Category Archives: Europe

BEAUTIFUL LEATHER SHOES MADE IN ITALY – 1980’S & 1990’S

What could be better for Summer? Love these sling-back sandals with the sculpted stacked leather heel. The soles are Elastane, which was a “new” material introduced in the 1970’s and was very popular for it’s flexibility. I’m dating this pair from the 1980’s. Very city chic, yet casual.

These color-block flats make me think of something Audrey Hepburn might have worn in the the classic movie Roman Holiday, from the early 1960’s. They are by Enzo Angiolini, an Italian designer brand which was very popular in the U.S. during the 1990’s. I believe that they are 100% leather shoes, excepting for the heel caps. This is always a sign of higher-end footwear, if the workmanship is good.

Both pairs have been lovingly cared for and show light wear, considering their age. Even better, they are in my size. Who knows what streets and alleyways these shoes may have walked? Good chance some of them were in Europe. They still have more stories to tell, and I always love a mystery . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stay tuned. The jewelry is even better.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE GREAT TRUE VINTAGE FINDS – POSSIBLY SPANNING 50 YEARS!

Italian leather shoes and mid-century jewels! I’ll post the discoveries on the weekend. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE NEW DISCOVERIES: TRUE VINTAGE CASUAL SHOES OF FINE LEATHER

Made in Brazil and Spain – in the 1980’s and 1990’s, two of the BEST places where great shoes and other leather goods were made. Italy and Portugal were also at the top of that list. These were made for well-known brands but small unbranded shoemakers (especially in Latin America and Europe) sold beautiful creations if you were able to find them. I knew immediately that these were vintage footwear pieces and that the quality would be outstanding. The truth, as always, is in the details and I have included photographs and descriptions of the most important ones.

The leather in the top-pictured flats is glove-soft. I adore the embroidered stars covering the vamps. The little finishing detail at the top of the heels was one sign of exceptional workmanship. I usually find this detail on well-made true vintage European footwear. These were made in Spain by Pikolinos, a family brand founded in 1984. Love the style!

The camel-colored flats with brown trim are made in an elegant style meant as a driving shoe (notice the extension of the sole material on the back of the heels). See the little stitching detail that secures the seam there, too, plus the brown trim which reinforces the heel opening but is also very stylish. On the edges of the vamps where the foot enters there are slim inserts of elastic material and elegant stitching detail. These shoes were made in Brazil for Naturalizer, a more common North American company which nevertheless made some excellent quality footwear, at least in the past.

Both these pairs of shoes have a hard but flexible vinyl/rubber sole that is very appropriate for street wear and resists damage. Again, they will last for decades longer. I couldn’t be happier to find these practical styles in one place! Stay tuned for the last installment of this most recent investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WE’RE GOING TO A MID-CENTURY RESORT! LET’S CONTINUE PACKING TRUE VINTAGE SPORTY STUFF

Okay. A couple days ago she packed her swimsuit for the pool and the beach, short shorts and cute top and a skort for casual day play and sightseeing. Good start. Today she’ll concentrate on more sporty day outfits that will take advantage of the tennis court and boardwalk as well as lots of other fun activities.

Can’t forget her 1950’s play-suit! Love the funky drums motif and the cropped top. Very original. This one isn’t a romper – it will even let her go downtown after the badminton game. Can’t forget the matching Keds. When it’s time to go to the dining room, a simple wrap skirt from the ’60’s/’70’s is very appropriate and her cute handbag goes well with all outfits so far!! The white sleeveless top that she packed already is perfect with it. That’s the secret of great packing – mix and match. Oh, yeah – GOT to take her roller skates !!!!! Yes, they’re heavy but gotta have them.

All right. That’s enough for today. Packing always makes her tired with so many decisions and it’s easy to forget something important if she doesn’t take her time. Good choices so far, but there’s still more to do over the next few days. Stay tuned . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A FEW TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S SWEATERS, WOOL SHIRT AND 2 JACKETS FROM THE 1960’S AND 1970’S

Here are a few of the iconic everyday styles seen frequently in menswear from the early 1960’s until the mid 1970’s. The 1970’s styles, shown in the center panel, are still probably in production. Cardigans and pullovers have been popular for men at least since the 1940’s. The styles produced in the 1940’s and 1950’s were most interesting, with colorful knitted-in patterns and leather inserts.

In the top panel, first shown is a woolen knit cardigan with embossed metallic buttons. It’s an imported European style. Second is a wool shirt, which has been a cold-weather casual staple for men for decades. The Henley neckline closure makes this one unique. After that, an iconic suede leather jacket with sweater-knit collar and sleeves. I have several of these in the archives, in different earth-tone colors. They are beautiful pieces which have, surprisingly, survived the decades in excellent condition. Next are 2 plain, standard cardigans which have been a part of almost every older man’s wardrobe (often with leather elbow patches) and younger mens’, too, especially when they have been designed as golf sweaters. The first, with patch pockets, is made of wool and is older – probably 1960’s. The second, in burgundy, is acrylic knit as is the light blue Izod V-neck. Standard 1970’s construction and fabric.

Finally, I picked this iconic Ted Williams hunting jacket to include in the post. Ted Williams was a famous baseball player and lent his name to this jacket sold by Sears & Roebuck in the early 1960’s. The label tells the marketing story and you can see the heavy knitted neckline. Cuffs are made of the same material. In front, the jacket zips and has standard-looking pockets. I have shown the back view because the rear “game pocket” is most visible. It extends across the lower back and opens with a zipper on both sides.

This find was an education for me, as I’d never heard of Ted Williams or seen this type of jacket before. What great clues in any investigation! Women’s styles tomorrow – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

More Wedding Dresses through the Mid-Century

Here’s a beautiful example of an ensemble from 1940. It’s a long way from June now, but weddings know no real season so it’s great to feature them alongside their sisters, the formal and semi-formal dresses. I know some of this one’s history because I was able to get it from the bride’s daughter. She told me that her mother had purchased it from Eaton’s, which was a well-known department store chain in Canada, sadly closed in the 1990’s or early 2000’s. I also think that there’s an interior tag indicating that it had been made in Europe.

So beautiful with the veil but the dress alone is stunning. Heavy ivory-color fabric – probably a type of rayon. Classic long sleeves that make it a 3-season gown. This was before Canada and the U.S. joined the Allies in WWII, so materials were not heavily rationed even though we had just emerged from the Depression of the 1930’s.

A couple of brownish age spots are the only signs of wear or damage. It’s so wonderful to discover a piece like this, also with background information that makes the investigation so much easier to report. Stay tuned for more transmissions . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER ITALIAN CUTIE – TRUE VINTAGE HANDMADE SUMMER PURSE FROM THE 1960’S

ANOTHER ITALIAN CUTIE - TRUE VINTAGE HANDMADE SUMMER PURSE FROM THE 1960'S

Woven raffia bag with beaded decoration. One old feature that is fun to find once in a while – a snap purse compartment which is a part of the lining. I’ve pulled it up so that you can see it.

This is pure fun and frivolity, in a refined and European way. Perfect with my bright yellow sundress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RECENT FIND! SLING-BACK PEEP-TOE PUMPS MADE BY AN ITALIAN COMPANY – VINTAGE 1950’S

RECENT FIND! SLING-BACK PEEP-TOE PUMPS MADE BY AN ITALIAN COMPANY - VINTAGE 1950'S

Hardly worn, by Corelli, an Italian company that has been making footwear at least since the 1950’s, it’s not clear exactly when these were made.  Some of the techniques are vintage by our standards, but European shoes – especially by a traditional maker – are probably made to a different (and higher) standard than in the U.S., with more things hand-done.

I’m not going to quibble on these.  Cute 1950’s style, high quality and they fit!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LOTS OF 1960’S MOD – THIS ONE FOUND IN PARIS!

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A standard mod-look vintage plus-size day dress from the early-mid Sixties, but, this one is rare to find today because the fabric is Arnel Triacetate – not many of them around now!  It got pushed out of the marketplace by good old polyester, which had some easier-care qualities.

However, triacetate feels really good and not exactly like any of the many polyester incarnations that are possible.  That’s the beauty of true vintage fabrics – the qualities of most have not/cannot be duplicated by more modern materials.  There’s just nothing like them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

STICKING WITH TRUE VINTAGE ACCESSORIES – ANOTHER GREAT FIND

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Couldn’t pass up this gorgeous mid-century silk scarf by Echo.  That company always made scarves in the proper way – usually of silk, and with hand-rolled edges.  Good scarves can still be found here and there (especially in Europe) but they are rare and ungodly expensive.

Our female (and some male) forebears wore beautiful scarves and ascots regularly; sometimes as a part of their daily wardrobe and sometimes with dressier outfits – almost as standard as a hat.  Every lady had several tucked into her top dresser drawer.  European men wore them in place of ties.

Although I love funny designs and little prints, this stripe is a classic and easy to pair with many basic black tops, dresses, jackets or coats.  Of course, there are plenty of less common ways of wearing them – tied to a handbag or in the hair.  Can’t have too many . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM