Category Archives: vintage accessories

RARE FUN FIND! 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S WWII POST-WAR PUMPS

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Very basic, faux suede – which leads me to think that they might have been made during wartime.  Perhaps they were just an economical brand of everyday shoe.  2″ Cuban heels – couldn’t be more practical – just right for Lucy or Ethel in the day of an average 1950’s housewife, or classic rockabilly style.

Love these old standard brand names – “Vitality Shoes”.  Certainly put a spring in my step when I found them! . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEWLY DISCOVERED ACCESSORIES AND SHOES – HERE WE GO . . . . . . .

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True vintage late 1960’s 100% leather hand-made stiletto heels.  What shoes should be!!! Black patent leather with fabric bow decoration.

These were originally sold at a well-known mid-western department store.  They were made to last, and they have.  Small metal taps at the toes to prevent wear.  The soles have not been repaired, but they can be forever as needed.  That’s the beauty of these beautiful vintage items.

More on the way – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ANOTHER FABULOUS FIND – NYLON STOCKINGS WITH SEAMS!

ANOTHER FABULOUS FIND - NYLON STOCKINGS WITH SEAMS!

For some woman, before the popularity of pantyhose, these nylons would have paired nicely with the panty-girdle I showed a couple of days ago.  They could be from a few years earlier, too.

These beige beauties are a real keepsake.  I love the look of stockings with seams, but will probably never wear this pair.  They’re too precious!

Imagine when keeping your seams straight throughout the day was another thing to have on your mind!  Well, you wouldn’t have had to check email . .. . . . . . . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – 1960’S PANTYGIRDLE WITH GARTERS

A TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S - 1960'S PANTYGIRDLE WITH GARTERS

So, here you go – with the bullet bra shown yesterday, this is what you need beneath your sweater and pencil skirt.  Because, ladies, a firm foundation is mandatory.

Without it you’d look just, well, . . . . . . . . sloppy, to put it nicely.  Of course, I say this with a smile but that was very much the standard of the time.

Watch old movies from about 1960 to see how it’s supposed to look.  And, after all, you do need a garment to support your stockings. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

UNUSUAL FIND!!! YES, IT’S A TRUE VINTAGE STRAPLESS BULLET BRA

UNUSUAL FIND!!! YES, IT'S A TRUE VINTAGE STRAPLESS BULLET BRA

One of the most bizarre silhouettes in fashion was the “bullet bra”, which made women’s breasts look like torpedoes under their sweaters.  Quite unnatural-looking and strange, but it was definitely the thing for a while.

It’s hard to ID in this photo and it’s not right for Madge to model, but the surest way to recognize these brassieres is from the pointy shape of their cups.  Also, the construction of older bras is characteristic, too.   Maybe it will suit Stella better . .. . . .

1950’s and early 1960’s bras often have heavier elastic and lots of stitching on the cups, with a more definite shape, even if they aren’t of this particular style.  A “foundation garment” really was that – like building a brick house.

Thank goodness, now we prefer more subtly-tailored lingerie, physical strength and fitness to give us the body shape we prefer.  But, many ’50’s and early ’60’s garments require a firm girdle and bra underneath to support their characteristic lines – looks great and its FUN!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER HAND-TAILORED MID-CENTURY SCARF, THIS ONE BY VERA

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Probably from the early 1960’s (remember that blue & green craze that happened then?); this beauty was made in Japan, as were many (most?) of the mid-priced scarves found in the U.S. during the 1950’s and 1960’s.  Italy and France have always been makers of wonderful scarves, too, and tended to be high-end if they were from those countries.

Like the Echo scarf shown a few days ago, it is signed with the maker’s name.  There is also a small cloth tag in one corner, which is hardly ever seen now but used to be common. This tag gives country of manufacture and fabric content.  Often the brand name is there, too, and sometimes care information.

Naturally, the material is a lux blend of silk and rayon and the edges are hand-rolled and stitched.  High quality, beautiful scarves are a fabulous accessory and, you can’t have too many . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

STICKING WITH TRUE VINTAGE ACCESSORIES – ANOTHER GREAT FIND

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Couldn’t pass up this gorgeous mid-century silk scarf by Echo.  That company always made scarves in the proper way – usually of silk, and with hand-rolled edges.  Good scarves can still be found here and there (especially in Europe) but they are rare and ungodly expensive.

Our female (and some male) forebears wore beautiful scarves and ascots regularly; sometimes as a part of their daily wardrobe and sometimes with dressier outfits – almost as standard as a hat.  Every lady had several tucked into her top dresser drawer.  European men wore them in place of ties.

Although I love funny designs and little prints, this stripe is a classic and easy to pair with many basic black tops, dresses, jackets or coats.  Of course, there are plenty of less common ways of wearing them – tied to a handbag or in the hair.  Can’t have too many . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

OMG – ANOTHER RARE FIND!

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Too amazing.  This time, it’s a Kennedy era cocktail sweater.  After 60 years, who would think?

You’ll see it tomorrow, and then come wonderful frocks, etc. for St. Valentine’s Day.  Stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SUPER-UNUSUAL LINGERIE BED CAPE FROM THE 1950’S OR BEFORE

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More mid-century lingerie – this one from the Post-war era in run-proof nylon tricot.  By Rogers, it is a quality item and I don’t think I’ve EVER seen this style before!  It has no sleeves, and is made to wear as a cape over the shoulders which ties at the neckline.

What a pretty way to spend a while over coffee in the morning, or reading in bed when there’s a chill in the air?

Pale pink color (the whole thing is prettier in reality than in this photo) and delicate accordian pleating  with a ruffle at the neck and wrist areas.  Perfect condition, and in my size.  What could be better?  It’s definitely a keeper.  Wonder who wore this beauty in 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL VAL MODE RETRO 1940’S PEIGNOIR

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There are already at least a couple of dressing gowns  in my collection that date from the 1930’s – 1940’s and are made in a similar style.  So, although this was was made 30 to 40 years later and the fabric isn’t as nice, it’s pretty true to the design.

I’ll sometimes pick up retro items made by famous vintage makers because they do a pretty good job.  This one still qualifies as “true vintage” because of being at least 30 years old, but the real 1940’s would always be my favorite!

Anyway, a pretty find and worth adding to my treasures.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM