Category Archives: metallic

INCREDIBLE TRUE VINTAGE DRESSY COCKTAIL SWEATER FROM THE 1950’S – MAYBE EARLY 1960’S

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Completely different from yesterday’s cardigan but so much fun!  It’s another must-have vintage sweater to wear with cigarette pants.  A pretty open-weave  Orlon sweater knit with metallic thread design to be worn with a black skirt or slacks at some mid-century party event.  It is absolutely amazing that it’s survived for 60 years in almost unworn condition!

Just like the women of the 1940’s onward, I’m grateful for these lovely acrylic yarns that can be washed in a machine (with care) and don’t have to be stored in a moth-proof container.  Orlon was a revelation and major time-saving blessing to wartime and post-war ladies who still did most of their housework by hand.

Although we’re so used to acrylic fibers now, these early ones were really special in terms of their quality or, perhaps, it is the garment itself that is made so well that the fabric looks great after more than half a century.  I’m sure that I also, again, have to thank the first owner of this elegant top for taking such good care of it.

I’m over the full moon again, and wondering what will turn up next . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – ’70’S BOX BAG WITH LUGGAGE – STYLE HARDWARE

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S - '70'S BOX BAG WITH LUGGAGE - STYLE HARDWARE

Box bags were quite popular during the mid-century.  Here’s an example from the 1960’s or 1970’s.

This one was made in Italy, where many beautiful handbags were, and still are, made.  It doesn’t have a smidge of leather on it, which Italy is usually famous for, but it is still very well constructed.

After all these years, the hardware remains shiny and unblemished.  The woven exterior looks almost new, as does the interior.  Although it helps that this purse was used little if at all, age and storage can wreak havoc on many items – especially if they are not of good quality.

So, if you haven’t stored your treasures with care, they can deteriorate simply from sitting still while they wait for you to enjoy them.  Keeping them dust-free and clean, inside and out, is important.  Don’t store them in places where the temperature or humidity are too high or too low.  If the item is made of natural materials, using a quality conditioning lotion made for the material once in a while will make a big difference in their appearance and durability.  Lotions and sprays made for leather, skins and wicker are available.  Even vinyl can be conditioned with products made for car interiors.  That’s my wisdom for the day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE AUSTRALIAN HANDBAGS – IN BLACK AND WHITE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERALook!  I found another woven metal mesh Glomesh bag – this time a black one.  Photographed on two different backgrounds to enhance the details.  So nice to have two colors.  Also, love this wonderful macrame’ bag in a similar style.

The Glomesh purses were very popular here – a real Australian company. The white bag doesn’t have a brand name inside.  Sixties or early Seventies, both of these purses have survived in great condition.  I will really enjoy using them!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

THIS TIME I REALLY HIT THE JACKPOT! 1950’S – 1960’S CLUTCH PURSES – METALLIC, LEATHER AND BEADS

IMG_3578

Look at these beauties!  The convertible clutch style which lets you use the handle or not has always been so versatile and convenient.  Although some of these are very mid-quality, they all have some distinctive features that make them stand out as great true vintage finds.  Let’s start out from left to right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

The white purse at far left is a high-quality construction from the Sixties and has that shiny box hardware enclosing it on 3 sides.  It is made of leather and has a shoulder strap that can be tucked inside. Very sleek and streamlined – a great look for summer.

The 1950’s beaded evening bag in front is in perfect condition, with a silk satin lining and a beautiful clasp and box chain handle, which can be hidden inside.  This type of handbag was always hand-made, usually in Hong Kong.  Even for an expert, can you imagine the care and time it took to attach all those beads so perfectly and securely?

The other three bags have a metallic finish and are made of synthetic materials or cloth – not in quite as good shape as the first two.  But, they are nicely made and all have pretty hardware clasps – always interesting to find.  The two in the center also have box or braided chain handles, rather than the simple chain that is most often seen.  These more complex types of chain are prettier and also seemed to break less easily.

As always, they all show that care was taken to preserve and protect them, so I can enjoy them 50 or 60 years later!  The throw-away quality that we seem to be satisfied with today can’t begin to compare, but is still way over-priced!! Such  a shame – but not for this Magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

 

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY LEATHER CLUTCH PURSE

ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE 1950S/'60S LEATHER CLUTCH FOR THE VALENTINE'S DAY BASH

Accessories are EVERYTHING to an ensemble, so what to carry on an impromptu dressy occasion?   A true vintage bag, of course. This one doesn’t steal the show but demonstrates your exquisite taste and knowledge of quality.  I have many dressy bags, but this one is often my go-to choice.

It’s of gold leather and is lined in black rayon. The inside pocket, of course, contains its own little make-up mirror for touching up your lipstick throughout the night. No self-respecting true vintage handbag would come without one. If you’re a really successful sleuth, it will still be in it’s original little paper envelope.

The accessories that you carry or wear (this includes shoes) raise or lower the impression of your entire outfit. Genuine leather is always a preferred material, and quality construction.  Remember the phrase “well-heeled” to describe a person who is well-dressed and tasteful, referring especially to their choice of footwear?  That’s what it means!

It’s not the point to look for something expensive or flashy (better NOT flashy) if you are successful in the hunt for true vintage fashion.  It’s so much fun to spot that perfect bag hiding and waiting . . . . . you just never know . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

DRESSY TRUE VINTAGE HAND-KNITTED OR CROCHETED SHAWLS FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES, COTILLIONS, THE OPERA . . . . . . . . .

DRESSY TRUE VINTAGE CROCHETED SHAWLS FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES, COTILLIONS, THE OPERA . . . . . . . . .

Two beautiful hand-crocheted or knitted shawls for party-wear or any festive occasion. In neutral pastel shades with metallic yarn accents.

Items like this were especially popular in the years moving from the 1950’s to the 1960’s. Many women made these garments at home.  Nothing dresses up a little black dress in such a feminine and beguiling way as a needlework accessory.

If you like doing handiwork, look for old pattern and instruction books from the ’50’s and ’60’s.  Although many types of scarves and shawls are sold now, nothing compares to a handmade item in a soft, genuine wool yarn.

And, if you can find a true vintage shawl – go for it!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES COCKTAIL PARTY DRESS

p1010003.jpg

With all the casual elegance of the mid-1960’s, this metallic frock is the greatest!  I was just thrilled to find this.  It’s fully-lined and in great shape.  I had to tack up the hem and give it a light cleaning – that’s all!

More perfect party-wear.  Couldn’t ask for more this holiday season.  I  enjoyed this one on New Year’s Eve.  Simply-made and easy to wear, that’s the best of the best when it’s also high quality.

Love true vintage . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

JUST FOUND! 1960’S LUXE NEIMAN MARCUS HOSTESS GOWN

IMG_3893

Embroidered all over with gold metallic thread, this designer dress from the famous high-end retailer is a fabulous find!  Couldn’t believe it.  Luxurious at-home wear that can easily  go out and about – there are no “rules” these days saying that would be “not done”.

I love true vintage hostess and patio dresses, as well as other at-home wear from eras past.  Often the better-quality items are in fantastic condition because they were worn sparingly and/or cared for so well by their original owners.

Just another marvelous day in Mid-Centuryland for the Magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S PEEP-TOE GOLD LEATHER & CLEAR VINYL EVENING SANDALS FROM A SPECIALTY STORE

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S PEEP-TOE GOLD LEATHER & CLEAR VINYL EVENING SANDALS FROM A SPECIALTY STORE

I think we’ve got a good show-off of the clear vinyl and gold leather that was so popular in dressy sandals from the Fifties.  These came from a private store in Chicago that had shoes specially made under their own label.

There are so many photographs of women in the ’50’s wearing gold dress sandals and sandals with clear vinyl vamps that it’s iconic of that time.  Makes me think of Peggy Lee and Cotillion dinner – dances that were such popular social events then.

Off to the Country Club, anyone? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PERFECT! TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S KENNEDY ERA COAT AND DRESS ENSEMBLE

img_3581.jpg

Although it looks beige in the photo, this outfit is actually a lovely pink color, in a dressy fabric with matte and silvery metallic shine finishes together.  The dress is an elegant sleeveless sheath with an ornamental notched neckline.  Both the dress and coat are fully lined.

The best of dressy styles from that era – beautifully-tailored and in virtually perfect condition.  What a find!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM