Category Archives: shopping

WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT TRUE VINTAGE FASHION IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

file0001209214386 ebook cover #1 (1)     Well, the Australia – New Zealand adventure and sleuthing assignment is over.  I’m coming home with a boot-full of loot and some interesting information about where to search and what you might find Down Under.

I must admit that I didn’t make an exhaustive search, and just shopped as a busy vacationer might do.  BUT, I found wonderful items and learned some things about the former fashion industry in these two beautiful countries.  As similar as our countries are, it was fun to discover the style and sizing differences that were unique here.

As small as the populations of these nations are compared to that of the U.S., both had some thriving clothing and fabric manufacturing businesses and industries back in the day.  A few of them continue but many are gone for good.  However, if you scout around you’re likely to uncover true vintage examples of locally-made garments and accessory items.  Of course, the whole gamut of treasure includes things that were brought over from England and other countries, too.

There are many privately-owned shops which carry great finds.  I visited a few that I’d researched before and found at least a couple more to include in my book.  There are also a ton of familiar op-shops like Salvos (Salvation Army), Vinnies (St. Vincent de Paul) and many more which are dedicated to various charitable organizations.  Even with limited time and transportation, it’s not hard to locate quite a few.

Accessories of many kinds (hats, handbags, jewelry), dresses, blouses, coats, lingerie, sleepwear, sweaters, shoes – all were seen.  One thing I was told that you won’t find much of are woolens, but I disproved that assumption at least 4 times.

So, for many reasons Australia and New Zealand are highly-recommended countries.  I loved it there and can’t say enough good about the wonderful people, fabulous wildlife and beautiful scenery.  And, for lovers of the vintage clothing hunt it just goes to show what I always say –

You just never know . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS IN THE TRUE VINTAGE WORLD

AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS IN THE TRUE VINTAGE WORLD.

AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS IN THE TRUE VINTAGE WORLD

file0001209214386 ebook cover #1 (1)Two days ago I had the privilege of talking with two of the owners of vintage clothing stores in Melbourne who have been doing business for years there.  Both of these stores were included in my book’s reference section two years ago, but I hadn’t had the opportunity of meeting these women in person until now.

Nicole Jenkins, owner of CIRCA, is a true ‘grande dame’ of the vintage trade and has written several books.  One was awarded a bronze medal by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.  Trained as a costume designer, she really knows her stuff down to the most technical details.  I certainly learned new things during our short visit and her passion for the care and conservation of true vintage fashion items plus her wealth of knowledge earn my respect.  She has lovely items for sale, plus a huge inventory behind the scenes – ranging from 1820’s to the present day.  Well worth a visit.

“Annie” and her husband have operated RetroStar for eleven years and are real veterans among vintage-hunters.  They have a delightful collection of remodeled true vintage and original true vintage, plus a smattering of new merchandise.  Jewelry, accessories and clothing of all types – dresses galore.  I especially enjoyed their relatively new “Forties/Fifties Room” that is filled with gems from those decades, in beautiful condition.  No matter what you’re seeking, there’s sure to be something of interest.  They bring in large numbers of “new” items every month.  Don’t miss it – lots of fun.

So there – what a treat!  Just another of the “perks” of my sleuthing investigations . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

VINTAGE-HUNTING IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit a street market and found a great 1960’s dress that I’ll show on the blog soon.  There were a few other treasures there – notably some beautiful old furs with unusual features.  I didn’t need to add them to my collection (and, space is an issue when traveling) but I’m always interested in looking at examples of old pieces.

After that, I was privileged to be guided around downtown Melbourne and noticed several vintage-clothing shops.  Didn’t have much time to stop, but I did run in to SHAG – one of the stores which is included in my book’s reference section, but  which I had not visited personally since it’s my first trip down under.

So much fun to look at what’s on their racks and to meet the salesperson, Leah, to get an update on the business.  They now have a website and on-line store, which will be added to their info in the book (a real advantage of using a digital format, rather than print).

I also discovered, sadly, that Anonymous Posh has closed.  Sounds like it had a good run, though!

Such fun to poke around or true vintage fashion down here – it is different in interesting ways, but also the same. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SWEATER – ANOTHER LITTLE FINDERS’ CLUE

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S SWEATER – ANOTHER LITTLE FINDERS' CLUE.

THE MYSTERIOUS CRAFT OF MANIFESTING TRUE VINTAGE FASHION: FINDERS’ CLUE #26

     Finding true vintage fashion items is not rocket science.  But, it does involve many of bits of knowledge, experience and  skill that come together to make you really successful.  Each one may seem simple or even boring by itself, but together they make a BIG difference in my overall success.  Of course, there are many more details involved with each one, but the basic idea is a good place to start.

FINDERS’ CLUE e26:  HERE’S A “DON’T” TIP – DON’T AVOID BUYING TRUE VINTAGE COATS AND SUITS BECAUSE YOU THINK THEY ARE LIMITED IN HOW YOU CAN USE THEM.     

     So, now we’ve had a year’s worth of beginners’ tips & myth-busting for building your skills as a super sleuth for true vintage fashion.  I’ll continue to publish them now and again, and the older posts are still available in the archives.  Go forth and discover!

 

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

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Book:  How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

 

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1960’S – 1970’S LEATHER SHOES – CUTE & BUSINESS-LIKE, TOO

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S - 1970'S LEATHER SHOES - CUTE & BUSINESS-LIKE, TOO

These pumps are a perfect cross between cute and stylish shoes and sensible footwear for an office or on-your-feet job.  They’d go great with the slacks, skirts or dresses of that mid-century time.

By Air Step, one of the earlier makers of mid-priced shoes and purses that were sold all over the U.S. – almost like chain stores do now, but with a bit more personal feel.  There was a whole basket of them then, some with a little more prestige than others.

I just love finding items that are hardly worn – it tells me such a story about the former owner, who cared for her wardrobe and used it lightly.  Of course, there could be other explanations, but I’ve seen so many examples of this with older items that it seems like the most plausible explanation.  The attitude toward clothing before 1970 was very different than what it is today.

This pair reminds me of the Mod British influence in the late ’60’s, with the short tie vamp and no tongue – it’s just decorative – they slip on.  I also like the combination of smooth and suede leather and always love dark brown.

It’s a good work shoe, too.  Comfortable to stand and walk in. Just right to wear with that pleated skirt or secretary dress . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

A FUN SOUVENIR SWEATER FROM LAS VEGAS – 1960’S – 1970’S.

A FUN SOUVENIR SWEATER FROM LAS VEGAS – 1960'S – 1970'S..

A FUN TRUE VINTAGE SOUVENIR SWEATER FROM 1960’S LAS VEGAS

A FUN SOUVENIR SWEATER FROM LAS VEGAS - 1960'S - 1970'S.

Someone was tempted to remember their mid-century trip-of-a-lifetime to Las Vegas with a splashy embroidered sweater, before the time of T-shirts being worn every day and taking over as souvenirs of our vacations. Same idea, different era.  What happened in Vegas didn’t always stay there.

The most fun fashions have usually fallen somewhere along the spectrum of bad taste, and this one is no exception – how could you not love it?!  Like almost all souvenir items, it’s not of exceptional quality – but it still has lasted 50 years in good condition.  You won’t find anything exactly like it now.

Knit of acrylic yarn, for purely casual wear – our adventurous gambler maybe wore it to her weekly card games or just to advertise her trip to an “exotic” destination. Going to Vegas used to be a much bigger deal than it is today.  After all, it was Mafia territory, full of high rollers and shady ladies.  Some things never change  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

A VERY SWEET TRUE VINTAGE NIGHTGOWN & ROBE SET FROM THE 1960’S

A VERY SWEET TRUE VINTAGE NIGHTGOWN & ROBE SET FROM THE 1960'S.