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
OMG – pure white true vintage shoes are so rare, and especially in such good condition. Miss Wonderful (and they are) made these lovely full leather pumps back in the Kennedy era, early 1960’s. I’m in heaven because I’ve looked for some for ages.
Nothing takes the place of perfectly white “dress” shoes with pretty vintage summer frocks. Vintage white sandals are not hard to find, but pumps are another matter. Leather soles, with metal toe taps and almost-new heel caps just seal the deal. I’ll enjoy these for decades.
Although I’ve been too busy to be looking much . . . . . well, you just never know . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Two very different frocks. This first dress is pictured from the side so that the pocket detail shows. It is very figure-hugging and zips on the left. The pocket has interesting glossy braid decoration. I’ve pictured with it a dark brown silk slip of that era that I wear with it.
The short-sleeved shirtwaist dress is very straightforward and modest, but with cute tailoring details on front. A pointed collar and bow at the high neck. Easy to wear with a button front. The fabric is probably rayon, with a soft sheen.
Both have shoulder pads (of course!) and fabric-covered buckle belts. Great style and true vintage 1940’s cache’.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Navy blue again, with a white print. Shoulder pads; the whole bit. I just LOVE this style! Forties rayon drapes so nicely, feels lovely and has a beautiful sheen. Shoulder pads and a belted waist are so flattering to many women and I love the prism-cut rhinestone buttons, too.
Pictured here with the rayon slip I wear with it. Vintage nylon is wonderful, but rayon and silk slips are, also. I like to combine similar fabrics to my dresses in the undergarments I wear with them, if I can, or at least to match eras.
Also, woven peep-toe heels with ankle straps. These are from the Forties or early Fifties and are also favorites. All that’s missing are a garter and nylons, a handbag and jewelry – maybe a hat . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This cute little shirtwaist dress was a surprise find. Love it so much! With a fabric-covered belt, Peter Pan collar and bows on the sleeves, in wonderful classic navy blue.
I have several pairs of shoes that would go well, but I’m showing these stilettos with little curlicues on the vamps – a favorite pair.
As Coco Chanel would say, no outfit is complete without pearls. I collect nice ones whenever I run across them. Most are costume, but some are real. It’s fun to find different styles & hues, and they go with everything . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Can you imagine?! You’re planning to set sail in a few weeks. Why not spend that time knitting and crocheting your entire wardrobe for the trip? Sound like a good idea? Think of the money you’ll save! Imagine the compliments and envious looks when other women see your gorgeous, custom-made outfits. Just pull out the instructions in your latest issue of the McCall’s needlework magazine.
Such ambition those mid-century women had! My pillbox is off to them . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Glass beads, rhinestones, crystal, topaz, mother of pearl and silver, Lucite and nickel – these gorgeous pieces span from, I believe, the Twenties to perhaps as late as the early Fifties. It’s worth taking a close-up look.
Many of the chains are of silver. Most of the stones are semi-precious. The lobster claw clasp seen on the second to the left is a replacement for the original. The silver serpentine chain on the topaz pendant is also modern.
The large pink glass bead necklace was handmade in the ’20’s or ’30’s, with a brass chain. The rhinestones and Lucite are set in nickel or pot metal.
So pretty any time of year . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Whenever I discover a great vintage belt, I pounce. Even if I don’t have a specific outfit to pair it with, it’s always worth the investment. These two are probably from the ’70’s or ’80’s.
What makes these different? We see so many cheap, giltzy things now that it would be easy to miss them if you’re not a skilled investigator.
The gold-color serpentine belt is well-constructed. The black sequined belt is, as well, with a metal buckle. Both have stretch built in, so they are great to dress up frocks and tunics that need a little “extra”, with an adjustable fit.
Makes completing a mid-century vintage outfit a snap, while staying true to the era.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These, again, are a favorite pair of shoes and look great with that little suit from yesterday. So classic, they can be worn any time of year. In fact, they look great with many of the dresses coming up . . . . . . .
They were made by Life Stride, with leather uppers and synthetic soles (but that very long-wearing stuff). This company also made purses to match, as did many of the other mid-priced shoemakers then.
Very flattering fit and the bows on the back straps are so sweet! I wear them a lot. Mid-heels make them super comfortable and practical for shopping to dancing, but sexy-looking, too. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Probably my favorite 3-season skirt suit (Spring, Summer, Fall)! It has a GREAT fit (very saucy) and neat 3/4 sleeves. It’s so light that you can ditch the jacket during really hot weather.
In this picture it looks like Madge’s dresser was having an “off” day, but I have left the blouse un-tucked in order to show it better – it is NOT true vintage, but was made by Trashy Diva in New Orleans. Her couture deserves special mention because she designs with vintage features and uses vintage fabrics. I have referenced her shop in my book.
This lightweight little suit is as versatile as a little black dress. It can be dressed up or down, with or without the jacket. Any variety of tops can be worn and changes the presentation completely, from work to shopping to cocktails, to dinner, etc., etc. It also shows off jewelry beautifully against the black fabric.
This garment was never a high-end item, but was worn by a very fashionable woman who I knew. I was so pleased to find it at her friend’s yard sale across the street one day! As always, it goes to show that you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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