Tag Archives: 1950’s

RARE FIND!! TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S BLOUSE

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I just LOVE finding true vintage blouses! They’re so pretty and versatile – and so rare to discover in great condition.

This one was kind of a bargain-basement item – not top quality, and maybe produced during WWII when materials were rationed. But it’s got a lot of personality to make up for that.

I see it paired with a pencil skirt or cigarette pants. Tomorrow I’ll show some great platform sandals that go well with it, though certainly of a higher-class . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S BRACELETS TO ACCENT YOUR BLACK & WHITE ENSEMBLES

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Favorite jewelry pieces that are very Fifties, in copper & brass, pot metal and engraved silver. The large copper bracelet, which I cleaned up and photographed again, is commemorative of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1952 or ’53.

The pot metal bracelet and the sculpted one are not fine, but are great accents. The wide bangle bracelet has stretch built into it’s construction, but not with elastic or anything like we see today. It is all done with hinges and is completely mechanical. So cool!

Finer jewelry – bracelets and watches – always had little guard chains to prevent loss in case the catch opened. These silver ones are very delicate and pretty, with engraved designs. I just love finding items like these!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FASHIONABLE FOOTWEAR FROM FIFTIES FLORIDA – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S

IMG_0854 More “black & white”. From the fab Fifties, these heels with clear vinyl on the uppers are iconic 1950’s and iconic Miami Beach. Well-constructed in leather, of course.

Notice the maker’s name on one shoe and the name of the store that sold them on the other.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WANT TO DRESS-UP THAT LITTLE BLACK & WHITE? TRUE VINTAGE JET AND PEARLS

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Faceted jet beads, seed pearls and rhinestones. Dress up that little day-dress or LBD with true vintage accessories.

Two-strand short necklace has a lovely clasp. Earrings are clip-on. I always keep my eyes open for true vintage jewelry. The new stuff just doesn’t compare. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE. MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY OFF-WHITE SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS – AND A SHOE SUGGESTION

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A very pretty frock from the late 1950’s – early 1960’s.  I found this several years ago at an out-of-the-way sale.

Basically, it is a sheath with added tailoring details.  Metal zipper up the back and an attached bolero jacket, with big buttons in back.  The cummerbund waistband closes in back with hooks and eyes.

Very, very refined and elegant.  The mid-heel leather pumps are of the same era and make a perfect complement.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE. MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HAND-MADE SWEATERS FROM THE 1950’S

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Beautiful sweaters to make yourself – I’d love to have lots of things like this in my wardrobe (I do have some cardigans that are hand-done). Pictured in the McCall’s Needlework Fall-Winter edition of 1956 – 1957.  This year it’s been so cool that we could sometimes wear them now!

Nothing beats hand-made clothing, done by an expert. At one time, even middle-income women had this luxury because so many of them were very skilled seamstresses and tailors. It was economical to make your own wardrobe and even hiring someone to custom-tailor for you was not out of the question, at least once or twice a year.

The beauty of finding true vintage clothing is that much of it is hand done. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A DELIGHTFULLY PRETTY LITTLE YELLOW SUNDRESS – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S

A DELIGHTFULLY PRETTY LITTLE YELLOW SUNDRESS - TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S

This gorgeous little number says summer all over.  It is the brightest yellow, with little embroidered flowers all over the bodice, each with a pearl center.

If that isn’t enough, around the hem are larger flowers, all embroidered in the same bright yellow thread.   fit, as you can see, speaks for itself . . .

The label is long gone, but I am sure that it was commercially-made.  There are too many professional details.  Fully lined, of a really nice woven fabric with a bit of texture – metal zip up the back.

Although this is not a formal dress, it is quite refined and could go into the evening very confidently.  In the heat of the summer, it could go shopping, lunching, to dinner and dancing without missing a beat.

Natalie Wood would have loved it.  “I feel pretty, oh so pretty . . . .”.  Almost as if it found its way from her closet into mine . . . . . . .. . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – ON AMAZON.COM

WOWEE! A FUN AND RARE FIND – 1960’S WAITRESS UNIFORM

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It was really fun to come across this find!  A poly-nylon women’s uniform – probably from a diner waitress or other food worker in the 1960’s.  Could even be from the 1950’s – must research the maker’s label.

The blue is really nice, and the fact that it is in such perfect condition!  Also love the cute scalloping on the collar.

Really makes me wonder where this was worn and about all the stories it must have to tell.  If only she’d carried a secret tape recorder . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

WOVEN SUMMER – WEIGHT VERSION OF THE CLASSIC COWBOY HAT – MADE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA BY SMITHBILT

WOVEN SUMMER - WEIGHT VERSION OF THE CLASSIC COWBOY HAT - MADE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA BY SMITHBILT

Just as classic as the wool felt version, this beautiful Smithbilt hat is also of the highest quality.   Not sure when it was made – these enduring styles and handmade constructions are almost ageless.

Contrasting two-tone woven-in design & leather bands inside and out.  The weaving is tight and even.   This hat will also last forever (almost) if it’s taken care of.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S STILETTO PUMPS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1950'S - EARLY 1960'S STILETTO PUMPS

Here’s a pair of shoes that I might wear with the dresses I’ve shown recently.  These needle-toe patent leather pumps are characteristic of late ’50’s to early ’60’s styles. The placement and shape of the heel is also characteristic.

I love the little cut-outs on the vamp.  Many shoes of that era had great details.

One of the things I like best are the company names stamped on the insoles.  The script is usually so interesting.  Although these are cracked inside, the outers are in great shape.

I’ve had new heel caps put on, but otherwise they will last for decades more.  The color is funky but fun, too!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGSPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM