Category Archives: novelty

REALLY UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S FIND – AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S ALL-WEATHER COAT

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAPictured sideways, because rotating this photo on the blog page introduces all kinds of warping of the image, due to the check pattern in the fabric. Tilt your head, please and use your imagination . . . .

This is such a cool discovery!  In 100% nylon with a tiny, tiny black and white hounds-tooth check pattern – this is a mid-century ladies’ stylish answer to the basic rain poncho. True vintage raincoats in this type of upscale design are rare finds, indeed!

The usual, plain versions of this coat were common at least since the Forties and Fifties in uni-sex styles – usually somewhat heavy, clear or dull, grayish vinyl – to be thrown over your entire outfit in rainy weather, right along with vinyl “rubbers” over your shoes and a black umbrella.  Pretty ugly.

This one is lightweight with decorative buttons and this black and white check pattern that was so popular in 1950’s wool coats, but on most coats the pattern was in a much larger size.  I’ve never seen a vintage raincoat of this style that is printed in an attractive pattern.  Still completely practical, but very chic!  Also, nicely made – even down to the embroidered fabric tag at the neckline.

What a fun find!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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HALLOWEEN’S IN THE BAG – TIME FOR ALL 1950’S HOMEMAKERS TO THINK ABOUT THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS . . .

IMG_0935 IMG_0936Although we do Christmas marketing almost year-round, back in the mid-century time no one thought seriously about Christmas stuff until after the American Thanksgiving in late November.  But, if you’re making lots of your gifts . . . . .

McCalls needlework magazine promoted doing just that – to economize as well as adding a personal touch.  Can you imagine getting all that done ?!

For many of our grandmothers, that was just part of the day-to-day.  And, they did produce beautiful things – from hats, gloves, sweaters, socks and scarves to dolls & their clothing, tablecloths & bedspreads, just to name a few.

I love discovering some special true vintage handmade item that was probably made as a gift or a table decoration for a special family holiday. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

LOVE RED – ESPECIALLY WHEN IT’S BAKELITE . . . . . . . .

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Can’t say for positive-positive, but I have my suspicions.  Absolute confirmation can require a chemist’s lab but, anyway, what a cute little bangle bracelet this will be for summer – or any time.

Love the shape.  Love the color.  Love the mystery.  What could be better?

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A WONDERFUL HAT, FROM THE SAME ERA AS YESTERDAY’S DRESS . . . . . . .

The always-dramatic Marlene models three views of this gorgeous and flattering scull-cap style, woven of black and white strips and topped with a face-framing ruffle.

I COULD NOT pass this by!  And, it came with a matching hat-pin – always a plus.  In it’s day, it was very wearable with lots of different styles from casual frocks to dressier ones. Very elegant.

When everyone wore hats daily, imagine selecting this cute one and setting it on just right before heading out for shopping or lunch.  That was when men still whistled openly at women on the street . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S EGYPTIAN REVIVAL NECKLACE AND EARRING SET

IMG_0990     In the early to mid-fifties there was a fad of putting Egyptian motifs on all kinds of fashion items, and I have several.  This Egyptian style craze had also happened in the 1920’s – especially with furniture.

This is a costume set and it’s a lot of fun.  Not really my colors, but it’s a family item and I enjoy it.  Very unique.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

VINTAGE MODEL’S COAT JUST FOUND – I LOVE THESE!

img_2354I’ve always loved the garments made by this company, SWIRL, and this one is no exception.  It may not be as old as some of the ones I own, but still has the ’60’s – ’70’s applique’ and the great styling.

Like some other things (the dresses I just came up with . . . . .), you can never have too many . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BAUBLES, BANGLES & BEADS – TRUE VINTAGE 1930’S, 1940’S,1950’S COSTUME JEWELRY BRACELETS

IMG_0944     These bracelets are so distinctive-looking – so interesting, to pair with any casual or daytime outfit. They’d also go well into the night, with the right ensemble.

I’ve always pounced when I spotted something like this – rare and fabulous! Though they’re often made of pot metal and plastic (or bakelite), cast rather than hand-made,  they are so unusual and will last a long time if you don’t mistreat them.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s/1950’S/1960’s NATURAL POLISHED STONE JEWELRY

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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

1940’S RAYON SWING DRESS FROM PARIS

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JUST MADE FOR SWING DANCING – AND DON’T YOU LOVE THE NOVELTY PRINT?!

This discovery came from a different arrondissement, but still within the city of Paris.  It is another treasure that only Stella can fit into.  I’ll get her to model it after returning to headquarters.  Also will be busy scouting out belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Couldn’t be more pleased, though, to find another wartime rayon frock in a fun, fun print. These are some of my favorite garments.  This one tells the story of WWII as it was custom-tailored and shows the signs of saving on fabric and notions.  The design is very simple with no extra decoration and a very narrow hem allowance, though the tailor did indulge in a big sailor collar with piping.

Such fun to find another rare novelty print – atomic squiggles with goofy birds and other animals.  The color combos are also unique.  Won’t ever find another one like it . .. . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE AT-HOME DRESSING GOWN WRAPPER FROM PARIS

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FRENCH COTTON ROBE IN A NOVELTY PRINT

Originally purchased from a store on the Champs Elysee (the label testifies!), this mid-century wrap has tons of personality!  The colorful motif of rajas, elephants, umbrellas and pennants is humorous like so many of the novelty designs of the early mid-century.  It’s always a real plus to unearth one.

Dresses are always wonderful, but a garment like this one is unique and special.  The open, kimono styling makes me think of lazy days in a Paris apartment with aromas of cooking, the taste of good cheese and wine and the laughter of friends and lovers.  I might even add a snap, hook and a belt and wear it as a dress.

So much fun to find it!  Giselle agrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM