Category Archives: slingback

6 PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S DRESSES WITH ’80’S DOES ’40’S WEDGE-HEEL SANDALS

A knee-length synthetic (probably acetate blend) coral red frock from the early 1940’s has augmented shoulders, a straight cut and a fabric-covered belt with some glass beads to dress it up. In the post-war Forties, hemlines were able to come down again and skirts became fuller. The knee-length wartime styles were able to resume their previous midi-length luxury. Rayons and polyester synthetics continued their popularity because of their availability, lovely drape and acceptance of color dyes. During the early recovery from the war, some natural fabrics and detail items were still not fully stocked in dressmaking supplies.

The ever-popular shirtwaist style has never left the fashion scene but became more modern, with atomic prints, and more sophisticated design in the later ’40’s after women had stepped into more visible roles in society with their wartime efforts. When the majority of the trauma and restrictions were finally past, this tea-length floral frock is an example of a more relaxed, aristocratic style as the culture looked forward to the more prosperous 1950’s.

With day-dresses to slacks, I love wedgie sandals and these Eighties does Forties versions did not disappoint me. Their sleek leather sling-back style goes well with almost everything and the 2″ heel gives lift along with walkability. This design carried on into the 1950’s and would look great with the dresses I’ll post tomorrow. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE STRAPPY PUMPS TO WEAR WITH SPRING ENSEMBLES from the 1960’s and 1940’s

Basic neutral tones will take you around the full year, so these pretty shoes can go along even with some pastel outfits. Back in the day, a pair of black shoes and a pair of brown ones were sometimes the only options a gal had to choose from but, even now, beige and mid-gray will go with almost anything and lighten things up a little. Cutaways, sling-backs and ankle straps have been enduring styles for many decades. Don’t you love the 1940’s high heel take on the traditional black Mary Jane?

I understand that today stiletto heels and open designs are not a good choice in the freezing temps and snow that we have in so many places now. However, in the past when fewer people owned cars, many gals carried their indoor footwear and left snow boots at the door. Public buildings, stores and churches used to routinely have special places to do that. Winter fashion had to start giving way in February, in spite of the weather!

I’ll continue with showing some accessories as well as giving a nod to some cold-weather staple vintage clothing for both women and men. After that, we can’t avoid launching on clothing for the traditional winter vacation before swinging back to Spring dresses. Stay tuned. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S STILETTO SLING-BACK HEELS FOR 3-SEASONS – FABRIC AND LEATHER FROM JOHANSEN

STILETTO SLING-BACK HEELS FOR SUMMER - FABRIC AND LEATHER FROM JOHANSEN AGAIN

This is one of my favorite true vintage styles in warm weather shoes.  The fabric uppers and openness are so breezy, cool and feminine.   They are such a cross between dressy and casual that they are very versatile and will look just right almost any time.

I’ve found lots of lovely true vintage shoe styles by Johansen since I’ve been sleuthing and they’re always dependably elegant and well-made. Such a pleasure to find and to wear . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES SLINGBACK SANDALS!!!

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES FIND YESTERDAY!!!

Perfect, barely – worn, sling-back peep-toe sandals from the mid-1950’s. My day is absolutely made every time I discover another treasure like these!  Yes, there’s enough green here, too, to qualify for St. Patrick’s Day.

100% leather soles with fabric uppers in an abstract floral print of blues, greens and beige. Unusual and gorgeous.

These are “Tweedies” brand, stamped in gold on the black leather insole of the right foot, with the local shoe store’s name stamped in gold on the insole of the left. I’ve found that it was often done this way back in the day.

Oh, what will be around the next corner? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S PEEP-TOE GOLD LEATHER & CLEAR VINYL EVENING SANDALS FROM A SPECIALTY STORE

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S PEEP-TOE GOLD LEATHER & CLEAR VINYL EVENING SANDALS FROM A SPECIALTY STORE

I think we’ve got a good show-off of the clear vinyl and gold leather that was so popular in dressy sandals from the Fifties.  These came from a private store in Chicago that had shoes specially made under their own label.

There are so many photographs of women in the ’50’s wearing gold dress sandals and sandals with clear vinyl vamps that it’s iconic of that time.  Makes me think of Peggy Lee and Cotillion dinner – dances that were such popular social events then.

Off to the Country Club, anyone? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

“NEW” ACQUISITIONS – TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY AND 1980’S RETRO FOOTWEAR

Just picked these up as curiosity items, in the case of the boots, and fashion finds in the case of the wedgie sandals.  Great additions to my collection!

Let’s start with the boots.  They look like Sixties style(?) and have old metal Robin zippers up the side.  Made for super-practicality, as most fashion rain-wear was back in the day, they are one-piece rubber construction.  Not meant to wear in your garden like English Wellies, these were street-wear for very wet (or snowy) days.  Waterproof below the zippers.  I just love these everyday examples of true vintage products’ sensible value. Nothing frivolous or impractical here, but with a nod to fashion, as well.

Next we go on to a 1980’s brand that I collect whenever I find them – Penaljo made some wonderful 1940’s – 1950’s retro sandals and I show my latest find (the grey ones) along with some I already had (the green and cork pair).  Just love these for summer – so wartime/I Love Lucy.  ADORE wedge heels – very cute with shirtwaist and sun-dresses, capri’ pants or skirts. Leather construction with good attention to detail.  Worth picking up.   So, we’re on a roll.  Stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RECENT FIND! SLING-BACK PEEP-TOE PUMPS MADE BY AN ITALIAN COMPANY – VINTAGE 1950’S

RECENT FIND! SLING-BACK PEEP-TOE PUMPS MADE BY AN ITALIAN COMPANY - VINTAGE 1950'S

Hardly worn, by Corelli, an Italian company that has been making footwear at least since the 1950’s, it’s not clear exactly when these were made.  Some of the techniques are vintage by our standards, but European shoes – especially by a traditional maker – are probably made to a different (and higher) standard than in the U.S., with more things hand-done.

I’m not going to quibble on these.  Cute 1950’s style, high quality and they fit!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S HEELS – PERFECT LITTLE SLINGBACK PUMPS

TRUE VINTAGE PUMPS FOR SUMMER - PERFECT LITTLE SIXTIES SLINGBACKS

These, again, are a favorite pair of shoes and look great with that little suit from yesterday.  So classic, they can be worn any time of year.  In fact, they look great with many of the dresses coming up . . . . . . .

They were made by Life Stride, with leather uppers and synthetic soles (but that very long-wearing stuff).  This company also made purses to match, as did many of the other mid-priced shoemakers then.

Very flattering fit and the bows on the back straps are so sweet!  I wear them a lot.  Mid-heels make them super comfortable and practical for shopping to dancing, but sexy-looking, too. . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

UPPING THE GLAM – GORGEOUS DRESSY TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S SHOES AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

GORGEOUS DRESSY 1950'S SHOES AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

More lovelies from the Shoe Museum, Upstairs, 27 Bolivar, Mexico City. These are all dressy styles from the 1950’s decade.  Some would also have come from Spain.

A real variety of beauties here. I would love to have been able to photograph them all and really do recommend a visit to this FREE small museum. Very well done!

Yes, I know that I stress the fact that I publish ONLY my own true vintage wardrobe. It’s true that I don’t OWN these shoes (sob), but I DID FIND & PHOTOGRAPH THEM and felt I must share them with all of you. Please forgive . . . . . .. . when I finish posting this series of pix, it’s not likely to happen often.  I prefer to play for keeps . . . . . . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

MORE CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE EXAMPLES FROM THE FIFTIES AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

MORE CLASSIC EXAMPLES FROM THE FIFTIES AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

From the early to the late 1950’s, this was one of my favorite displays at the museum. I can just imagine Grace Kelly wearing the sling-backs in the movie High Society. I’d put them on in a second  . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exquisitely hand-made of premium leather and man-made materials that last for many, many years.

Classic vamp decorations and toe styles all represented here. Such a delight to see these looking like new!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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