Today, on a more-or-less routine survey, I had wonderful good fortune. I’m just about to re-examine and photograph my newest acquisitions and get them ready to post on the blog. Because I have already scheduled postings for the next three days, expect to begin seeing these on Sunday, Nov. 13.
Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This was another surprise discovery and I was absolutely amazed! Someone safeguarded this lovely outfit for decades in the back of her closet. It’s hardly been worn, if at all.
Aside from the killer ’40s fit, look at the tailoring details on the jacket – the piping on cuffs and collar and the little “pocket” at each shoulder, just for fun!
There is a maker’s label on the jacket facing. Lightweight wool material in a tattersall check of ivory, black, sky blue and cranberry. The jacket is lined. The skirt swings. Love it! I have lots of suits from the ’40s – ’60s and love to mix and match the jackets and skirts with other items from my wardrobe, as well as wearing them as a suit for certain occasions – there’s nothing more arresting and pulled-together-looking. Great way to make an impression.
Love fun surprises! but, ah well, it’s all just in another day of sleuthing . . . . you just never know. .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Although we do Christmas marketing almost year-round, back in the mid-century time no one thought seriously about Christmas stuff until after the American Thanksgiving in late November. But, if you’re making lots of your gifts . . . . .
McCalls needlework magazine promoted doing just that – to economize as well as adding a personal touch. Can you imagine getting all that done ?!
For many of our grandmothers, that was just part of the day-to-day. And, they did produce beautiful things – from hats, gloves, sweaters, socks and scarves to dolls & their clothing, tablecloths & bedspreads, just to name a few.
I love discovering some special true vintage handmade item that was probably made as a gift or a table decoration for a special family holiday. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Although you may say that the copycats made in the last few years look just like these, you would be mistaken. In almost all cases, the quality of the true vintage pieces is superior in some way or another – either materials, workmanship or design. Even these budget-type examples . . .
True vintage has features that are quite unique and tell a different story, both about the person who owned and wore them and about history. It’s fascinating. 
When you find the real thing, you may never want to buy modern retro “vintage” again.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I love this one so much! Beautiful, soft suede in a luscious red. As always, wonderfully tailored – great buttons, lovely lining, nifty, elegant style. Forties shoulders are always a favorite of mine.
This one was originally purchased at the Holiday House in Estes Park, Colorado (also in Scottsdale, Arizona). I have found many more wonderful leather and suede jackets in my vintage-hunting expeditions, and always at great prices.
It pays to be a magicvintagespy!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This one is a favorite of mine. It is of a heavy cotton-type material with a quilted lining. Warm, but not too heavy. Fabulous Forties style and, also, very practical.
The colors are ivory, green and red. It’s perfect for spring and fall weather. The attached belt across the front and some elastic in back give the nipped waist feature that I really love. And, of course, pads in the shoulders. So flattering!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
NOT AS OLD AS I USUALLY LIKE, BUT WHEN I SAW THIS I SAID TO MYSELF “I’LL WEAR THIS A LOT!” NEEDS A LITTLE CLEANING, BUT NO BIG DEAL.
SOOOO, IT’S BEEN ADDED TO MY CLOSET AND BECOMES MORE VERSATILE EVERY TIME I LOOK AT IT. STYLES LIKE THIS WERE REALLY POPULAR IN THE LATE 1960’S AND EARLY 1970’S AND, OF COURSE, DURING THEIR FIRST(?) INCARNATION IN THE 1940’S.
STILL HAVEN’T LOOKED AT IT WITH ALL OF MY BLOUSES AND JACKETS – WHICH ONES? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Can’t say for positive-positive, but I have my suspicions. Absolute confirmation can require a chemist’s lab but, anyway, what a cute little bangle bracelet this will be for summer – or any time.
Love the shape. Love the color. Love the mystery. What could be better?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The always-dramatic Marlene models three views of this gorgeous and flattering scull-cap style, woven of black and white strips and topped with a face-framing ruffle.
I COULD NOT pass this by! And, it came with a matching hat-pin – always a plus. In it’s day, it was very wearable with lots of different styles from casual frocks to dressier ones. Very elegant.
When everyone wore hats daily, imagine selecting this cute one and setting it on just right before heading out for shopping or lunch. That was when men still whistled openly at women on the street . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I have lots of pearl jewelry – costume and real – in my vintage fashion collection, but couldn’t pass these up. Large costume pearls in graduated sizes – difficult to find now! I would say that this example dates 1930’s – 1950’s.
Also, it’s in great condition, with a lovely golden color. The cord is knotted between each bead. Equally wonderful is the clasp, which has a pearlized center, surrounded by small ruby-pink rhinestones or crystals. The necklace is long enough that the clasp can be draped a bit in back if I’m wearing a neckline that plunges there.
There’s nothing more elegant or alluring than pearls . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
