Category Archives: custom-made

TRUE VINTAGE NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELRY IN SILVER AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES

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A large ring, a cufflink and tiny pin.  Although handcrafted jewelry is still being made by indigenous artists in the U.S. and elsewhere, nothing compares to these older pieces.  Those that are truly antique by now are even more wonderful.

I have other, larger things, too, but don’t wear them as often.  These pieces are a combination of family heirlooms and some that I have found.  The design and heavier weight of older pieces makes them extra-special and the quality of the turquoise is superior, also.

Nothing more classic and unique,  any time of the year.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER MID-CENTURY FLOWER-POWER FROCK – FROM PARIS!

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GIRLY, GIRLY, GIRLY FLORAL DRESS FROM ABOUT 1970

See the similarities to the dress shown yesterday, from Canada?  Yes, the siren call of Fashion was making slaves of us all on both sides of the Atlantic.  All over the world, women who were able to follow the latest trends were rushing to wear this 1940’s retro style.  Even though Paris was slow to be corrupted, it happened.

The thought of it kind of ruins your day, doesn’t it?  Well, thankfully we’ve now reached the era when we can wear whatever suits our fancy without worrying about whether we’re up-to-date.  Because, if we develop our own unique, personal look, we will be very fashionable (and who cares, anyway)!

This dress was probably custom-tailored, too.  We’re still in polyester (of course), but not in a knit.  This is a woven fabric with a much lighter hand and a woven-in stripe for texture and eye appeal.  Same prim collar, fussy trim, puffed sleeve, nipped waist and swing skirt.  It’s also a little more sophisticated than yesterday’s frock – less of a rockabilly feel.

Still not haute couture, by any means.   And, like all the “newer” garments, it carries the stamp of international trends and fabrics that take away from it’s Parisian roots.  That’s one reason that I always prefer clothing from the early 1960’s and before.  But, if you have to go with something made later, why not choose something from Paris?  Tomorrow, we’re off to Ireland . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

EARLY MID-CENTURY DAY-DRESS OR HOUSE-DRESS FROM PARIS

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LOOSE SHEATH IN CUSTOM-TAILORED SILK

I absolutely love this!  The seamstress was almost finished with it, only needing to remove some basting stitches and do a little final finishing.  It has loops for a belt, and there’s no way to tell if one ever existed.  After a final fitting, I’ll see if and where some extra fabric exists that could make one.

Love the collar, and the pocket trim – the whole vintage styling.  It will be very attractive and comfortable to wear.  With the right finishing, it could be a day-dress or a simple house-dress.  And it’s French!  From Paris!!  What more could I ask . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ARTISTIC MID-CENTURY BROOCH FROM HELSINKI, FINLAND

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1950’S ROSE-COLORED COSTUME BROOCH WITH SCULPTED SETTING

This unusual pin is heavy with large rhinestones and twisted wire sculptural elements in between the “gems”.  Such a gorgeous color!

About 1 1/2″ in diameter, it’s perfect for the lapel of a coat, suit or dress of heavy material. Back in the day, a woman would rarely go out in dressier attire without a brooch and usually owned a collection.

Although I have scads of costume pieces, I’ll never pass up a beautiful example like this one.  And, of course, found in a flash for minimal cash . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MILLINERY SHOPS IN POLAND!

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-111112111111Although the vintage clothing shops are few and far between in this country, I have seen some wonderful services in the larger cities.  Millinery shops!

Just imagine – it would not be difficult to have hats custom-made on a regular basis, and prices are very good here.  That would have been such a dream of luxury for our grandmothers.

Also, I’ve seen clothing shops where they advertise the lost art of bra-fittings.  Back in the day, department stores and clothing stores had clerks who knew how to do this correctly.  Like proper shoe fittings, it was an expected service.  Good luck finding it now!

Off to Dublin , where  I’ll have some very busy sleuthing to do.  Stay tuned .  .  .

 

MORGANA MARTIN,  THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

 

WOVEN SUMMER – WEIGHT VERSION OF THE CLASSIC COWBOY HAT – MADE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA BY SMITHBILT

WOVEN SUMMER - WEIGHT VERSION OF THE CLASSIC COWBOY HAT - MADE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA BY SMITHBILT

Just as classic as the wool felt version, this beautiful Smithbilt hat is also of the highest quality.   Not sure when it was made – these enduring styles and handmade constructions are almost ageless.

Contrasting two-tone woven-in design & leather bands inside and out.  The weaving is tight and even.   This hat will also last forever (almost) if it’s taken care of.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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MY TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S THAI SILK DRESSES

MY 1960'S THAI SILK DRESSES

Yes, you did see the one on the left a few days ago, but here’s my photo with both. The vibrant-colored fabric with such a rich hand makes these garments radiant and unique.

Thai silk is like no other. The fabric is so lustrous and with a hand-made texture. The colors are gorgeous, in beautiful combinations.

On top of that, the hand-tailoring of these garments makes them so beautifully detailed and fitted. Both of these dresses would have been custom-made for someone who was vacationing or living in Thailand or China.

And, of course, in classic styles that are as wearable now as they were in the 1960’s . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE SHOES OF THE 1960’S – IMMORTALIZED AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

SHOES OF THE 1960'S - IMMORTALIZED AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

 

Examples from the decade, preserved and displayed beautifully. Stilettos and little strappy things. Cute, chic and sexy.  In alligator, suede, satin, patent leather – such a fabulous collection!

These are mostly dressier styles on this side of the display case.  You can catch a glimpse of some more everyday heels on the other side.

From Carnaby Street to The Man from Uncle to early James Bond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE CUSTOM-TAILORED THAI SILK SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960’S

CUSTOM-TAILORED THAI SILK SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960'S

I think that someone had this dress specifically made for her while traveling or living in Thailand or China during the 1960’s. That was a common thing to do back then.

Thai silk is so distinctive and beautiful.  There’s nothing like the weave and color of these fabrics and they are always smartly designed and carefully constructed by hand.  It is one of two that I have discovered – makes me wonder about the woman involved.

Did she have a secret assignment?  Was she undercover?  Perhaps a great-niece of Mata Hari . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

I WAS RIGHT – A PERFECT FIT!!

Back at headquarters, for a short break, and finally able to photograph this most recent discovery.  Stella is dainty as a daffodil in her Prom/party frock from the 1950’s.  The neckline scarf is the signature feature of this dress.  Possibly it was for a bridesmaid or a debutante (of sorts – not lush enough for the Country Club set).

Like many(most?) older garments, it is so interesting and tells a story.  The fabrics are not of the highest quality but they are adequate, and this short gown was off-the-rack, though there is no label remaining.  Unless . . . . . . . . . .

It just may have been custom-tailored by someone who REALLY knew her(or his) stuff. The skirt has FOUR layers – a circle skirt of lace overlay with a solid yellow acetate(?) liner, a ruffle of tulle netting underneath and a final layer of white stiffening fabric gathered beneath it all.  This was the standard construction of dressy special-occasion gowns in the mid-century.

No question that this frock was going somewhere really special.  Makes you wonder . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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