Look at these beauties! The convertible clutch style which lets you use the handle or not has always been so versatile and convenient. Although some of these are very mid-quality, they all have some distinctive features that make them stand out as great true vintage finds. Let’s start out from left to right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
The white purse at far left is a high-quality construction from the Sixties and has that shiny box hardware enclosing it on 3 sides. It is made of leather and has a shoulder strap that can be tucked inside. Very sleek and streamlined – a great look for summer.
The 1950’s beaded evening bag in front is in perfect condition, with a silk satin lining and a beautiful clasp and box chain handle, which can be hidden inside. This type of handbag was always hand-made, usually in Hong Kong. Even for an expert, can you imagine the care and time it took to attach all those beads so perfectly and securely?
The other three bags have a metallic finish and are made of synthetic materials or cloth – not in quite as good shape as the first two. But, they are nicely made and all have pretty hardware clasps – always interesting to find. The two in the center also have box or braided chain handles, rather than the simple chain that is most often seen. These more complex types of chain are prettier and also seemed to break less easily.
As always, they all show that care was taken to preserve and protect them, so I can enjoy them 50 or 60 years later! The throw-away quality that we seem to be satisfied with today can’t begin to compare, but is still way over-priced!! Such a shame – but not for this Magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I haven’t seen a garment from this label in quite some time, so was thrilled to find one! The Kelly Arden brand was at the higher end of mid-priced dresses and might have been exclusively Junior sizes, as this one is. The nice tailoring details that we expect in a well-made garment (and hardly ever see in modern clothing) are on display here – wide hem allowance, well-finished seams, extra belt-loops to keep belts in their proper place, hooks & eyes at the neckline, full lining, fabric-covered button trim.
Someone took very good care of this dress and the only issue now is that the original belt has been lost. So common and frustrating and it likely happened after the dress was donated. The type may have been either a buckle belt or a sash tie. At least in this case, we can see the color of the original belt, which makes it easier to make a replacement. The style of the dress would also look very nice with no belt (after removing the belt-loops, of course) so there are options. I’m so grateful to women from the mid-century for looking after their clothing and accessories so well.
Although the design is very classic (and, therefore, flattering to many women), I especially like the cutaway neckline that gives almost a halter-style look and really accentuates the shoulders. The stand collar is an iconic element on 1960’s dresses. These style features distinguish the dress from other more plainly cut sheath designs.
I thought that it would be about a size too small for me through the body (a Junior size 9, which is what I wore in high school) but found that it fit very well in that regard. However, the dress seems to be cut for someone with a shorter figure than mine (that makes sense for a Junior garment). Also, the cut seems to be high-waisted with the belt falling just below the bust-line in an Empire style.
That’s not really my favorite, so I think I’ll pass this one on. I’ve had my fun and it will be super-cute on someone a little shorter. Wonder what’s coming next? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a rare and wonderful discovery! In excellent condition – perhaps never used. Only some minor discolorations from age or storage and almost 100 years old.
These handbags have beautifully finished leather and fun hardware touches. A tri-color Bakelite or celluloid clasp ornament and even a little coin purse stashed inside. When you think that this was at the beginning of the Great Depression with war looming in Europe, it puts a different slant on this pretty product. The company was formed in 1928, just a year before the stock market crash.
Despite it all, people did find ways to enjoy life in the 1930’s – some of the most fun and outrageously glamorous movies were made during that time, some of the most luxurious and over-the-top fashion plus beautiful Art Deco furniture, architecture and ornamentation.
“Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..”
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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