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 to Western Europe and finding many vintage clothing shops here – concentrated in the Temple Bar area. This won’t be any surprise to Dubliners, but worth a trek to anyone visiting the city.
I scoped out stores that are already listed in the reference section of my book, and was told about more which tend to hide from the mainstream. A real gem is Jenny Vander, with a 40 – year history and full of beautiful true vintage from mid – century and before. HUGE collection of costume jewelry!
Most places stock little older than the ’70’s or ’80’s, but the hidden gem might be discovered. Prices are reasonable, but not a real bargain. For a seasoned investigator, however . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
Although the vintage clothing shops are few and far between in this country, I have seen some wonderful services in the larger cities. Millinery shops!
Just imagine – it would not be difficult to have hats custom-made on a regular basis, and prices are very good here. That would have been such a dream of luxury for our grandmothers.
Also, I’ve seen clothing shops where they advertise the lost art of bra-fittings. Back in the day, department stores and clothing stores had clerks who knew how to do this correctly. Like proper shoe fittings, it was an expected service. Good luck finding it now!
Off to Dublin , where I’ll have some very busy sleuthing to do. Stay tuned . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
Gearing up for summer with a pair of true vintage men’s swim briefs. I think this is a really flattering length – not too short nor too long.
Simple construction with a button at the waist. These were a hand-me-down from a family member and I’m so glad to have them in my collection!
Just think of all those vintage beach photos with surfboards and old movies and TV shows – didn’t the guys look so much more hot?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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It was really fun to come across this find! A poly-nylon women’s uniform – probably from a diner waitress or other food worker in the 1960’s. Could even be from the 1950’s – must research the maker’s label.
The blue is really nice, and the fact that it is in such perfect condition! Also love the cute scalloping on the collar.
Really makes me wonder where this was worn and about all the stories it must have to tell. If only she’d carried a secret tape recorder . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Just as classic as the wool felt version, this beautiful Smithbilt hat is also of the highest quality. Not sure when it was made – these enduring styles and handmade constructions are almost ageless.
Contrasting two-tone woven-in design & leather bands inside and out. The weaving is tight and even. This hat will also last forever (almost) if it’s taken care of.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Sometimes I love short sleeves and sometimes I think that they look dowdy on me. It all depends on the cut and style of the dress, and how it fits my body.
In this case, I decided to remove the sleeves. It’s very simple to do by carefully taking out the stitching in the seam that attaches the sleeve to the bodice. Don’t cut into the material – just save the sleeves as they are. Then you can re-attach them later or include them with the item if you ever decide to sell it.
Finishing off the seam is an easy thing to do, or to have someone else do! Voila! A sleeveless style, which are favorites of mine.
I’m sure that some of you seamstresses and tailors out there will have comments to make about this. Please do!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This dress doesn’t shout at you, but it shouted at me and that was why I picked it up. It is so obviously classic 1960’s and has an interesting label.
I researched the company, Carolina Made, and discovered a small clothing firm in, I believe, South Carolina, USA, which has been selling clothing for decades. Rather than closing down, as many have done over the years, they have morphed into selling a completely different casual line of t-shirts, shorts and other sportswear that looks like the usual modern styles.
The southeastern U.S. was a clothing manufacturing center for many, many years. This is where the garments were constructed. So, this company – regardless of how it has changed – represents that history.
And, this dress also represents the history of classic styles in several ways. The style has stayed good over several decades, the construction is strong and the colors are basically neutral. It’s very versatile and useful – the way that we wear jeans today, a dress like this would serve for many activities that an average woman would do in a day in 1964.
The original belt was probably a fabric tie belt – this dress was not even swanky enough to have a buckle belt on it. It’s a workhorse-type of dress, but with lots of possibilities.
Anyway, that’s the story that it told me and part of the enjoyment I get from hunting for true vintage. I love stories and you just never know . . . .. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A change of pace for the weekend – let’s slip into some fabulous-feeling vintage nylon. There’s nothing that feels like it – heavy, smooth, creamy and cool on your skin. Well, enough of that – this is a vintage fashion blog, not a . . . . . .
These are what the fashionable woman wore at home while relaxing and/or for casual entertaining. The one on the left is a slip-over design with roses embroidered at the neck. The right-hand style is unique with two fabric layers, a front zipper and long scarf “tails” that can be tied in a bow or crossed in front and thrown over the shoulders. One is by ShadowLine and the other by a less well-known maker.
Those shoulder “tails” are an interesting feature. I have a velveteen sheath dress circa about 1960 which has them and also a jacket, which I think comes from the wartime era. Not sure if this style element was something that repeated – I haven’t seen it often. The color combo on the right has such a characteristic ’60’s look.
When I go sleuthing, or just sorting through my closets, I drift through several decades one after the other. It’s almost as good as going to the movies . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Not as elegant as the item posted yesterday, but wonderful in its own way. This sturdy cotton housecoat with a cheery floral print was just an everyday item, it has survived all these years primarily due to it’s quality fabric and solid construction.
In one way, it was a mess when I found it – covered with brownish spots that had undoubtedly been there for years. But, I know a gem in the rough when I see it and said “I can fix that!” And, with confidence and experience, I did.
It was well worth the gamble. Often this is true – sometimes it’s not and it is better to walk away. Knowing when to walk away is one of the skills I have picked up over the years and has saved me a lot of trouble and expense.
This one, because of its age, was a rare find – but not so awfully rare for the Magicvintagespy .. . . . . . . .poof!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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