Tag Archives: 1950’s

2 LARGE-BRIMMED TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S DECORATED SPRING HATS

2 LARGE-BRIMMED TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S DECORATED SPRING HATS

Unusual, large-brimmed hats with netting and decoration.  Marlene and Celia are de la mode.  One is black with black decoration, the other in navy with large rose-colored flowers.

If tipped back, they might qualify as “picture hats”, made to frame the face beautifully. I think, however, that they were intended to be worn as photographed and to shade and accent the brow.

What a striking addition to an ensemble for a sophisticated outing or Easter Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE AURORA BOREALIS COSTUME JEWELRY BOXED SET FROM THE 1950’S

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Here’s a pretty matched brooch & earring set in popular aurora borealis rhinestones of the 1950’s.  A bird in full flight and little stylized birds for your ears, too.  A beautiful Spring theme.  It’s always so wonderful to find a set, and in the original case!

With a plain but elegant black dress, or a frock that echoes one of the colors reflected in the “jewels”, these pieces call attention to the face and shoulders – just as they should.

Nothing else needed but poise and presence . . . …. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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CUTE AND SAUCY TRUE VINTAGE LITTLE BLACK DRESS, FIFTIES – STYLE

CUTE AND SAUCY LITTLE BLACK DRESS, FORTIES - STYLE

Just love this!! Sometime from the late 1950’s to the early 1960’s this little frock was someone’s favorite.  It’s Peggy Lee in her early mid-century years, all over!!!!!

Glossy textured rayon – I always love sheer panels like this on the shoulders.  The bodice is decorated with embroidered white flowers which have pearl centers.  Nothing could be better for dinner out or a date night.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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LIKE THE LAST 1940’S JACKET AND SKIRT? HERE’S ANOTHER!

LIKE THE LAST JACKET AND SKIRT? HERE'S ANOTHER!

This is one of my very favorite jackets – a lighter-weight rayon/synthetic number with an abstract print in brown on ivory, with black velveteen collar, cuffs & buttons. I wear it with a modern (80’s or 90’s) black silk skirt, at present.

Somewhere between the late Forties and the mid-Fifties this garment with an atomic print made a very stylish statement. It is utterly unique and I LOVE it!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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FOR EASTER, CHURCH OR A ST. PATRICK ‘S DAY DRESSY EVENT, A TRUE VINTAGE GREEN FEATHER HAT IS CHIC!

FOR CHURCH OR A ST. PATRICK'S DAY DRESSY EVENT, A GREEN FEATHER HAT IS CHIC!

No matter when you wear the green hat, it’s going to draw attention. So, why not St. Paddy’s Day? The black and white number with artistic feather trim is also to die for.  Chin straps were so practical.

These two are from the 1950’s and/or 1940’s. Marlene and Celia are feeling pretty “haute mode”.

Just love feather hats, and I’ll be showing some more before the Spring fashion parade is through. Notice that we’ve also got a veil. . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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NEW DISCOVERY! TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY CUSTOM-TAILORED DRESSY DRESS

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CUSTOM-TAILORED VINTAGE FROCKS ARE OFTEN THE MOST INTERESTING!

I love this find!  All the details of the talented seamstress’s work are evident here.  She was good!

Like many dresses from the  Fifties – early Sixties era, this frock is made with a contrasting liner under sheer illusion fabric.  The black overlay has flocked design with little reflective accents, like tiny, tiny sequins, sprinkled throughout.  The neckline treatment took a lot of skill to create, with many folds and tucks.

The side metal zipper was a standard in many of these early styles.  Because it’s a bit shorter, I suspect that the owner was a buxom lady of petite stature or that she shortened the dress over many seasons of wear as the hemlines went up in popular fashion.  Although the dress is in exceptional condition, some wear to the flocking shows that it was worn more than once – maybe many times.  She loved it!

The original belt is missing and I put one of my own on just for illustration.  The sizing is a vintage plus, or half-size as they were known then, and is made for a full figure.  Can’t wait to photograph it on Madge, whose measurements will do it some justice!

More new finds tomorrow, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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RUFFLED 1950’S JACKET TO WEAR OVER YOUR LITTLE BLACK DRESS

RUFFLED 1950'S JACKET TO WEAR OVER YOUR LITTLE BLACK DRESS

This little cutie turned up in a surprising place (which often happens, so it’s no surprise to me!). So dainty and feminine, yet super practical.

Have you ever wanted to wear a smashing sleeveless LBD and needed some warmth, but didn’t like the idea of a fur,shawl or a cardigan sweater? This wrap is very subtle and light, but may provide the extra coverage that makes the difference between comfort and shivers.

Of very fine black mesh with ruffles sewn all around and hook & eye closures, I’m guessing that this garment was made in the ’50’s, but it could be earlier or slightly later. At any rate, it’s unmistakably true vintage and unique!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE NOVELTY MID-CENTURY LINEN TOWEL – THE MOST SEXIST EVER!

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Can you believe this?  It’s so awful it just cracks me up!!

Thank goodness things have changed so much that this is just funny.  I couldn’t possibly pass it up!

I just love these old novelty linens – aprons, tablecloths, napkins, etc.  Some of them are really cute but it’s hard to believe that things like this one were “normal” stuff that most people bought.

I’ve got more “new” true vintage mid-century finds to show you, but couldn’t resist posting this one first . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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FINE TRUE VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY BY TRIFARI – THE SMART WOMAN’S CHOICE 1930’S – 1980’S

FINE COSTUME JEWELRY BY TRIFARI - THE SMART WOMAN'S CHOICE 1930'S - 1980'S

Trifari made lovely costume jewelry – here are a few examples of pins and earrings from several decades. Always high quality. Pick them up if you find them . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A TRUE VINTAGE SUCCESS STORY FROM THE 1940’S AND A CAUTIONARY TALE

WHAT YOU SEE IS NOT WHAT I GOT!! A SUCCESS STORY AND A CAUTIONARY TALE

I absolutely adore this jacket. AND, it’s got a real story – The silk pants are not original, but the greenish bronze is a good match to the trim and I wear them with the jacket as loungewear.

When I first bought this jacket, it was a light lemon yellow, with emerald green embroidered trim, in a very large size.  From the  1940’s, the fabric was  a mystery – probably acetate or some blend.

It had been sold by a well-known (back in the day) Denver department store and carried their label.  I enjoyed wearing it as a wrap over strappy dresses or with skirts and light blouses. Yellow is not my best color, but it still worked.

After several years, I wondered how it might be to dye it a more flattering color – so, out came the scarlet dye and into the washing machine it went.  I’ve done this a number of times and have a system that USUALLY works – it’s ALWAYS a gamble.

So, what I got was a beautiful orange-red jacket with bronze embroidery (love it!) and in a size that fits me perfectly. Surprise!!

Could have been a disaster if I was not somewhat experienced and prepared.  Colors can turn out blotchy, seams can rip, fabrics can pucker and shrink beyond belief!!  Just a heads – up – the possibilities for success are endless, but so are the hazards, so here’s a word to the wise . . . . . . . . . … . . . . . . . . . learn your stuff well, then you can be adventurous!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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