I love the apple-green button trim on this navy jacket from the 1940’s. Alas, the original skirt was lost, but I was able to find one with an almost-perfect color, fabric weave and true-to-the-era style. That is phenomenal and rare, but not impossible for the Magicvintagespy.
Aside from the cute and iconic design, these pieces are able to be worn as separates as well as a suit. The fabric, though it may be wool-based, is still 3-season and makes this find a very practical part of my wardrobe.
The only downside, if there is one, is that this material must be dry-cleaned and should be protected from moth damage. When adding true vintage clothing to your wardrobe, it’s important to remember that some fabrics which look like the today’s synthetics and blends were often made with wool years ago. The up-side, which is definite, is that wool lasts forever and the construction of these garments probably will, too!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
If you look very closely you can see the many design details included in this lovely garment. The only feature you may not see in this photograph are fabric tabs with buttons at each hip, just behind the pockets. They’re just for style – no function at all – but that’s usually what fashion is all about. If you find a garment that looks absolutely great, with every detail enhancing the fit and the utility as well, that’s gravy and BUY IT!
That’s not to dis this jacket at all. Lightweight wool with a full lining. The pockets are real and there’s even a hanging loop at the back of the neckline. Did I mention that it’s in pristine shape?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The best thing about this dress is that it was given to me by the (now deceased) mother of a dear friend who wore it to a gala while her husband was in the military. So, I know its exact year and ownership history. It is beautifully-made and I suspect that it was custom-tailored for her. If laid out flat, the skirt is almost a full circle. Rhinestones, lace, yards of taffeta and netting and a fit to die for.
MORGAA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Not your typical “twin-set” – I found this pair of ’50’s cuties together – they probably belonged to the same woman. They’re identical excepting for the color. Very becoming to both Madge and Stella, don’t you think? If you zoom in, you can see the decorative studs on the front of each one.
Of the softest angora blend – rollover neckline, 3/4 sleeves and decorated with button accents on the front – these look great with black cigarette pants or a coordinating skirt. Perfect for a casual Fifties or early Sixties cocktail hour. Belly up to the Tiki bar!
True vintage sweaters in perfect condition are always a rare find! Just another day in the life of the magicvintagespy . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I have so many pairs of shoes that I absolutely love, but these are truly favorites. So versatile, so comfortable and so “Forties”.
All-leather construction, of course, and well-made. I even wore them one day walking in a parade on city pavement for a couple of hours, wearing a true vintage dress. They stood up beautifully and didn’t hurt my feet!
So, I’ll have these for life. Lovely to not have to say good-bye to favorites – I can just have them repaired eventually.
Ah, the beauty of true vintage . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Here are a few items that I ran across by surprise – from the 1940s (or so). All perfect finishes for a wartime or post-war costume. Mary-jane all leather shoes (always a classic), Capezio soft leather dance or casual flats and a couple of simple woven bags from the Depression era or time of wartime rationing – a drawstring and one with a metal zip in the top. It’s fun to find things in such good condition (and at very good prices). You just never know . . . .
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
A pair of, low-heeled classic quasi-spectator-style Mod pumps. Black and white is always “in”, and is always de la mode. Very practical for any Sixties – era outfit. You can also dance the night away in comfort.
This pair is by the famous maker Florsheim, a quality name for decades. Looks great Spring, Summer or Fall. Probably in Winter, too. A classic’s a classic, right?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
The actress Audrey Hepburn, I’ve read, favored cute little low-heeled shoes like these in the 1950’s and 1960’s when she was making many movies in America and Europe. Though this pair are not quite that old, they’re of a style that has been around for decades and were made by a company that used to sell good-quality shoes and purses.
Nothing beats the classics and these are pure – Fall colors, back to school, practical casual fashion and comfort. Fashion items this versatile are a super investment, while looking so unique! Leather uppers with strong synthetic soles, they’ll last forever if they are looked after. Ahh, the beauty of a true vintage quality wardrobe . . . . ..
I wear them with a skirt and sweater, a jumper dress, slacks or even a simple suit. They’re a good choice for a day of shopping or sight-seeing or a long sleuthing assignment . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Another of those boxes in the basement which I hadn’t thought about in a while – finds of the last 10 years stored away. It’s always fun to see what’s inside! Lots of variety from several different decades.
From the top row down, we’ll start with the DUDS, from the viewpoint of a true vintage hunter:
Pairs #1, #2 & #3 – nice to very nice classic styles in leather, 1980s at the earliest to 1990s. Pretty shoes. Ho hum. More retro than vintage, but reminiscent of the 1940’s and 1950’s.
Pair #4 – True vintage late 1950s – early 1960s gold-tone all – leather stiletto pumps. For cocktails and dancing the cha-cha.
Pairs 5 & 6 – True vintage bowling shoes, 1950s – 1970s. The two-tone ones are suede.
Pair #7 – Original true vintage Dr. Scholl’s leather exercise sandals from the very early 1970s. They’ve made them in later years, but they aren’t the same.
Pair #8 – Low-heel leather pumps by Johannson from the mid-’60s.
Pair #9 – Leather pumps from the ’70s. Nothing to lose your wallet over.
Pair #10 – Leather flats from the mid – late 1960s, with price tags still inside.
Well, that was interesting. I remember finding all of these. Probably I will sell them, since I run into the issue that all vintage collectors usually do – storage space! Sometimes you have to (sigh), but as I get better and better at my craft, the non-keepers become fewer and fewer
Don’t forget that one of these pairs might be just what is needed to finish off a Halloween costume soon . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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