Finding true vintage fashion items is not rocket science. But, it does involve many of bits of knowledge, experience and skill that come together to make you really successful. Each one may seem simple or even boring by itself, but together they make a BIG difference in my overall success. Of course, there are many more details involved with each one, but the basic idea is a good place to start.
FINDERS’ CLUE e26: HERE’S A “DON’T” TIP – DON’T AVOID BUYING TRUE VINTAGE COATS AND SUITS BECAUSE YOU THINK THEY ARE LIMITED IN HOW YOU CAN USE THEM.
So, now we’ve had a year’s worth of beginners’ tips & myth-busting for building your skills as a super sleuth for true vintage fashion. I’ll continue to publish them now and again, and the older posts are still available in the archives. Go forth and discover!
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Just to keep the fare varied, here’s another pair of shoes – but men’s from France. I am not sure how old these are. They are a size 7B, which is a smallish and narrow men’s size. That works for my 8narrowB feet.
The uppers are leather with laces, black or dark navy. They look like an oxford, but have the full wooden sole, made like the wonderful Scandinavian clogs. Undoubtedly, they are hand-made.
I’m not sure if these are true vintage or not – they appear to be, but European shoes and garments have different labeling and so many are hand-done that it is hard to be sure. They are a very traditional French design.
Regardless, I love them. Such quality and style. They were a surprise find and I think they are delightful! Love clogs, anyway – it’s a very early ’70’s thing in the U.S. I wonder if I’ll see more of them when I go to Paris next June . . . . . . . . .. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
One of my all-time favorite shirts again – with crazy chest detail! So many of the vintage men’s shirts had wonderful embroidered designs on front.
This one also has some little covered buttons to add to the motif. Unfortunately, one was missing and is a strange shape to replace, but I’ll keep looking. Until then, I added a touch of embroidery to fill the space. As on the dress yesterday, the buttons can be a major feature.
The material is also a nice drapey, rayon fabric in a wonderful rare shade of blue. True vintage fabrics take dye differently than modern fabrics and many of the colors are unique. I absolutely love finding these shirts in small sizes that I can wear!
You just never know when one might turn up, in the corner of a smokey bar . . .. . . . . . . . . . Oh, and as of tomorrow morning I’ll be on the road again for 2 – 3 weeks. So, I might just turn up somewhere in the corner of a smokey bar . . . . . . . . . . .. but posts will keep on coming, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
