JUST FOUND – A COUPLE MORE PRETTY CLASSIC VINTAGE HANDBAGS

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All right – I know that a lot of you, my followers, are not too excited about some of these accessories, but I love them!  Aside from being practical, they can really “make” an outfit that would otherwise be kind of blase’.

The black ’40’s – ’50’s evening handbag is so similar to other I have, yet distinctive.  It’s got a lovely and high-quality metal frame that puts many to shame.  Matte rayon on the outside and black satin inside.  Clean and elegant.

The ’60’s purse on right is very plain inside with no brand-name label and was probably sold at a shoe store or department store.  The cover is fabric but the construction is nothing special in terms of the quality.  However, it’s very clean and pretty.  With just the right dress, skirt & blouse or suit, it would really be an eye-catcher!

So, more fun fashion dreams and, of course, always in reverse-time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER DISCOVERY! 1950’S – 1960’S MEN’S CATALINA SHIRT-JAC

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This one is an interesting find.  Might have been part of a work uniform back in the day, but it’s a shirt made like a jacket with hip pockets and that funky stripe.  Today it would be fun as a sports shirt with jeans.  The maker was Catalina – that iconic California maker of sportswear, so who knows . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’m sure that it was intended to be a man’s top when it was made, but today it’s very unisex.  To me, it’s got a Grease vibe.  Could also go over a tank top or muscle shirt.  If it were smaller, I’d keep it myself if not for the orange color.  No can do.

So, this was for fun and will go into the archives for the time being.  That’s OK.  It’s the hunt and the quest that are the real reward!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A REALLY CUTE TRUE VINTAGE MINI-DRESS FROM THE LATE 1960’S

A REALLY CUTE TRUE VINTAGE MINI-DRESS FROM THE LATE 1960'S

Despite the chilly temperatures, I’m going to start showing Summer things anyway (so, there!)  Came across this one by surprise.  Ribbed poly knit with a front zip, belt loops and contrasting inverted pleats. Cute, cute, cute!

At first glance it looked like it could be modern, BUT . . . . . . . . . sometimes the clues are hidden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE LATE ’60’S CLASSIC SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS – POLY AND PLEATS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE '60'S CLASSIC SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS - POLY AND PLEATS

Classic styling in the fave material of the late ’60’s and early ’70’s.  Poly synthetic that holds color and pleats so well (like forever).  Often called a “secretary dress” today, it’s a conservative style that goes everywhere in a normal day.  Sadly, as you can probably see, by the late 1960’s the quality is beginning to slide – but, it looks much better on a model and has some interesting vintage features making it a worthwhile buy.

I’d put a black belt on to wear and that will give it a really nice shape, as the skirt is fairly full and flippy.  Buxom Madge would put the Va-Voom in this style, but I haven’t taken a new picture with her yet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WHAT TO WEAR UNDER MY 1960’S MINI – SKIRTS, CULOTTES & BLOUSEY HIPPIE PANTS?

WHAT TO WEAR UNDER MY 1960'S MINI - SKIRTS, CULOTTES & BLOUSEY HIPPIE PANTS?

How about some pretty lingerie that makes the decision easy! No more concerns about indiscreet gaps or getting your undies in a twist . .. ….. . . ..

Back in the day when every type of clothing came in well-made and lovely versions that weren’t expensive, women had options like these to wear under those trendy and faddish styles that might not be in fashion next year.  I was so glad to find that pair which I showed a few days ago that was just – a – little – bit – longer . . . . . . . . . .

Even though culottes and hot-pants went by the way-side pretty quickly, there’s still a definite place for lingerie pieces like these in my wardrobe and sometimes they are SO practical! And, the heavy, silky nylon and beautiful decoration are always a pleasure . .. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST UNEARTHED THESE -TRUE VINTAGE FABRIC HANDBAGS

IMG_3291Unusual and cute – worth collecting.  It’s great to find bags this old that have survived in such wonderful condition!  The hardware is really shiny and bright but, of course, reflects shadows.  The purse on left was handmade with a needlepoint cover, mounted on purchased hardware.  Up through the 1960’s, many women made purses this way because the kits were easy to buy and a perfect way to make a bag that exactly matches an outfit – especially when so many women were home-sewing their wardrobes.  I’ve seen them in all styles, including late mid-century macrame’.

The handbag on right is a commercially-made style by the CARA brand-name.  Pretty standard on the inside with a satiny rayon liner and zipper compartment – beyond the excellent condition, the deciding factor for me was the hardware design.  Isn’t that a lovely infinity coil along the top?

Still good for many years of service, and wonderful along with just the right outfit.  I’ll have fun with these – can never have too much of that . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WHILE WE’RE INTO UNDERWEAR – JUST FOUND: PERFECT SPECIAL-DUTY MID-CENTURY LINGERIE!

I have never had a long-line bra, and lusted after the perfect one for years.  It’s one of those things that has to fit just right or it’s a mess.  Well, not only is this one in my size, but it does just that (fit perfectly)!  Now I’ll be free to debauche in God-only-knows what shameless costumes.

No, probably not.  But, a strapless dress or that plunging neckline . . . . . .YES!!  and, feeling like a ’50’s vixen all the while.

Next, the slip that is not a slip.  It is a “skirt liner” that’s worn like a slip, but is tailored like a skirt with a back zipper and kick pleat and is made of more substantial fabric. Great example of another garment that will come in handy under just the right skirt-cumstances.  Forgive me.

Finally, a peachy split slip to be worn under gaucho pants or any kind of split skirt.  I have a long pair of slacks liners, but sometimes they just won’t do.  So, there!  In one fell swoop, I discovered these ’50’s to ’70’s pieces that will sometimes be indispensable and just right with clothing from those decades.  It pays.  You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S SUMMER SLIPS IN LEMON & TANGERINE

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S SUMMER SLIPS IN LEMON & TANGERINE

Pretty citrus – color lingerie in luscious ’50’s nylon, with exquisite decoration.  Rare colors!  Believe it or not, I just found a similar one in pale yellow the other day . . . . . . . . . .

The temperatures keep going up and down, but how can we doubt that Summer is coming if we wear these?

As always, luscious fabric and gorgeous trimmings.  The seaming on the bodices is unusual on the two yellow examples and probably deserves a Special Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A TRUE VINTAGE LBD FROM THE SIXTIES – THIS ONE DEFINITELY FOR DANCING!

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE LBD FROM THE SIXTIES - THIS ONE DEFINITELY FOR DANCING!

If you’ve ever seen a good dancer wearing one of these, you’ll know what I mean. The fringe around the hem just doesn’t know when to quit!

Some dresses have fringe all over, and that’s just WILD. But, a fringe at the bottom lets you remain demure and sophisticated (why is everyone staring at me?) while your dress gets all the attention.

This one is a sexy black crepe sheath, with a fitted waist. Stay VERY cool, and it could be a great costume for hiding in plain sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

DISCOVERY! SUMMER WHITE MID-CENTURY HANDBAGS

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Beaded and beautiful – one even had a pretty hankie tucked inside!  (also found some old pennies)  Vintage 1950’s – 1960’s, made in Hong Kong (of course!), made in U.S.A., too.  All so clean and well-loved.

The beading is hand-done.  The 1930’s – style on the bottom right has the brand name stamped onto the satin lining.  The purse made in Hong Kong (bottom left) has, naturally, a silk lining.  The larger handbag on top has fun plastic beads crocheted into raffia and Lucite trim.  Big enough to hold all your daily needs.

I’m always so impressed by how well mid-century women cared for their clothing and accessories.  Yes, it was sometimes an issue of economy – if you can only afford to have one “good” dress, preserving it becomes very important.  However, way beyond that was a personal value placed on items of quality that were lovely to look at and wear and the wish to treat them with respect.  I try to fill my closets with garments and their complements that inspire the same sentiment.

So, no careless coffee spills, scattered crumbs or dogs in my lap with these . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM