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
It’s hard to see in this photograph, but the satin material behind the lace is a beautiful soft rose color. The skirt is black crepe – the classic dressy fabric that is so perfect for frocks of this type. It’s a vintage size 8, which fits like a current size 2 to 4. Perfect condition.
This design is made to look like a two-piece ensemble, though it is a straight sheath style with a zipper up the back. It hugs the body and even looks good on a hanger, which is lucky when I don’t have Madge or Stella to model it for me!
Made by PACO, which is a relatively upscale label for dressy clothing here in Australia.
Great find!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE CLOTHING – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Oh, how I wish Madge were here – so that you could see the lines of this two-piece ensemble. From the padded shoulders in the jacket to the below-the-knee skirt with a flared hem, this is Forties-style and the clues are so interesting!
It appears to be hand-tailored, with vintage buttons and an unusual back zipper. The fabric is an old-time knit, with an atomic pattern printed on. Forties? Fifties? Sixties?
This is a really cute example of Seventies – Eighties Does Forties . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
As often happens with black things and when photographing without a model, I couldn’t get good detail in a picture but want to tell you about this great find anyway. I’m sure that you’ll be able to see it in your mind’s eye. Picture this . . .
Heavy black crepe, fully lined. Metal zipper up the middle of the back and a small kick pleat at the hem. Classic sheath style, but with a waist seam and a black fabric rosette toward the left side there. The neck is scooped front and back, with layers of draped fabric all around. The label is from a maker, or maybe a department store, which is Australian.
As always, the fabric and the tailoring distinguish it from the tons of modern black dresses that can be found anywhere. And, it fits much better, too. This one will last another 50 years!
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Magicvintagespy 