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
All right – I know that a lot of you, my followers, are not too excited about some of these accessories, but I love them! Aside from being practical, they can really “make” an outfit that would otherwise be kind of blase’.
The black ’40’s – ’50’s evening handbag is so similar to other I have, yet distinctive. It’s got a lovely and high-quality metal frame that puts many to shame. Matte rayon on the outside and black satin inside. Clean and elegant.
The ’60’s purse on right is very plain inside with no brand-name label and was probably sold at a shoe store or department store. The cover is fabric but the construction is nothing special in terms of the quality. However, it’s very clean and pretty. With just the right dress, skirt & blouse or suit, it would really be an eye-catcher!
So, more fun fashion dreams and, of course, always in reverse-time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
How about some pretty lingerie that makes the decision easy! No more concerns about indiscreet gaps or getting your undies in a twist . .. ….. . . ..
Back in the day when every type of clothing came in well-made and lovely versions that weren’t expensive, women had options like these to wear under those trendy and faddish styles that might not be in fashion next year. I was so glad to find that pair which I showed a few days ago that was just – a – little – bit – longer . . . . . . . . . .
Even though culottes and hot-pants went by the way-side pretty quickly, there’s still a definite place for lingerie pieces like these in my wardrobe and sometimes they are SO practical! And, the heavy, silky nylon and beautiful decoration are always a pleasure . .. . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Unusual and cute – worth collecting. It’s great to find bags this old that have survived in such wonderful condition! The hardware is really shiny and bright but, of course, reflects shadows. The purse on left was handmade with a needlepoint cover, mounted on purchased hardware. Up through the 1960’s, many women made purses this way because the kits were easy to buy and a perfect way to make a bag that exactly matches an outfit – especially when so many women were home-sewing their wardrobes. I’ve seen them in all styles, including late mid-century macrame’.
The handbag on right is a commercially-made style by the CARA brand-name. Pretty standard on the inside with a satiny rayon liner and zipper compartment – beyond the excellent condition, the deciding factor for me was the hardware design. Isn’t that a lovely infinity coil along the top?
Still good for many years of service, and wonderful along with just the right outfit. I’ll have fun with these – can never have too much of that . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I have never had a long-line bra, and lusted after the perfect one for years. It’s one of those things that has to fit just right or it’s a mess. Well, not only is this one in my size, but it does just that (fit perfectly)! Now I’ll be free to debauche in God-only-knows what shameless costumes.
No, probably not. But, a strapless dress or that plunging neckline . . . . . .YES!! and, feeling like a ’50’s vixen all the while.
Next, the slip that is not a slip. It is a “skirt liner” that’s worn like a slip, but is tailored like a skirt with a back zipper and kick pleat and is made of more substantial fabric. Great example of another garment that will come in handy under just the right skirt-cumstances. Forgive me.
Finally, a peachy split slip to be worn under gaucho pants or any kind of split skirt. I have a long pair of slacks liners, but sometimes they just won’t do. So, there! In one fell swoop, I discovered these ’50’s to ’70’s pieces that will sometimes be indispensable and just right with clothing from those decades. It pays. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Pretty citrus – color lingerie in luscious ’50’s nylon, with exquisite decoration. Rare colors! Believe it or not, I just found a similar one in pale yellow the other day . . . . . . . . . .
The temperatures keep going up and down, but how can we doubt that Summer is coming if we wear these?
As always, luscious fabric and gorgeous trimmings. The seaming on the bodices is unusual on the two yellow examples and probably deserves a Special Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Beaded and beautiful – one even had a pretty hankie tucked inside! (also found some old pennies) Vintage 1950’s – 1960’s, made in Hong Kong (of course!), made in U.S.A., too. All so clean and well-loved.
The beading is hand-done. The 1930’s – style on the bottom right has the brand name stamped onto the satin lining. The purse made in Hong Kong (bottom left) has, naturally, a silk lining. The larger handbag on top has fun plastic beads crocheted into raffia and Lucite trim. Big enough to hold all your daily needs.
I’m always so impressed by how well mid-century women cared for their clothing and accessories. Yes, it was sometimes an issue of economy – if you can only afford to have one “good” dress, preserving it becomes very important. However, way beyond that was a personal value placed on items of quality that were lovely to look at and wear and the wish to treat them with respect. I try to fill my closets with garments and their complements that inspire the same sentiment.
So, no careless coffee spills, scattered crumbs or dogs in my lap with these . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The half-slip – an essential garment under many dresses and skirts. Especially as the weather becomes a little warmer, full slips sometimes are not right under lighter dresses and blouses.
Like most of the beautiful lingerie of the fifties, early sixties and before, these are nice enough to wear on their own on a hot day – put on a pretty sheer blouse and a cinch belt, et voila! Clothing so lovely that it can be appreciated just for itself is such a pleasure to wear . . . . . . . . … .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
To wear with a pretty brassiere or camisole, these were the underpants of the ’20’s, ’30’s and ’40’s. In the 1970’s they also came back for a while, though not as sumptuous or luxurious as the originals.
Clockwise, 12, 3 and 6 o’clock are the older ones, made of silk with hand-done embroidery and lace. They also close with buttons on the left side. At 9 o’clock, the newer pair from the ’70’s is of nylon and has nice lace, with an elastic waistband. It also has a matching camisole.
Look at those luscious colors! And, the silk is so smooth and comfy. In most cases, a garter belt and hose would also be worn with these, since women were usually wearing skirts or dresses, and those were often loose-fitting. Nothing there to cramp your Charleston, Lindy or Jitterbug style.
You know what I’d rather wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Conjures thoughts of Spring, in spite of the winter storms – this, too, shall pass . . . . . . . ..
Spring IS just around the corner. Especially once we get past March, it’s the time that Spring and Summer fashion traditionally is brought out in force and warm weather clothing appears on the store racks. The way the weather has been changing, it can be different tomorrow!
Before the weather does get hot, beautiful lingerie is a must under Spring clothing when the colors get lighter and the fabrics do, too. Nothing modern compares well to the heavy nylon and artistic, high-quality decoration of slips made before the early 1960’s.
So, whether you’re into pastel dresses or not, wearing one of these can make you think of sunny skies and keep a secret smile in your heart. . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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