It’s rare to discover one of these from a fabulous couture label of the 20th century! Although not what we traditionally call “Spring colors”, it’s always worth picking up a high quality designer label vintage item if you find one! I’ll enjoy this forever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S FASHION ACCESSORIES
Look what cropped up yesterday? 3 beautiful accessories from the Fifties – handbags and a silk scarf.
What’s so special about these is their rarity and excellent condition. The scarf is perfect in gorgeous silk, with no snags, holes or hemming problems.
The raffia purse is rare and very clean. The weaving is undamaged, as is the liner! It’s only issue is a bit of discoloration in places – probably from sun.
The white purse is hard to see in detail because of the glare but is totally covered in TINY white seed beads. Excepting for a few missing beads near the clasp, there is no damage, inside or out. It was made in Belgium for Bonwit Teller.
Couldn’t be more pleased. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Probably from the early 1960’s (remember that blue & green craze that happened then?); this beauty was made in Japan, as were many (most?) of the mid-priced scarves found in the U.S. during the 1950’s and 1960’s. Italy and France have always been makers of wonderful scarves, too, and tended to be high-end if they were from those countries.
Like the Echo scarf shown a few days ago, it is signed with the maker’s name. There is also a small cloth tag in one corner, which is hardly ever seen now but used to be common. This tag gives country of manufacture and fabric content. Often the brand name is there, too, and sometimes care information.
Naturally, the material is a lux blend of silk and rayon and the edges are hand-rolled and stitched. High quality, beautiful scarves are a fabulous accessory and, you can’t have too many . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Couldn’t pass up this gorgeous mid-century silk scarf by Echo. That company always made scarves in the proper way – usually of silk, and with hand-rolled edges. Good scarves can still be found here and there (especially in Europe) but they are rare and ungodly expensive.
Our female (and some male) forebears wore beautiful scarves and ascots regularly; sometimes as a part of their daily wardrobe and sometimes with dressier outfits – almost as standard as a hat. Every lady had several tucked into her top dresser drawer. European men wore them in place of ties.
Although I love funny designs and little prints, this stripe is a classic and easy to pair with many basic black tops, dresses, jackets or coats. Of course, there are plenty of less common ways of wearing them – tied to a handbag or in the hair. Can’t have too many . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Today, on a more-or-less routine survey, I had wonderful good fortune. I’m just about to re-examine and photograph my newest acquisitions and get them ready to post on the blog. Because I have already scheduled postings for the next three days, expect to begin seeing these on Sunday, Nov. 13.
Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Found two stores in Dublin today. The first, run by a long-time vintage clothing expert, stocks beautiful true vintage from mid-century and before. Men’s and women’s! BETTY BOJANGLES.
The second discovery, right next door, sells excellent quality by the kilo. I was able to find blouses and shoes while still meeting my standard for fabulous frugality. THE VINTAGE FACTORY.
The perfect treasure-hunt . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
Back at headquarters, for a short break, and finally able to photograph this most recent discovery. Stella is dainty as a daffodil in her Prom/party frock from the 1950’s. The neckline scarf is the signature feature of this dress. Possibly it was for a bridesmaid or a debutante (of sorts – not lush enough for the Country Club set).
Like many(most?) older garments, it is so interesting and tells a story. The fabrics are not of the highest quality but they are adequate, and this short gown was off-the-rack, though there is no label remaining. Unless . . . . . . . . . .
It just may have been custom-tailored by someone who REALLY knew her(or his) stuff. The skirt has FOUR layers – a circle skirt of lace overlay with a solid yellow acetate(?) liner, a ruffle of tulle netting underneath and a final layer of white stiffening fabric gathered beneath it all. This was the standard construction of dressy special-occasion gowns in the mid-century.
No question that this frock was going somewhere really special. Makes you wonder . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I’m on a roll finding mid-century dresses and there’s more to come, but first –
Let me show you the neatest thing that also revealed itself . . . . . . . . . . .
COTTON SCARF PRINTED AS A COMMEMORATIVE ITEM FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH II’S CORONATION IN 1953
It’s written in the right-hand lower corner. Love the kitchy illustrations. Perfect for my 1950’s home!! Not to mention the closets . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I picked this up because I love old silk scarves with pictures on them. This one is also in perfect condition, with a hand-rolled edging – as all the best scarves should have.
It’s sometimes hard to find one that doesn’t have stains, tears or hemming problems, so this is a great discovery. Funky and cute!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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