These shirts are authentic from Hawaii when they were very well-made and always a vacation souvenir. The shirt on the left, especially, is from the 1940’s or ’50’s – made of cotton with a bark cloth print. It’s also got buttons made from, I think, coconut shell.
The shirt on the right is newer – 1950’s to ’70’s. It is also cotton and is from the shop at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. That is (or was) a famous hotel on Waikiki Beach which had their own line of clothing with their label. The buttons are also distinctively theirs.
What’s so great about these shirts? The lovely cottons, the great prints and the “exotic” origin. I don’t have any of the fabulous rayon shirts from the ’40’s that were made there – maybe someday – noting better to wear during a tropical investigation on a hot summer night . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s a beautiful leather handbag in a classic shape and with the quality of leather. I have collected them whenever possible because of their outstanding value and elegant design.
This one is beige leather inside and out, with a snakeskin quilt overlay. It’s so classic in design and neutral in color that I can carry it any time of year. It has lasted for decades and, with good care, will last decades more.
I always use a leather conditioner on my leather goods once or twice a year and store them in a way that won’t encourage mold or mildew or cause them to be bent out of shape.
Like your shoes, there’s nothing that is more telling about your good taste and willingness to invest in the best than the kind of handbag that you carry.
I’m not big in favor of designer names just for their own sake. I’d much rather have a high quality item that looks elegant than an obviously designer item to show off – many times I think they look cheap no matter how high the price may have been.
Nothing can beat the elegance and obvious chic of a well-selected true vintage handbag . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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It’s been so much fun finding all the different styles and prints in this type of frock, which are numerous from that mid-century time. This one has a really nice collar – square over the shoulders and in back. It’s the only one I have with this design – a bit unique.
Sorry that Madge can’t model – she’s just a bit too buxom for some things and side zippers always pose a problem for gals with full figures. When I get home, a new photo on Stella will be on the agenda.
I could live in these during warm weather – there’s nothing easier to wear!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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Remember what I said about gingham a couple of days ago? Well, here it is again, in the simplest, cutest everyday dress from about 1963, give or take. In spite of the simplicity, look at the nice little details on the bodice and neckline. Yes, I would wear a slip with it.
Whenever I want to feel really cool, comfy, cute and lost-in-time I’ll put this one on and just be happy. It’s the right thing to wear to the Dairy Queen (if I ate sugar . . . . ). Small dipped cones are a good 7-year-old’s memory. And, no, I don’t own stock in the company.
Believe it or not, this one has an embroidered tag inside – “Stacy Anne” one of the four sisters”. I’ve never seen it again. Does anybody know that brand?
You could probably find something similar at a store today, but it still wouldn’t be the same. It would never make you get off your track in the middle of a paragraph . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
To change gears a bit today, here’s an example of a beautiful handcrafted item. It’s an evening purse made of black velvet and satin with metallic embroidery all over, front and back.
It was probably made in Hong Kong or Europe and took someone a long time to do by hand. These sorts of items were much more available back in the day. I suppose that you can still get them now, but only overseas or in very specialized shops.
Handiwork of this kind and exquisite workmanship used to be seen in fashion items that middle-income women could afford to buy, at least once in a while. Although it was generally done overseas, many of the major department stores sold it in their better departments. It’s difficult to find now. The hand-crafted items that are sold today generally can’t compare in terms of their quality.
Keep your eyes open for little items like this, hiding here and there. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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