TRUE VINTAGE JEWELRY FINDS ON THE FLY

Haven’t had much time to sleuth, since I’m just about to take off again – BUT – my eye is always peeled for hidden treasure and I found it!  My first jewelry purchase in a while as I’m picky in that department.

Picky paid off today in a gold-tone Trifari bracelet from the 1950’s or ’60’s and a graduated necklace of black glass that is ’50’s or decades older, strung on a knotted cord.  Smart-looking, timeless mid-century accessories with elegant styling and high quality manufacture.  I’ll wear these for years!

It was a spur-of-the-moment investigation and I’m always prepared for those because – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN,  THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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You Just Never Know Where Your Next “Find” Will Come From . . . True Vintage ’60s – ’70s Totebag/Purse

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What a surprise! At a party where we all contributed “white elephant” gifts, guess what turned up? After some swapping, this was one of my prizes. True vintage decorated tote bag or purse from the 1960’s/’70’s. Near mint condition.

How do I know it’s original vintage?  1. the style  2. the types of decoration used  3. the construction  4. in this case, some minor signs of age.

How do I know where it (probably) came from?  The Cardinal and the Dogwood are the official state bird and flower of North Carolina.  Eat your heart out, Sherlock.

It’s so beautifully done. Love the colors. Fun!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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True Vintage Mid-Century Classic Toque

Classic Toque

Another stand-by style in ladies’ hats – the toque has been around for many decades. Black & white is perfect for Spring, but goes really well all year long.  The bow thing that they did in the ’50’s and early ’60’s is cute, but the design is really classic and can be Mod, without the decoration.

That’s the enduring beauty of classic styling and quality construction.  Excepting for the veiling, which is easy to replace, this one is in perfect condition . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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SO SWEET – TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S PUMPS BY MISS AMERICA

SO SWEET - TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S PUMPS BY MISS AMERICA

OK, all you aspiring debutantes out there – here are a pair just for you! So sweet, and proper, and ladylike (but, they’re RED!). VERY 1960’s.

Also quite elegant – wearable with almost everything almost anytime. Shoes like this have always advertised the wearer’s good taste and sophisticated fashion sense.

But, hey, they’re also pretty cute! Imagine finding a 50-year-old pair of shoes in this condition – Fabulous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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AIRY 1960’s TRUE VINTAGE STILETTO PUMPS COVERED IN LACE

AIRY 1960's TRUE VINTAGE STILETTO PUMPS COVERED IN LACE

What could be prettier and more cool-looking over the next few weeks as the temperatures begin to rise?   These were made by Life Stride, the long-time shoe company that, I think, is still in business. They are fabric-covered all over with a peek-a-boo lace upper.

Fortunately, these were made during the time when quality materials and workmanship were still the standard.  I love it that the heels and toes are reinforced and that they are constructed to last!  What could be prettier for spring and summer wear . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MY TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S THAI SILK DRESSES

MY 1960'S THAI SILK DRESSES

Yes, you did see the one on the left a few days ago, but here’s my photo with both. The vibrant-colored fabric with such a rich hand makes these garments radiant and unique.

Thai silk is like no other. The fabric is so lustrous and with a hand-made texture. The colors are gorgeous, in beautiful combinations.

On top of that, the hand-tailoring of these garments makes them so beautifully detailed and fitted. Both of these dresses would have been custom-made for someone who was vacationing or living in Thailand or China.

And, of course, in classic styles that are as wearable now as they were in the 1960’s . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SILK BUTTON-FRONT FROCK

UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S SILK BUTTON-FRONT FROCK

Although the basic style of this dress is unremarkable, it is so unique!  100% lined silk in a beautiful paisley print. And, very well-tailored.

Cool and breezy, yet quite sophisticated. This is not a run-of-the-mill item.
I’ve never seen another like it.

Aside from its vintage, it doesn’t leave many clues. But, of course I love a mystery . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE CUSTOM-TAILORED THAI SILK SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960’S

CUSTOM-TAILORED THAI SILK SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960'S

I think that someone had this dress specifically made for her while traveling or living in Thailand or China during the 1960’s. That was a common thing to do back then.

Thai silk is so distinctive and beautiful.  There’s nothing like the weave and color of these fabrics and they are always smartly designed and carefully constructed by hand.  It is one of two that I have discovered – makes me wonder about the woman involved.

Did she have a secret assignment?  Was she undercover?  Perhaps a great-niece of Mata Hari . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE LATE 50’S, EARLY ’60’S CUSTOM-MADE SILK PARTY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 50'S, EARLY '60'S CUSTOM-MADE SILK PARTY DRESS

This luscious dress is another that Madge can’t wear, because of the side zipper at the waist.  Soon, I want to put it (and several others like it) on Stella!  A hanger doesn’t do it justice, but imagine it as it fits – with a fitted waist and very full circle skirt.

Of 100% silk, with gold accents all over. I believe that it is Asian silk and was probably custom-tailored there for someone from the “West” who was vacationing or living there for a time.

It’s a beautiful dress and I gasped when I discovered it – it also fits me! What a perfect frock for any dress-up party or a really special date.  With the generous hem let down to below-the-knee, it could even go to the Prom!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES SHEATH DRESS WITH BEADED NECKLINE

TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES SHEATH DRESS WITH BEADED NECKLINE

Here’s a mod version of the little black dress – classic knee-length sheath styling in black crepe, with a sassy stand collar in bugle beads.   LOVE this neckline!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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