When it rains, it pours! A luxury-brand, lizard-skin purse from the Fifties, sold at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, or possibly Chicago. Full leather construction with the quality hardware that you would expect on an expensive handbag.
I come across bags of this genre now and again, but I wasn’t expecting it! Just goes to show that – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Remember the lovely lizard bag? Well, here’s a sister from the same era, but in croc. This one may be a bit older, due to the restrictions that were imposed on crocodile leather and other exotic skins after WWII. As with fur, I’m not a fan of animal skins for our clothing and accessories and won’t buy any new ones; but the true vintage examples are collectible pieces of fashion history to me.
As is the other one, this one’s a beauty. It has a full-leather interior and several pockets. Although there are some apparent discolorations on the outside (they might even be natural to the skin itself), it’s very clean and undamaged inside – always a delight when discovering an old handbag!
So, surprised again! I always love that, and the surprises keep on coming . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
So I thought: “Hey, neat ’60’s purse with the faux tortoise plexi frame. Black patent is so classic and versatile. Nice big clutch with lots of room.” When I looked more closely, I noticed the the rotating “cuffs” on each corner which serve as the closure. And, when I looked inside – whoa! There’s a hidden shoulder strap!! Never would have guessed.
I just LOVE these clever designs from back in the day. Someone loved this purse well because it looks virtually new. I’ve seen one or two from that era in the same materials, but nothing made quite like this one and I love the larger size, too. So convenient and stylish.
Another fun find . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This beauty was made in Florence, Italy and has a fantastic story. First, I’ll tell my part –
On a Mediterranean cruise, I was listening to the excursions director tell about the ports of call that we’d be stopping in. Part of her presentation was to highlight the special products available in each place, in case we wanted to go shopping. She flashed a photo of this handbag made in Florence, Italy on the screen and I just about jumped out of my seat. I had discovered this one above just like it about 2 months before while vintage-hunting in my neighborhood! When I told the excursions director my story, she congratulated me and said that these bags sell for 300+ Euros!!
Italy has long been known for its exceptional leather goods – some say it’s #1 in the world. This purse is certainly a good example. It has a gorgeous red leather lining with special internal pockets which I have never seen before. Each one closes with a snap clasp like old cigarette cases used to. The outside clasp is like other true vintage ones I have seen that self-lock when the purse is closed. After I brought it home, I added a black and red leather billfold which I had found on a previous thrifting expedition. It coordinates perfectly!
This handbag was styled after one which was made decades ago BY SPECIAL ORDER FOR GRACE KELLY, probably after she had married Prince Ranier of Monaco in 1956 and was living as Princess Grace in Europe. Can you imagine how my little vintage-loving heart swooned when I learned that?!!!
What a great surprise! Nothing could have added to the joy and mystique of my first cruise experience like this did. You just never know . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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This frock is another of Rosalie’s creations. (The mother of a dear friend and a fantastic seamstress). A simple design made interesting with inverted pleats on the bodice and skirt. She was such an exceptional tailor! The fabric is a textured type that was very popular in the mid to late ’60’s which resembles burlap or “hop sacking”.
I have added the chain belt, though the dress was intended to hang straight and falls nicely without it. The scarf is another addition – also Rosalie’s, but it was commercially made. Since the colors blend so nicely and both are from the mid-sixties Mod era, they are really good together. This is a good example of how accessories can transform an outfit.
So, here’s an everyday ensemble from 50 years ago that’s so easy to wear and has a different “twist” that makes it absolutely unique today! Even though it’s not pop-your-eyes-out vintage, people will see it and say “hmmmmm. . . . . . . . . . . . . .?”
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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Here are a couple of classic ladies’ tiny handbags from the 1950’s to 1960’s – the woman’s alternative to the mens’ billfold shown yesterday. Women’s clutch billfolds also became popular at this time and often did have a place to carry a checkbook. These two purses are very special, though they may not seem so at first glance. Let me tell you why –
The coral-color clutch is by Morris Moscowitz, a maker of fine handbags until about 1975. This one is from the Fifties or very early Sixties. It is fabric on the outside – a linen/rayon blend is what it looks like – and fabric-lined inside (much more nicely than anything I see in the mid-priced range today). Love the color and the fabric exterior – great for Spring and Summer. You will find the maker’s name printed in gold inside – MM with the full name in small letters below. Beware, as always, of logos that look similar, but are not authentic.
The second one can double as a clutch or handbag, made of imitation leather with a fabric lining. It is by Ande’. Purses by this maker, in my experience, were not high-end items but their designs were always innovative and creative and they are nicely made. For example, this one has a make-up mirror that folds out on a hinge. You’ll never lose or break this one! Of course, it would usually be stored inside the purse, as the handle can be, too. Notice the Lucite clasp.
What else makes these handbags wonderful? Remember, they are at least 50 years old and have stood up exceptionally well. Their construction speaks to the quality of the materials and the workmanship in the manufacture of them which is something that we, unfortunately, see very rarely today.
I’ve discovered several of these in my various vintage-hunting episodes and they are each different and distinctive.
Little details are always a surprise! You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Marlene and Celia are back and . . .. .. introducing Daphne, far right. She’s stuck in the ’60’s and ’70’s and is kind of a California casual gal so doesn’t care much for most of my elegant looks. However, she is wearing the less traditional, graphic patterned lace today. I suspect that these are from the 1960’s.
These are a totally different look and sometimes double as a shawl. In the U.S., many women of the Catholic faith used to keep lace head coverings around to wear to church and they’ve always been popular souvenirs of a trip to Mexico or Spain where they were called mantillas (roughly pronounced mon-tee-ya). Over the centuries women and girls have worn them not only in strictly religious ceremonies, including weddings and funerals, but at traditional social events, too. It seems that many cultures have their own version of the lace scarf and how to wear it.
So, there are many interpretations of the lace “mantle” and how/where to wear one. Make up your own . . . . whenever a touch of elegance, allure and the unexpected is desirable . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These scarves are of a vintage style I see rarely – sewn in a continuous circle and open in the back. You can scrunch and spread them but they have no elastic built in. Mid-century film stars loved this style.
The idea is to make a chic “hat”, pinned and adjusted to your type of hairstyle, or a quick and elegant solution to bad hair days. They’re usually sheer rayon, nylon or silk.
Must have been, more or less, a brief “fad”. It would be easy to make or fake now, but the real thing is always more intriguing . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A little change-up for the last day of April. An early 1960’s velveteen “all-weather” coat that I would double as an evening coat! Love the covered buttons and the beautiful attached neck scarf, plus stylish 3/4 sleeves that look SO fabulous with longer gloves. I’ve found several of these (one in emerald green!). Made in Canada.
Stella is also modeling a great nylon black and white checked coat from the 1950’s that I found in Australia. These utilitarian coats were popular in the ’40’s and ’50’s, but this is the most stylish example I’ve ever seen, with a print, rather than plain.
Finally, most of my umbrella collection. Some have great prints and some are most distinguished by the handles. Always a fun statement. Love the old Lucite and the vibrant colors! I may be able to use one today . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Celia and Marlene are modeling the ever-chic-and-elegant scarf tie style popularized by and named for Grace Kelly in the early 1950’s. It frames your face and covers your hair beautifully, doesn’t flap or blow and lets you show off that gorgeous true vintage print scarf you just found!
Celia wears a vintage floral print in silk which highlights rose and blue tones. Marlene opts for a multi-color basket-weave print with a coffee brown border, also in silk.
This is one of the most elegant disguises I wear . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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