Category Archives: low-heeled

OUR MID-CENTURY GAL NEEDS TO PACK SOME DRESSES AND THEIR ACCESSORIES FOR HER VACATION

Okay. She’s got to be prepared for attending some dinner or event that is a little more dressy even though spending all her time on the beach and the boardwalk is the best. Pretty 1950’s and early 1960’s sundresses will allow her to be appropriate while also bending to her casual style. A more sophisticated purse and low-heel Mary Janes go to town or a restaurant very properly. This decorated tote bag is a fashion statement of the time that is very practical for shopping.

In spite of the extra travel case for her roller skates, our girl will be able to finish packing this travel wardrobe in one suitcase. Several things can be worn on the plane, ’cause it looks like she’s going to fly. When she gets there, she’ll probably come back with some purchases and will have to buy a beach hat. Maybe we’ll get a chance to see her purchases when she comes home. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE STRAPPY PUMPS TO WEAR WITH SPRING ENSEMBLES from the 1960’s and 1940’s

Basic neutral tones will take you around the full year, so these pretty shoes can go along even with some pastel outfits. Back in the day, a pair of black shoes and a pair of brown ones were sometimes the only options a gal had to choose from but, even now, beige and mid-gray will go with almost anything and lighten things up a little. Cutaways, sling-backs and ankle straps have been enduring styles for many decades. Don’t you love the 1940’s high heel take on the traditional black Mary Jane?

I understand that today stiletto heels and open designs are not a good choice in the freezing temps and snow that we have in so many places now. However, in the past when fewer people owned cars, many gals carried their indoor footwear and left snow boots at the door. Public buildings, stores and churches used to routinely have special places to do that. Winter fashion had to start giving way in February, in spite of the weather!

I’ll continue with showing some accessories as well as giving a nod to some cold-weather staple vintage clothing for both women and men. After that, we can’t avoid launching on clothing for the traditional winter vacation before swinging back to Spring dresses. Stay tuned. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TOTALLY CLASSIC, ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL TRUE VINTAGE WARDROBE SHOES. WHAT ARE THEY?

100% LEATHER PENNY LOAFERS. Don’t care who you are, where you are, what your age, what you do; if you want to build a true vintage wardrobe, high quality penny loafers made of leather are a MUST. You might think that this is only an American or western European fashion, but not so. They originated over 100 years ago in Norway and, like the human population, have migrated into mainstream fashion all over the world since then. Men, especially, have been able to wear them as dress shoes since the beginning. They were de rigeuer for high school and college men and coeds at least since WWII; Probably replaced the saddle shoe in most adolescent closets. Mid-century pennies are a strong suggestion.

Highly polished, for smart casual to semi-formal dress. Lightly scuffed or a little dusty for just about everything else. Pretty versatile. Smooth leather in black or cordovan brown is the true classic. The full leather construction is mandatory because it’s original and also allows them to be repaired forever. (OK, a true vintage synthetic sole is acceptable if that is all you can find, but keep looking). In line with my philosophy regarding humane treatment of animals and environmental sustainability, I don’t recommend buying modern retro versions at retail, no matter how nice they are. You can find the real thing at second-hand and they’re better. Also, I’m obviously all about running undercover investigations and that’s a lot more fun because – you just never know. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MOD BLACK AND WHITE SHOES FROM THE MID 1960’S – SPECTATOR STYLE

MOD BLACK AND WHITE SHOES FROM THE MID 1960'S - SPECTATOR STYLE

A pair of, low-heeled classic quasi-spectator-style Mod pumps.  Black and white is always “in”, and is always de la mode.  Very practical for any Sixties – era outfit.  You can also dance the night away in comfort.

This pair is by the famous maker Florsheim, a quality name for decades.  Looks great Spring, Summer or Fall.  Probably in Winter, too.  A classic’s a classic, right?

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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

FLORIDA FEET!

FLORIDA FEET!

Gotta have for summer!  Original vintage low-heeled pumps found in the Miami area. From the late Sixties – early Seventies. One pair more casual, one pair a bit dressy.
Both a little bit mod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE SIXTIES – STYLE SOUVENIRS – BASS WEEJUNS LEATHER PENNY LOAFERS

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This super-fun summer version of the classic Weejuns is still true vintage but a more recent incarnation – made in the 1980’s or 1990’s, sometime before 1993.  As we would expect, they are completely of leather excepting for some parts of the insoles.  So, that means that they can be repaired forever when some wear appears.

Completely classic.  How could I resist?

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

“NEW” ACQUISITIONS – TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY AND 1980’S RETRO FOOTWEAR

Just picked these up as curiosity items, in the case of the boots, and fashion finds in the case of the wedgie sandals.  Great additions to my collection!

Let’s start with the boots.  They look like Sixties style(?) and have old metal Robin zippers up the side.  Made for super-practicality, as most fashion rain-wear was back in the day, they are one-piece rubber construction.  Not meant to wear in your garden like English Wellies, these were street-wear for very wet (or snowy) days.  Waterproof below the zippers.  I just love these everyday examples of true vintage products’ sensible value. Nothing frivolous or impractical here, but with a nod to fashion, as well.

Next we go on to a 1980’s brand that I collect whenever I find them – Penaljo made some wonderful 1940’s – 1950’s retro sandals and I show my latest find (the grey ones) along with some I already had (the green and cork pair).  Just love these for summer – so wartime/I Love Lucy.  ADORE wedge heels – very cute with shirtwaist and sun-dresses, capri’ pants or skirts. Leather construction with good attention to detail.  Worth picking up.   So, we’re on a roll.  Stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE SHOES FROM THE 1930’S

LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE SHOES FROM THE 1930'S - SEEN AT THE SHOE MUSEUM Beautiful footwear on display at the shoe museum I discovered in Mexico City last year.. This group is from the 1930’s.  I’ve been showing a lot of shoes lately, but they’re always favorites.  Enjoy!

Looking at old magazine and catalog ads, as well as when I observed these shoe displays, it was evident how much the styles slopped over from decade to decade or would repeat again several decades later.

Love the whimsical designs and decoration on many old vintage items!  As always, it’s in the little details, the quality of materials and the workmanship that the truth comes out . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE FALL FOOTWEAR – A PAIR OF SHOES THAT REMIND ME OF AUDREY

FALL FASHION FOOTWEAR – TRUE VINTAGE, AUDREY HEPBURN-STYLE

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A PAIR OF TRUE VINTAGE SHOES THAT REMIND ME OF AUDREY

The actress Audrey Hepburn, I’ve read, favored cute little low-heeled shoes like these in the 1950’s and 1960’s when she was making many movies in America and Europe. Though this pair are not quite that old, they’re of a style that has been around for decades and were made by a company that used to sell good-quality shoes and purses.

Nothing beats the classics and these are pure – Fall colors, back to school, practical casual fashion and comfort.  Fashion items this versatile are a super investment, while looking so unique!  Leather uppers with strong synthetic soles, they’ll last forever if they are looked after.  Ahh, the beauty of a true vintage quality wardrobe . . . . ..

I wear them with a skirt and sweater, a jumper dress, slacks or even a simple suit. They’re a good choice for a day of shopping or sight-seeing or a long…

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