suit, skirt and blouse, dress, or whatever you like. Hats were SUCH a big thing in the ’40s with imaginative and flattering styles. Some of them were way over-the-top, but this one is understated and just too cute.  Look carefully for gems like this one.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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Classic True Vintage Western-wear Hat

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To wear at least three seasons of the year, a wool felt classic hat will last for decades and complete almost any sportswear outfit. This men’s cowboy style from the 1970s or before is uni-sex now.

The best quality hats of this type have a leather inside hatband. A liner (often satin) is another sign that it is of high quality. Look for the maker’s name stamped inside and, often, the name of the store where it was sold.

These will turn up in lots of places if you’re savvy about where to look.   You just never know . . . .

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 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 a bit too wild to be my favorites, but they were always fun and interesting.  And, some are absolutely beautiful . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY LEATHER CLUTCH PURSE

ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE 1950S/'60S LEATHER CLUTCH FOR THE VALENTINE'S DAY BASH

Accessories are EVERYTHING to an ensemble, so what to carry on an impromptu dressy occasion?   A true vintage bag, of course. This one doesn’t steal the show but demonstrates your exquisite taste and knowledge of quality.  I have many dressy bags, but this one is often my go-to choice.

It’s of gold leather and is lined in black rayon. The inside pocket, of course, contains its own little make-up mirror for touching up your lipstick throughout the night. No self-respecting true vintage handbag would come without one. If you’re a really successful sleuth, it will still be in it’s original little paper envelope.

The accessories that you carry or wear (this includes shoes) raise or lower the impression of your entire outfit. Genuine leather is always a preferred material, and quality construction.  Remember the phrase “well-heeled” to describe a person who is well-dressed and tasteful, referring especially to their choice of footwear?  That’s what it means!

It’s not the point to look for something expensive or flashy (better NOT flashy) if you are successful in the hunt for true vintage fashion.  It’s so much fun to spot that perfect bag hiding and waiting . . . . . you just never know . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

PUT SOME ATTITUDE INTO YOUR SHOPPING TRIP & SALUTE ST. VALENTINE WITH RED!

PUT SOME ATTITUDE INTO YOUR SHOPPING TRIP & SALUTE ST. VALENTINE WITH RED!

OK, it’s time to hit the streets if you don’t already have the perfect little number hanging in your closet. Even if you do, there’s always room for more, right?

So jeans, or leggings or something else comfy is the outfit for the day if you want to do some serious shopping. But, one of these (especially the red one!) will add a little panache and statement to your otherwise rather ordinary attire.

I like to keep easy-to-wear true vintage styles in standard neutrals handy for just such an occasion. Trims are generally very simple, but a cut above any mass-marketed hats sold today. The same basic designs are available now, but you’ll always find the maker’s stamp, perhaps a vintage vendor’s label and high-quality felt in a true vintage choice. They last and hold their shape better.

Even if you’re shopping on the “net”, why not dress appropriately so Cupid knows what you’re looking for . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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