Beautiful broad-shouldered brown cape – maybe muskrat – from the 1930’s or 1940’s. I’ll photo it for you when I return to Headquarters, along with my other recent discoveries. Couldn’t pass this one up, although I have others. Though excellent, the condition isn’t quite as perfect, so I’ll feel free to wear it out and about more often. Fun!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
An unusual dark plaid, but a shirtwaist style and definitely for warmish weather. Notice the second layer of skirt, with a little ruffle at the top. I wonder if the fabric she used was sold from …
Source: BACK IN TIME AGAIN – 60 OR 70 YEARS. A COTTON HOME-SEWN TRUE VINTAGE FROCK – 1940’S/1950’S
An unusual dark plaid, but a shirtwaist style and definitely for warmish weather. Notice the second layer of skirt, with a little ruffle at the top. I wonder if the fabric she used was sold from a narrow bolt, so she had to piece the skirt for that reason???
It’s so much fun to try and unravel the mysteries that older garments, especially, can pose. Unlike dresses made later, that usually buttoned lower down to make them easy to get into, these earlier ones often button only to the waist. That’s why those side zippers were so necessary.
It also allowed the waist to be kept really tiny, rather than gathered in by the belt – just barely large enough to get shoulders through, with the help of that zipper opening. Ahh, fashion . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I was browsing through a few OLD family yearbooks at my parent’s home and look what I found. This photo is fabulous evidence of the classic and enduring style of the spectator pump – …
Source: YES!!! LOOK WHAT SHE’S GOT ON HER FEET – TRUE VINTAGE FROM 1938
In these few photos from an early – 1960’s needlework magazine, the styles are very plain and, in some cases, they are so generic that they’re very boring! BUT, every woman pictu…
Source: MID – CENTURY TRUE VINTAGE ELEGANCE: WHAT REALLY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
In these few photos 
from an early – 1960’s needlework magazine, the styles are very plain and, in some cases, they are so generic that they’re very boring! BUT, every woman pictured looks smart, elegant, fashionable and attractive.
Obviously, it’s not mostly about their clothing. Sure, they’re all slim and attractive people but that’s not the main thing, either. Take away the good fit and quality of what they are wearing (super-important as a base for everything else) and what is left that REALLY does it?
It’s their grooming, posture and ACCESSORIES. None of those ensembles would look half as good without the accessorizing touches – imagine each of them without the necklace, bracelet, gloves or handsome handbag. Makes a big difference, doesn’t it?
So, as much as I love fabulous true vintage style and details I also know that I can easily stand out in a room dressed in a plain ’50’s skirt and sweater, or even a pair of jeans with a great true vintage shirt. Our grandmothers understood that perfectly. And today, it’s VERY easy NOT to stand out . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I was browsing through a few OLD family yearbooks at my parent’s home and look what I found. This photo is fabulous evidence of the classic and enduring style of the spectator pump – couldn’t get better proof than this! Love it when that happens.
And, the rest of her outfit is pretty spectacular, too – reminds me of lots of things in my closet . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A classic! These are just a run-of-the-mill example, probably made in the Sixties or Seventies, but they just go to show how enduring this style is. Spectators have been showing up in fashion sin…
Originally sold from a department store, as so many lovely garments were back in the day, this cocktail dress has beautiful hand-done tailoring details. The cowl neckline is all hand-stitched, as is the fabric rosette at the waist.
The neckline in back dips to mid-back and closes with a metal zipper and hook and eye. Attention to detail is one aspect that makes true vintage clothing SO special!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A classic! These are just a run-of-the-mill example, probably made in the Sixties or Seventies, but they just go to show how enduring this style is. Spectators have been showing up in fashion since the early 1900’s, at least.
Although black/white and brown/white are the most common, true vintage styles have been made in all the basic colors, including red, tan,, navy and, probably, grey. If you’re looking for a good city shoe, a pair of spectator pumps is an excellent choice. A true vintage pair is a fabulous one!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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