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
Unusual and cute – worth collecting. It’s great to find bags this old that have survived in such wonderful condition! The hardware is really shiny and bright but, of course, reflects shadows. The purse on left was handmade with a needlepoint cover, mounted on purchased hardware. Up through the 1960’s, many women made purses this way because the kits were easy to buy and a perfect way to make a bag that exactly matches an outfit – especially when so many women were home-sewing their wardrobes. I’ve seen them in all styles, including late mid-century macrame’.
The handbag on right is a commercially-made style by the CARA brand-name. Pretty standard on the inside with a satiny rayon liner and zipper compartment – beyond the excellent condition, the deciding factor for me was the hardware design. Isn’t that a lovely infinity coil along the top?
Still good for many years of service, and wonderful along with just the right outfit. I’ll have fun with these – can never have too much of that . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Reminiscent of the 1920’s and ’30’s, on up through the Fifties, this metal mesh purse was made by an Australian company that was started by an emigrant couple in 1959. They closed shop in the mid-eighties, but children opened up again ten years or so ago. This is one of their original designs.
With a serpentine metal handle and enameled beige color, it’s very smart and perfectly Aussie!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Good with almost anything, a variety of jewelry items for women and men with polished semi-precious stones were really popular in the mid-century. Necklaces, bracelets, pins, sweater clips,cuff links, tie pins, rings – you name it.
Generally, these pieces were not of fine construction in gold or silver, but they lasted a long time anyway. Sometimes they came in sets, as the pendant and bracelet pictured at top. Often people would purchase them at vacation sites as souvenirs. Hobbyists sometimes made them at home, too.
I like to wear mine with many outfits, from casual to semi-dressy. It’s a real iconic mid-century touch.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I collect these in high-quality and stylish examples. Yes, you’ll have to wind it briefly once or twice a day and learn how to do that correctly, but no big deal. It’s well worth it and any minor repair for the fashion effect.
Silver and gold are out there, as well as base metal pieces. I look for delicate design and pretty straps.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Whenever I discover a great vintage belt, I pounce. Even if I don’t have a specific outfit to pair it with, it’s always worth the investment. These two are probably from the ’70’s or ’80’s.
What makes these different? We see so many cheap, giltzy things now that it would be easy to miss them if you’re not a skilled investigator.
The gold-color serpentine belt is well-constructed. The black sequined belt is, as well, with a metal buckle. Both have stretch built in, so they are great to dress up frocks and tunics that need a little “extra”, with an adjustable fit.
Makes completing a mid-century vintage outfit a snap, while staying true to the era.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’ll be showing highlights of my vintage jewelry collection, along with the shoes and dresses. Here are three pieces which were very characteristic of the Sixties decade.
Enameled pins were very popular – especially in flower shapes. Also, large pendants that hung to the chest were a big thing.
The pin is not marked, nor is the middle pendant but I think that the chain which came with it said it was by Trifari. The gold-color pendant with chain is by Sarah Coventry. Modernistic shapes were really popular.
Any one of these really sparks up an outfit and gives it a mod, mid-sixties flair.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
1950’S ROSE-COLORED COSTUME BROOCH WITH SCULPTED SETTING
This unusual pin is heavy with large rhinestones and twisted wire sculptural elements in between the “gems”. Such a gorgeous color!
About 1 1/2″ in diameter, it’s perfect for the lapel of a coat, suit or dress of heavy material. Back in the day, a woman would rarely go out in dressier attire without a brooch and usually owned a collection.
Although I have scads of costume pieces, I’ll never pass up a beautiful example like this one. And, of course, found in a flash for minimal cash . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BEAUTIFUL TOPAZ(?) LAVALIER AND FILIGREE RHINESTONE BRACELET
These are the two items which I found in England, during our first week. The necklace is from the 1950’s or before, and the bracelet 1960’s. Use a detail examination of the metalwork – it’s gorgeous. Yes, they show some wear, but that’s often a plus and no problem on a bargain like this.
It’s possible that the stone in the necklace is a real topaz – I’ll need to have that checked. The bracelet is unquestionably totally faux, but very pretty and has a safety chain. That’s a feature I LOVE on bracelets and is almost impossible to find on any modern piece. Such a sensible and elegant-looking addition . . . . .
Although these pieces are not a set, I will wear them together and was so happy to find a pair that coordinate so nicely. The elegant jewelry finds continue tomorrow, in a new country . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Haven’t had much time to sleuth, since I’m just about to take off again – BUT – my eye is always peeled for hidden treasure and I found it! My first jewelry purchase in a while as I’m picky in that department.
Picky paid off today in a gold-tone Trifari bracelet from the 1950’s or ’60’s and a graduated necklace of black glass that is ’50’s or decades older, strung on a knotted cord. Smart-looking, timeless mid-century accessories with elegant styling and high quality manufacture. I’ll wear these for years!
It was a spur-of-the-moment investigation and I’m always prepared for those because – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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