Wool felt with leather interior and exterior hatbands – it’s a quality item that was sold by a western-wear dealer in Denver, Colorado. This one could be several decades old or just a couple – that’s how durable and stylish true vintage apparel is!
When it’s taken care of, it lasts and lasts and never goes out of fashion.
What could be better than that? Tomorrow we’ll see . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Beautiful true vintage western-wear jacket from the 1950s/early ’60s. Notice the superb workmanship and tailoring (even though it would look best on a size 4 model rather than size 6).
I LOVE the older leather items made in the American west, or in Mexico and Europe. So beautiful! Forgive me if your country has made wonderful leather items, too, and I have not mentioned you here.
The materials are of high quality and have enabled it to last for 50 years with very little sign of wear. Find a jacket of this type and enjoy it for life!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is so bizarre – more true vintage white leather shoes with magnificently clean uppers. Moccasin booties are especially rare and fun to find.
A BIG fad for women in the 1950’s, they were often brought back from vacation as Southwestern U.S. souvenirs. People have been fascinated with the American West and the Native American culture for decades.
Just the thing to wear with jeans and they were perfect with Native American-made circle skirts and dresses, which were also very popular among more adventurous white American housewives in the Fifties and Sixties. These were probably made a decade later, but the style is classic. Also, with the Thunderbird – my personal totem . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although handcrafted jewelry is still being made by indigenous artists in the U.S. and elsewhere, nothing compares to these older pieces. Those that are truly antique by now are even more wonderful.
I have other, larger things, too, but don’t wear them as often. These pieces are a combination of family heirlooms and some that I have found. The design and heavier weight of older pieces makes them extra-special and the quality of the turquoise is superior, also.
Nothing more classic and unique, any time of the year.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Samples of two pairs I own, these were made in America by Capezio. They are styled like authentic Western-wear but with 3″ stiletto heels! It seems like they were a short-lived fashion moment, more or less. Well-made and nicely detailed, anyway.
Some other company may have made something similar, but these are probably the nicest and are a true late 1970’s fashion moment. Looked great with jeans. Just the thing to wear when you’re going out to do the Texas Two-Step. (maybe line-dancing?)
Capezio has been a popular shoe company for many years. The founder started his shop in the late 1880s, specializing in footwear for dancers. They are probably still best known for that.
When I found these, three pairs were together – probably from the same original owner. Bonanza!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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From the West and Down East – a vacationer’s mid-century mementos of a fun holiday!
Fun cotton linens for the kitchen and dining table were big favorites during the 1950’s and 1960’s. Many a traveler picked them up as souvenirs, too. I just love the funky and funny prints!
As always, these items tell a story. You could have practically driven through California without a map after buying this muslin tablecloth. Although the apron doesn’t have any words, the cute illustrations of pilgrims/immigrants in their native dress and the border designs contain a lot of information about the communities or cultures that they came from.
Also, if you can do a close-up look, you’ll see a small vintage safety pin stuck in the waistband. I always like to leave things like this in place because that’s just how the cook or housekeeper wore it during her daily routine.
These linens will last forever if they’re looked after well – remove stains quickly and wash gently. I’ll bet that I can channel some very interesting vibrations with these in my kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I’ve been on such a roll finding women’s blouses and shirts these past two months; it’s nice to be able to show a men’s shirt now, and one that’s suitable for the weather. Classic Western wear styling by a company that specialized in this kind of clothing.In the western U.S., men wear these shirts and bolo ties to almost every kind of event. If it’s dressy, the jacket, pants or the fabric will change but a Western shirt can always be a dress-up style. That’s not quite so true for women, but a Western-style outfit will often be business attire for them, too.
With a well-made version, you can’t go wrong with at least one or two of these garments in your wardrobe. Some of the true vintage women’s styles have beautiful embroidery, also.
I stay away from modern versions that aren’t so nice. Some are decorated too much and have lost their classic elegance. There’s only one way to be sure he’s a real cowboy . . . . . . .. ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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TRUE VINTAGE TRADITIONAL” WESTERN-WEAR” DRESSES – EARLY MID-CENTURY CASUAL CLASSICS
I’ll be heading out West again in early September, so it is appropriate to show my great Native American/Hawaiian 2-piece dresses. The two on the right are from Arizona, made by a company called Thunderbird Fashions which made lots of Western-wear dresses, blouses and skirts back in the day.
Like a couple of the other items I’ve shown before, they are of heavy cotton with loads of braid trim, ric-rac and color! The blouses have a side zipper at the waist.
The outfit on the left was made in Hawaii, about the same time. It is interesting that there are so many similarities in the style. No zipper in this blouse, and the contrast is in the fabric panel on the bodice.
Both styles have a flattering fit, with a wasp waist and free hips. I love wearing them on cooler days in the Summer and Fall and sometimes wear…
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From the time when Roy Rogers & Dale Evans were TV celebrities, Happy Trails to you . . . . . .
These two dresses are examples of fashions made and sold in the U.S. Southwestern states (Arizona, New Mexico mostly). They are inspired by traditional Native American designs and may have been made by Native Americans. My warm-weather wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without them.
Outfits like this were especially popular in the 1950’s and early 1960’s. Some from the 1940’s have been seen. Tourists often returned from vacations with one and non-Native people who lived in the region wore them a lot. It was a real craze for a while.
Ric-rac and braid trim on bright cotton material was popular. The skirts are big and swingy – usually full circle. I have more to show – some have interesting tailoring details on the blouses. Love ’em!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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