It’s the details and the fit that make these things so wonderful! That’s what I love about true vintage and hand-constructed clothing. Check out these photos from a 1950’s needlework magazine, given to me by a woman who did this every year.
For a woman who had the skills to make these, it must have been so much fun to look through the new knitting magazines. These weren’t runway styles that were out of her reach!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The perfect casual circle skirt for summer! Cotton candy colors, ruffles and beads. Someone made this for fun the the 1950’s or 1960’s. I’ll do it justice next summer!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just found this mid-century custom-tailored frock that is modeled after Marilyn’s famous costume in the 1954 movie The Seven Year Itch. Although it’s a bit too sweet, made of cotton poplin flocked with cotton candy pink and green, the style is close to the original.
Some gal got carried away by that sidewalk scene above the subway grate. It’s always fun to find something that tells a story, like this.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, it’s that time of year again. I don’t know how many of you had mothers or grandmas who made most of your wardrobe, all year long – BUT, it was not at all unusual back in the day. And, aren’t these cute and good-looking! I’ll bet no one else would have had one like it.
These kinds of needlework magazines with patterns were really popular and there used to be little knitting shops around that sold all the necessary supplies. When I was cleaning out some of the OLD family stuff recently, I found a lot of knitting needles of every size and configuration you can imagine. I couldn’t begin to understand how they were used . . . . .
In these old magazines that were given to me, I’ve seen ads for knitting machines, too – something small that you could set up and use at home. Although I can’t imagine devoting the time it would take to make these garments really well, they are SO beautiful that it seems it was well worth it.
I’d love to hear about your own family stories . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Glass beads, rhinestones, crystal, topaz, mother of pearl and silver, Lucite and nickel – these gorgeous pieces span from, I believe, the Twenties to perhaps as late as the early Fifties. It’s worth taking a close-up look.
Many of the chains are of silver. Most of the stones are semi-precious. The lobster claw clasp seen on the second to the left is a replacement for the original. The silver serpentine chain on the topaz pendant is also modern.
The large pink glass bead necklace was handmade in the ’20’s or ’30’s, with a brass chain. The rhinestones and Lucite are set in nickel or pot metal.
So pretty any time of year . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although handcrafted jewelry is still being made by indigenous artists in the U.S. and elsewhere, nothing compares to these older pieces. Those that are truly antique by now are even more wonderful.
I have other, larger things, too, but don’t wear them as often. These pieces are a combination of family heirlooms and some that I have found. The design and heavier weight of older pieces makes them extra-special and the quality of the turquoise is superior, also.
Nothing more classic and unique, any time of the year.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
MID-CENTURY PRIMITIVE ART PRINT BATHING SUIT
Before leaving the Baltic, I couldn’t believe it! (Oh, yes, I could) . . . . A rare find of this mid-century swimsuit in near-perfect condition. It’s got that pretty-but-sporty look that was so popular then, in a classic sleek tank style with a mini-skirt effect right at the hips.
Adjustable button straps. molded bra cups and a back metal zipper. Just perfect for one of those tropical island movies of the 1950’s. And, of course, I carried it away for a mere song. You just never know . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Couldn’t find any record of having shown these to you before, but I’m not sure. If you’ve seen them, have patience. I’ll be getting the most recent treasures photographed very soon.
This is the stash that I found just before leaving for the European adventure – mid-century day-dresses, secretary and pretty styles, plus an early 1960’s Wedding gown!
You just never know . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRADITIONAL IRISH DESIGN ON BRASS
What a pretty little thing! It fits me perfectly, too, which can be a rarity these days. . . . . . must have belonged to a child, or a tiny Irish colleen. Sorry for the glare, but glad that all the original shine is still there.
Enameled jewelry was very popular in the Fifties and is lots of fun to wear. Though I have earrings and one or two necklaces, this is my first enameled bracelet excepting for a few bangles!
Though I planned to show my finds in order of discovery, scheduling hasn’t allowed me to photograph all of them yet, so this is actually one of the final items I found. There’ll be more from Ireland later . . . . .
It is especially nice since it’s also a souvenir of Ireland and my trip. Turned up on a little side trip to the seaside, out of the blue . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
1950’S ROSE-COLORED COSTUME BROOCH WITH SCULPTED SETTING
This unusual pin is heavy with large rhinestones and twisted wire sculptural elements in between the “gems”. Such a gorgeous color!
About 1 1/2″ in diameter, it’s perfect for the lapel of a coat, suit or dress of heavy material. Back in the day, a woman would rarely go out in dressier attire without a brooch and usually owned a collection.
Although I have scads of costume pieces, I’ll never pass up a beautiful example like this one. And, of course, found in a flash for minimal cash . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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