Category Archives: cocktails

A BEAUTIFUL 1930’S BLACK VELVET EVENING HANDBAG

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In such good condition, too!  That was one of the biggest reasons that I grabbed this, though I do have some others that are similar.  The inside is also very clean and undamaged PLUS I can see the maker’s name stamped inside, though it wouldn’t be readable in a photograph.  It;s also got little amber-colored “jewels” decorating the snap clasp.

It’s just a small evening bag large enough to carry the essentials (the 1930 essentials, that is) such as lipstick, a comb, some money and a key – oh, maybe some rouge and a hankie, too.  Forget the cell phone.

Maybe there might be room for a miniaturized transmitter and  camera, in a pinch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER FIND FROM AUSTRALIA! TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s GRADUATED FAUX PEARL NECKLACE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI have lots of pearl jewelry – costume and real – in my vintage fashion collection, but couldn’t pass these up.  Large costume pearls in graduated sizes – difficult to find now!  I would say that this example dates 1930’s – 1950’s.

Also, it’s in great condition, with a lovely golden color. The cord is knotted between each bead.  Equally wonderful is the clasp, which has a pearlized center, surrounded by small ruby-pink rhinestones or crystals.  The necklace is long enough that the clasp can be draped a bit in back if I’m wearing a neckline that plunges there.

There’s nothing more elegant or alluring than pearls . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S PARTY-WEAR – GREAT BOHO BLOUSE A’LA JANE RUSSELL

Original True Vintage Party Dressing (or cafe' boho garb?)

Great black velveteen top from the 40s or, maybe, early 50s. It’s a vintage size 16 (can you imagine! Size 4 me can wear it, though it’s very Jane Russell w/o all the decolletage). Just goes to show how sizes have changed.

The back neckline is a wide scoop. There is a short metal zipper at the waist on left. Imagine this worn with a long sweeping skirt, a pencil skirt or cigarette pants with a wide belt – all black or imaginative color combos. This style can easily go elegant or boho/beatnik.

The style is really flattering & dramatic. The neckline is beautiful left alone or showcasing a necklace or long dangling earrings (not both, please).

Another fabulous example of original true vintage elegance, found unexpectedly. You just never know . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BLING – EISENBERG ICE, ETC. . .

IMG_0957     When it comes to making an impression, these pins and earrings may be the “blingiest” with their diamonds-and-platinum looks.  All costume here, but with pedigrees.  Some are signed.

Again, the pins are fairly heavy and, while not as big as the things shown over the past two days, not for wear with filmy materials unless suspended on a chain.  Some of these pins have loops soldered on the back for just that purpose.  The dangle and smaller earrings on the right can, of course, go with anything.

I’m always impressed with the creativity of true vintage designs – often with features that allow conversions or multi-purposing – always done elegantly. . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER 1960’S FIND – A PRETTY DANCE DRESS

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Not terribly “different” or “vintage-looking” until you examine the details.  This is a typical dance party frock from the time when Barbie was Homecoming Queen . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LET’S “UP” THE TRUE VINTAGE BLING – RHINESTONE NECKLACES FROM MID-CENTURY AND BEFORE

IMG_0958Here’s my main collection of true vintage white rhinestone collars.  From simple and sweet to sassy and sophisticated.  These were made between 1940 and 1960, I’d say.  Some might be older, or slightly newer.

To be worn alone, or almost alone.  Unless you’re doing a period costume from a time when overkill was the usual fashion and everything was worn as a set, these lovelies shine most brilliantly when standing alone.

Just my opinion, for what it’s worth . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ELEGANT AND STUNNING – TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S CUSTOM-TAILORED DINNER DRESS

IMG_0999 IMG_1000Stella stuns in this slim sheath with a draped neckline in back.  I know the woman who made this dress back while John F. Kennedy was president and it is exquisitely tailored in charcoal cotton velvet, with a fabric-covered belt.

The style is simple, but dramatic.  The cowl neckline in back is what makes the dress.  It’s perfect for a necklace that is long enough and simple enough to be draped front to back with a beautiful clasp at the neck, or hidden under a high neckline in front while making a statement on your bare shoulders behind.

But, it doesn’t need much adornment and best to keep it simple . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

GORGEOUS TRUE VINTAGE ART DECO RHINESTONE BRACELET

IMG_0959How about this little DECOration with that cocktail dress from yesterday?  You wouldn’t want to get too much bling going with the rhinestones on the dress, but an addition like this one could be just perfect.

Though certainly not from the same era (about 30 – 40 years apart!), mixing time is not a bad thing.  In fact, that’s one of the attractions of true vintage fashion for me, because I like to live different times, places and characters. I just love this piece, in its original box from Peacock Jewelers.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A SPECIAL 1950’S BEADED BAG

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I have lots of mid-century beaded bags but this one’s a bit older and I especially like the shape of it, soooooo . . . . . . . . . . . .

of course I had to pick it up.  This iridescent beige/gold color is so versatile to go with anything and everything.  So pretty – it makes me think of Grace Kelly.

Perfectly clean inside and with beads intact, what could be better? .. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ICONIC KENNEDY ERA MID-CENTURY LBD: TIMELESS ELEGANCE . . . . . . .

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Fabulous Stella – she’s a pro. Here she is looking stunning in a black crepe cocktail dress from about 1960.  Simple lines and expert draping, this frock is absolutely beautiful. Though it might be just a little bit hot to wear during a summer heat wave, as we’ve still been having, it’s a perfect transitional frock and can be worn year-round if the temperatures allow.

What could be more flattering than one of these fitted sheath dresses?  Though it looks very plain and does need one fabulous accessory piece to set it off, it has one design element that makes it super-special . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’ll publish the back view next – wait till you see that!

Stay tuned . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM