Category Archives: store

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s/1950’S/1960’s NATURAL POLISHED STONE JEWELRY

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Good with almost anything, a variety of jewelry items for women and men with polished semi-precious stones were really popular in the mid-century. Necklaces, bracelets, pins, sweater clips,cuff links, tie pins, rings – you name it.

Generally, these pieces were not of fine construction in gold or silver, but they lasted a long time anyway. Sometimes they came in sets, as the pendant and bracelet pictured at top. Often people would purchase them at vacation sites as souvenirs. Hobbyists sometimes made them at home, too.

I like to wear mine with many outfits, from casual to semi-dressy. It’s a real iconic mid-century touch.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE WIND-UP WATCHES: A CLASSIC AND FEMININE ACCESSORY

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I collect these in high-quality and stylish examples. Yes, you’ll have to wind it briefly once or twice a day and learn how to do that correctly, but no big deal. It’s well worth it and any minor repair for the fashion effect.

Silver and gold are out there, as well as base metal pieces. I look for delicate design and pretty straps.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE CINCH BELTS – AN ESSENTIAL ACCESSORY

Whenever I discover a great vintage belt, I pounce.  Even if I don’t have a specific outfit to pair it with, it’s always worth the investment.  These two are probably from the ’70’s or ’80’s.

What makes these different? We see so many cheap, giltzy things now that it would be easy to miss them if you’re not a skilled investigator.

The gold-color serpentine belt is well-constructed. The black sequined belt is, as well, with a metal buckle. Both have stretch built in, so they are great to dress up frocks and tunics that need a little “extra”, with an adjustable fit.

Makes completing a mid-century vintage outfit a snap, while staying true to the era.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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TRUE VINTAGE SEVENTIES DOES FORTIES BLOUSE AND HIGH-WAIST PANTS

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Two finds from the 1970’s, put together perfectly.  I love the cute 1940’s vibe;  these pieces were made in the early 1970’s when that style was revived.  The shirt was from Sears Junior Bazaar and the slacks made by a company called Beeline. How fun!

The pants are long, so they’re great with platform sandals – another thing popular at that time – also part of the 1940’s retro thing.  As a true vintage sleuth, it’s so fun to watch how the styles go around and come around again.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

THREE PIECES OF TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S COSTUME JEWELRY

THREE PIECES OF TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S COSTUME JEWELRY

I’ll be showing highlights of my vintage jewelry collection, along with the shoes and dresses.  Here are three pieces which were very characteristic of the Sixties decade.

Enameled pins were very popular – especially in flower shapes. Also, large pendants that hung to the chest were a big thing.

The pin is not marked, nor is the middle pendant but I think that the chain which came with it said it was by Trifari.  The gold-color pendant with chain is by Sarah Coventry. Modernistic shapes were really popular.

Any one of these really sparks up an outfit and gives it a mod, mid-sixties flair.

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

FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE “LITTLE BLACK SUIT” FROM THE 1960’S, WITH A SPECIAL BLOUSE

Probably my favorite 3-season skirt suit (Spring, Summer, Fall)! It has a GREAT fit (very saucy) and neat 3/4 sleeves.  It’s so light that you can ditch the jacket during really hot weather.

In this picture it looks like Madge’s dresser was having an “off” day, but I have left the blouse un-tucked in order to show it better – it is NOT true vintage, but was made by Trashy Diva in New Orleans.  Her couture deserves special mention because she designs with vintage features and uses vintage fabrics. I have referenced her shop in my book.

This lightweight little suit is as versatile as a little black dress.  It can be dressed up or down, with or without the jacket.  Any variety of tops can be worn and changes the presentation completely, from work to shopping to cocktails, to dinner, etc., etc.  It also shows off jewelry beautifully against the black fabric.

This garment was never a high-end item, but was worn by a very fashionable woman who I knew.  I was so pleased to find it at her friend’s yard sale across the street one day!   As always, it goes to show that you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE BLACK & WHITE KNIT DAY DRESS – SO SMART AND CHIC!

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I have found several of these elegant black and white styles from the ’60’s and ’70’s – and wear them a lot.  As versatile as a Little Black Dress for day and fun to accessorize.  If made by a well-known clothing company or designer, the workmanship was good .

Polyester knits made up until the early 1970’s were usually very nice – good quality and with a substantial feel and nice drape.  A well-made dress or pant-suit could take you through 3 seasons of the year.  Although similar-looking dresses are made now, the older ones almost always have superior tailoring and fabric.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SURPRISE FIND – ANTIQUE VICTORIAN ONYX & FINE SILVER RING

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I don’t often buy fine jewelry when I’m hunting, but this piece is outstanding, lovely and versatile. A very pretty statement ring.

Often worn in Victorian times, onyx was used as “mourning jewelry” worn by ladies (and, possibly, men) after the death of a loved one. But, it’s gorgeous on its own and accents my black and white costumes very well.

I like to show my true vintage and antique jewelry along with clothing posts because it makes such a difference to any outfit.  A piece or two of jewelry can transform an outfit almost like a disguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ICONIC KENNEDY ERA MID-CENTURY LBD: TIMELESS ELEGANCE . . . . . . .

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Fabulous Stella – she’s a pro. Here she is looking stunning in a black crepe cocktail dress from about 1960.  Simple lines and expert draping, this frock is absolutely beautiful. Though it might be just a little bit hot to wear during a summer heat wave, as we’ve still been having, it’s a perfect transitional frock and can be worn year-round if the temperatures allow.

What could be more flattering than one of these fitted sheath dresses?  Though it looks very plain and does need one fabulous accessory piece to set it off, it has one design element that makes it super-special . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’ll publish the back view next – wait till you see that!

Stay tuned . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM