Category Archives: scarf

More Accessories ESSENTIAL for a True Vintage Wardrobe: Scarves and Ties

True vintage scarves are a must-have. They are generally very well-made with hand-rolled and stitched edges. Often, they are made of silk; if not, the fabric is of very good quality. Mostly, it’s the artwork on printed vintage scarves that is so wonderful. The only essential example I’m not showing here is the souvenir scarf, depicting scenes from a specific place or theme. Mid-century women collected these. Large scarves are great as capes or folded into turbans. Small scarves make cute little collars or accents on handbags or pockets. Every size in between can be worn in a gazillion variations. Lots of books and online tutorials teach you how to do this.

For a menswear outfit, a true vintage necktie is key. I especially love the mid-century graphics. Some 1940’s ties are truly spectacular and the only example I have of this style is a 1970’s/’80’s souvenir tie from Watson’s Desert Inn in the Canary Islands.

Scarves and ties alone can make up a vintage collector’s obsession but I prefer to use them as accessories only. As a very useful clue added to a modern or otherwise banal outfit, they can open unexpected doors. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS NEW FIND: EARLY 1960’S SEMI-FORMAL POUF DRESS

Perfect example of a Kennedy Era party dress, bought off the rack back in the day. It’s full of clues in the fabrics and construction. Lace overlay fabric which was very popular at that time, 3-layer skirt with a netting crinoline in the middle, AFLCIO Union Workers label, vintage metal zipper with a hook and eye at the neckline and at the waist, and hanging loops sewn in at the shoulder. These dresses are exceptionally well-made although they were reasonably priced. Although it’s a little short on Stella, it fits her pretty well.

I’m always thrilled to find one and each example has some unique features. In this case, the scarf attached at the right shoulder which drapes across the front neckline is a novel addition. It’s even got a detachable rhinestone brooch on the opposite shoulder, suggesting that there might be other ways to style the scarf. As worn above, it makes a tail over the left shoulder, which was a popular design element at that time and also in decades before. In any case, I’ve never seen one exactly like this. Just goes to prove that you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CUTE CUSTOM-TAILORED DAY DRESS WITH MATCHING SCARF – TRUE VINTAGE FOR SPRING, SUMMER OR EARLY FALL

IMG_1671 IMG_1665This frock is another of Rosalie’s creations.  (The mother of a dear friend and a fantastic seamstress).  A simple design made interesting with inverted pleats on the bodice and skirt. She was such an exceptional tailor! The fabric is a textured type that was very popular in the mid to late ’60’s which resembles burlap or “hop sacking”.

I have added the chain belt, though the dress was intended to hang straight and falls nicely without it.  The scarf is another addition – also Rosalie’s, but it was commercially made.  Since the colors blend so nicely and both are from the mid-sixties Mod era, they are really good together.  This is a good example of how accessories can transform an outfit.

So, here’s an everyday ensemble from 50 years ago that’s so easy to wear and has a different “twist” that makes it absolutely unique today!  Even though it’s not pop-your-eyes-out vintage, people will see it and say “hmmmmm. . . . . . . . . . . . . .?”

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES / EARLY SIXTIES SCARF BANDEAUS – BEAUTIFUL FOR SPRING AND SUMMER!

TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES / EARLY SIXTIES SCARF BANDEAUS - BEAUTIFUL FOR SUMMER!

These scarves are of a vintage style I see rarely – sewn in a continuous circle and open in the back.  You can scrunch and spread them but they have no elastic built in.  Mid-century film stars loved this style.

The idea is to make a chic “hat”, pinned and adjusted to your type of hairstyle, or a quick and elegant solution to bad hair days.  They’re usually sheer rayon, nylon or silk.

Must have been, more or less, a brief “fad”. It would be easy to make or fake now, but the real thing is always more intriguing . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE HEADSCARVES TIED IN THE KELLY WRAP STYLE – EARLY 1950’S

TRUE VINTAGE HEADSCARVES TIED IN THE KELLY WRAP STYLE - EARLY 1950'S

Celia and Marlene are modeling the ever-chic-and-elegant scarf tie style popularized by and named for Grace Kelly in the early 1950’s.  It frames your face and covers your hair beautifully, doesn’t flap or blow and lets you show off that gorgeous true vintage print scarf you just found!

Celia wears a vintage floral print in silk which highlights rose and blue tones.  Marlene opts for a multi-color basket-weave print with a coffee brown border, also in silk.

This is one of the most elegant disguises I wear . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MY FAVORITE SILK SOUVENIR SCARF – FROM HAWAII, 1950’S

MY FAVORITE SILK SOUVENIR SCARF - FROM HAWAII, 1950'S

The colorful, naive graphics of true vintage souvenir scarves and hankies are SO much fun!!  It’s wonderful to find one in silk, or any high quality vintage fabric like rayon or fine 100% cotton.

The designs are always so cute and bright.  Not a good disguise, though, unless I’m wanting to look like a tourist . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

AN ALWAYS-WELCOME TRUE VINTAGE ACCESSORY: MID-CENTURY VERA SCARF

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Isn’t this one a  beauty?!  There are the green and blue tones so popularly paired together in the early 1960’s, the great graphic design and, of course, the designer’s signature.  Whenever I see one in excellent condition (that’s almost always true), I always pick it up.

I love how well these scarves hold up over the years.  That’s a testament to quality, and to the women who treated them with care.  Nothing adds a better and more authentic vintage touch to your outfit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MADE IN JAPAN – UNIQUE MID-CENTURY SCARF WITH ORIGINAL LABEL

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This neckline accessory would look great with a Spring dress for an afternoon of casual shopping.  I love, love, love finding old scarves with their original labels still attached, and this one is so interesting.

Hand-finished scarves from Japan were common in wardrobes before and after WWII.  In this case, the fabric content is unique – a blend of silk (how Japanese is that?!) and Vinal, an unusual synthetic material trademarked there.  I could find very little about this on the internet, but have seen many old scarves made of sheer chiffon-like fabric that is similar but may have been made elsewhere and not be the same.

Although the labels on scarves are sometimes obtrusive and may need to be removed, they should always be saved.    Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MID-CENTURY FLORAL SCARF: AN ALWAYS-BUY-IT ACCESSORY

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Found this great headscarf, in superb condition.  I always pick these up when I come across them because they are unique.  The floral, geometric or novelty prints are irreplaceable.  What could say “SPRING!” better?

Hand-rolled edges and interesting fabrics make them quality items which obviously stand up well over time (if not silk or fabulous mid-century rayon, they are often made of one of the mystery synthetics of that era as this one probably is).

Nothing sparks up an outfit like one of these attention-grabbing pieces.  Anyone with an “eye” will know that it didn’t come from a mall store or even modern Europe.  But often, it just leaves them perplexed  – “That’s a nice scarf.  Where did you get it?” . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

UNIQUE TRUE VINTAGE SCARVES ADD UNMISTAKABLE RETRO CHIC

UNIQUE TRUE VINTAGE SCARVES ADD UNMISTAKABLE RETRO CHIC

Here are 3 small scarves from my large collection.  I have selected them to show you for their unusual patterns.  Vintage novelty graphics and florals are lovely and very distinctive.  Always perfect to brighten a jacket pocket, or add a bright touch to your neckline, to a purse handle or your hair.

On the other hand, patterns like the one on top – looks like little postage-stamp drawings – are very unusual and interesting.  Check out the green square on right – see the little ballerinas around the edge?  FUN! I loved discovering this one!!

The fabrics in these scarves are also unique by today’s standards.  The silks are lovely and delicate.  Hems are always hand-stitched.  Rayons and nylons also have a really nice “hand”.  Even the old polyesters are different.

I’ll show more of my favorites in different sizes and styles.  Marlene and Celia are always very happy for another opportunity to model and, I’ll be introducing Daphne . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM