AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS IN THE TRUE VINTAGE WORLD

file0001209214386  ebook cover #1 (1)Two days ago I had the privilege of talking with two of the owners of vintage clothing stores in Melbourne who have been doing business for years there.  Both of these stores were included in my book’s reference section two years ago, but I hadn’t had the opportunity of meeting these women in person until now.

Nicole Jenkins, owner of CIRCA, is a true ‘grande dame’ of the vintage trade and has written several books.  One was awarded a bronze medal by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.  Trained as a costume designer, she really knows her stuff down to the most technical details.  I certainly learned new things during our short visit and her passion for the care and conservation of true vintage fashion items plus her wealth of knowledge earn my respect.  She has lovely items for sale, plus a huge inventory behind the scenes – ranging from 1820’s to the present day.  Well worth a visit.

“Annie” and her husband have operated RetroStar for eleven years and are real veterans among vintage-hunters.  They have a delightful collection of remodeled true vintage and original true vintage, plus a smattering of new merchandise.  Jewelry, accessories and clothing of all types – dresses galore.  I especially enjoyed their relatively new “Forties/Fifties Room” that is filled with gems from those decades, in beautiful condition.  No matter what you’re seeking, there’s sure to be something of interest.  They bring in large numbers of “new” items every month.  Don’t miss it – lots of fun.

So there – what a treat!  Just another of the “perks” of my sleuthing investigations . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

NEW FIND! TRUE VINTAGE ’60’S – ’70’S DRESSY DINNER DATE COCKTAIL SHEATH DRESS

NEW FIND! TRUE VINTAGE '60'S – '70'S DRESSY DINNER DATE COCKTAIL SHEATH DRESS.

NEW FIND! TRUE VINTAGE ’60’S – ’70’S DRESSY DINNER DATE COCKTAIL SHEATH DRESS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAIt’s hard to see in this photograph, but the satin material behind the lace is a beautiful soft rose color.  The skirt is black crepe – the classic dressy fabric that is so perfect for frocks of this type.  It’s a vintage size 8, which fits like a current size 2 to 4.  Perfect condition.

This design is made to look like a two-piece ensemble, though it is a straight sheath style with a zipper up the back.  It hugs the body and even looks good on a hanger, which is lucky when I don’t have Madge or Stella to model it for me!

Made by PACO, which is a relatively upscale label for dressy clothing here in Australia.

Great find!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

A TRUE VINTAGE MYSTERY SUIT FROM AUSTRALIA – FUN FOR THE MAGICVINTAGESPY!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOh, how I wish Madge were here – so that you could see the lines of this two-piece ensemble.  From the padded shoulders in the jacket to the below-the-knee skirt with a flared hem, this is Forties-style and the clues are so interesting!

It appears to be hand-tailored, with vintage buttons and an unusual back zipper. The fabric is an old-time knit, with an atomic pattern printed on.  Forties?  Fifties?  Sixties?

This is a really cute example of Seventies – Eighties Does Forties . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE WESTERN-WEAR HAT

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

Image

To wear at least three seasons of the year, a wool felt classic hat will last for decades and complete almost any sportswear outfit. This men’s cowboy style from the 1970s or before is uni-sex now.

The best quality hats of this type have a leather inside hatband. A liner (often satin) is another sign that it is of high quality. Look for the maker’s name stamped inside and, often, the name of the store where it was sold.

These will turn up in lots of places if you’re savvy about where to look.   You just never know . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

Book:  How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

View original post

YOU’RE SO VAIN: The Oft-Forgotten but Fabulous Accessory – HATS

YOU'RE SO VAIN: The Oft-Forgotten but Fabulous Accessory – HATS.

YOU’RE SO VAIN: The Oft-Forgotten but Fabulous Accessory – HATS

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

The Oft-Forgotten but Fabulous Accessory - HATS

The average woman before 1970 understood the allure and the impact of hats. They used to be a central part of any outfit and occupied a center-stage position in the wardrobe of any woman or man.
A simple but very effective style from the late ’60s or ’70s, this one has a chain and ribbon band and is made of wool felt.   Carley Simon wears a similar one on the jacket of her famous debut album in 1972.

A wide brim is flattering to most faces and the key, as always, is to try it on before you buy and to learn what flatters your particular face and body. A great hat can be the most important thing you wear.

They’re also very effective if you’re wanting to be a bit mysterious or difficult to recognize . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

Book:  How to…

View original post 9 more words

MY FIRST AUSTRALIAN TRUE VINTAGE FIND – GLOMESH PURSE FROM THE 1960’S – 1970’S

MY FIRST AUSTRALIAN TRUE VINTAGE FIND – GLOMESH PURSE FROM THE 1960'S – 1970'S.

ANOTHER “NEW” DISCOVERY! SUNNY TRUE VINTAGE FLOWER POWER FORMAL FROM THE SIXTIES

ANOTHER "NEW" DISCOVERY! SUNNY TRUE VINTAGE FLOWER POWER FORMAL FROM THE SIXTIES.

SUNNY TRUE VINTAGE FLOWER POWER FORMAL FROM THE SIXTIES

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA     This custom-tailored lovely was made for a formal dance sometime in the late sixties.  Polyester georgette on top, with a glossy skirt and covered belt.  As hot as it’s been lately, I could see wearing this to a Homecoming dance!

I really miss having Madge and Stella with me when I travel, but found a pretty successful way to present this one and it’s sisters that I discovered with it. (See yesterday’s post and tomorrow . . . . .)

Pretty and cheerful floral print in Mod era colors – so popular at that time.  Maybe a Prom dress?  Who knows . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM