About this time of year, the fashion magazines begin showing the “new” Fall styles and, inevitably, I see clothing and accessories that echo many of the wonderful true vintage items in my closets. These oxfords are officially “vintage” from the Eighties, even though they’re styled after shoes from forty years before that!
Just goes to show that everything that goes around comes around and that is so true with fashion. Of course, some decades do it better than others and having some superbly made originals can be the ultimate best. I’m happy with these, because they’re still made of good leather with Vibram soles, and should continue to last as long as the 1940’s originals would do.
My original 1940’s ones are still my favorite, but they’ll come later. I’ve got a ton of shoes to photograph and you’ll be seeing lots over the next few weeks. These are from the ’80’s and look great with suits, pants, dresses and skirts from the 1940’s, as well as many other outfits. There’s nothing more classic than a good oxford shoe. And, if they;re made well and fit well, nothing more comfortable except bare feet.
Especially if you have a lot of walking ahead, from hideout to hideout . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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It certainly is a little cooler at night now, and I’d like to show a wonderful top that doubles as a jacket. It was commercially – made and has a label. The cut is so cool – I always love waist-defining styles and strong shoulders. This time, it’s a good fit for Madge!
Just look at those wrapped buttons! They appear on the cuffs, as well. The actual color is a bit less rosy than in the photo and more a burnt orange color, but it’s a very pretty hue. The fabulous rayon fabric has an almost iridescent glow.
For some reason, I like wearing a hat with this jacket. Some kind of fantastic ’40’s topper would really suit, but I don’t have any of the really wild ones. A fedora or big bowler style tipped back is nice.
Equally fab with slacks or a skirt, I really feel like Katherine Hepburn or Lauren Bacall when wearing this. A couple of my favorite actresses from one of my favorite eras . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This dress is very special. I’m sorry that I don’t yet have a photo of Stella wearing it, or a personal photographer to take pictures of me wearing it. It is VERY sheer, as you can see, and requires a slip underneath.
The little cap sleeves and dainty collar, plus the belted waist and full skirt make a very flattering and feminine impression. The small buttons down the front, which are purely decorative, have big clear rhinestones at their centers. A fabric-covered buckle belt finishes off the waistline.
This dress closes with a zipper at the left waist. It is a real wiggler to get your shoulders into. If I were any larger, it’d be a no-go! As it is, it works and the skirt swirls around because the fabric is so light, ending right at or slightly below my knees.
You could wear this dress to a party or out at night, but I have usually worn it as a day dress. It’s very versatile. As a dressy option, with a coat over, it could even be worn in colder weather with the right accessories.
But really, it’s a little hot weather frock for a sunny summer day . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILALBLE ON AMAZON.COM
These shirts are small men’s or large boys’ sizes that I can (just) wear and I LOVE THEM!!!! The fun stitching detail on the blue one and the fabulous print designs on the red ones are wonderful.
These were all commercially – made garments. The boys’ ones may have been sold in chain stores like J.C. Penney or Sears and Roebuck or Montgomery Ward – maybe elsewhere.
The boys’ shirts are made of a quite substantial cotton and the blue one, which is a man’s size, is lighter weight and might be a vintage rayon fabric, which is almost always really nice because of how it feels and fits.
Of course, these shirts don’t have a feminine fit, but still can look amazing on us girls and are so much fun to wear. A really nice edge-into-Fall element for your wardrobe, and I’ll be showing more . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Here’s a very pretty cotton shirtwaist style – probably from the early ’60’s, but could be 1950’s. I especially like the fabric, colors and the cut of this one. Although I have lots of nice dresses of similar design, I get more compliments when I wear it.
The dress has a label (it was not custom – made) and a really attractive neckline, to me. The type and cut of the collar is especially flattering. It also has an artistic- shaped asymmetrical belt buckle, rather than a plain rectangular one.
Just goes to show, vintage fashion never gets boring and elegance is never “plain”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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