This beauty is one of my favorites. I really had an OMG experience when I found it because alligator skins had been outlawed in North America for decades. If I did see a purse in a shop that sold vintage it would be very expensive but, I was able to buy this one “for a song”, and with a song in my heart!
It shows it’s age a bit, but is entitled to. I like to think of Mata Hari carrying it while on one of her undercover missions. Lined in leather, the maker’s stamp in gold tells that it was made in Panama. Love the interesting clasp.
True vintage alligator, crocodile, lizard and snake skin purses are good any time of year and with almost any outfit because they are a classic. I always use a good leather conditioning product on my collection at least once a year . That will help to keep the skins supple and prevent cracking and drying
What a history these older items have! I wonder about all the places that this one had been during it’s life in some fashionable woman’s wardrobe. Did she buy it in Panama or some other tropical locale? What was she doing there (and who was she with)? You just never know . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
If you’ve been watching while I share my closet, you know that some of the items are astounding, some may not appeal to you, some might look better modeled by a person, rather than Madge or Stella (my mannequins – they work very hard), or that some could use a steaming or a press to look their best.
Keep in mind that I have loved true vintage clothing and accessories forever because of their special characteristics, and even the most humble item has some very unique qualities.
In decades past, consumers looked for excellent design, quality materials, fine workmanship, durability and value when they shopped and manufacturers produced goods to these standards. It was more important to have a few lovely, well made and dependable things that felt good to own than a couple dozen mediocre items that were economical but lacked real style and wouldn’t last. Today we seem to have settled for cheaper, flashier, disposable fashion with the result that everyone looks more or less the same (even those who are trying to be different) and few people are truly stylish or elegant.
That is why I have loved to collect and wear true vintage since I was in college and really enjoy sharing my passion. There is no comparison to the quality of materials used, the beautiful designs and superb workmanship in even very simple styles. The humblest garment is a champion of durability and has a certain cache’ that can’t be found elsewhere. Most everything you buy will be one-of-a-kind, at least for all practical purposes. You’re unlikely to see anyone else wearing your outfit and some were truly one-off when they were made.
When I post my photos, I’ll tell you about the lovable features of these pieces and share the magic and excitement of finding and wearing them. When you’re on the hunt for vintage fashion, amazing things are always just around the corner . . . . you just never know!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This one is a beauty – look at that fit! It’s just been washed in the photo, so a steamer press or quick trip to the dry cleaners for a really professional job is in order. Sorry that I can’t post the photo of the back, too. Go to my site at Morgana Martin – Google+ to see it, in the archives.
It’s a lined jacket with covered buttons and lovely detail. There is a welt on the back. Another nipped waist – heaven! It had some fade when I found it, but with my know-how I was able to rehab it easily and inexpensively.
I usually wear this with a swingy print skirt (a pencil skirt or even a dress would work well, too. Depends on what suits your mood and the occasion.)
Didn’t really look like much when I found it, but you just never know . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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