ANOTHER 1940’S HAT FIND – THIS ONE WITH THE BOX!

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I’m always tickled to have the original box for any of my hats!  In this case, I don’t know the brand of the hat (if there was one) but I know WHERE it came from.  The department store Famous-Barr in St. Louis, MO was a division of the Macy’s chain for decades and finally closed in 2013.  It had evolved in the early 20th century from two other store members of the Federated Department Stores organization and opened in 1914.  The old department stores were such fun and so exciting for women, where they could receive very personal and professional service – now we just see glimpses of them in classic movies.  Modern malls and superstores can’t compare.

Anyway, this “pretty” with a black velvet crown, bow decoration and a lacy woven ribbon brim is elegant without the weight of heavier styles that might dominate during the colder months.  This one lets you carry the season-less drama of black into Summer and early Fall.  Works for me . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE ’40’S & ’50’S STRAW HATS IN FALL PASTELS

TRUE VINTAGE '40'S & '50'S STRAW HATS IN FALL PASTELS

Something different for today. This group of hats are similar in that they are most all of straw (the bucket hat is made of mesh) and in colors that can be worn into the fall – no pinks or pastel blues.

I love hat labels. The one with the navy band has one that says “coast to coast LINDA JANE Exclusive”. The bucket hat has a Union label inside. Tells a little about their history and who may have worn them (and where).

As accessories go, I’d say that hats may have the edge in terms of adding the most panache and/or mystery to any ensemble. Up until the early ’60s, when they sort of died out after Jackie Kennedy’s pillbox was done, a hat was SUCH an important item in the wardrobe and most women didn’t go anywhere of significance without one. (including the grocery store and the movies)

So now, they inspire fantasies of dress-up. I can get into that . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE EARLY ’60S STILLETTOS FOR THE VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE EARLY '60S STILLETTOS FOR THE vALENTINE'S PARTY

Since we’re doing accessories this Valentine’s Day, there are such a sweet collection of things to wear to a holiday party in my closet! These pink patent stilettos are some of my favorites.

From the Mad Men – Kennedy era, these pumps are beautiful 100% leather from top to bottom. No wonder they’ve lasted 50 years, and can go a lot longer. It’s hard (impossible?) to find modern shoes of this quality, so I always prefer my true vintage ones. They’re usually more comfortable, too.

I’ve got lots of lovely vintage shoes because I’m always finding them. You just never know . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TWO FABULOUS LADIES’ HATS FOR WINTER – 1950’S TO 1960’S

TWO FABULOUS  LADIES' HATS FOR WINTER - 1950'S TO 1960'S

Marlene and Celia are so happy to be in the spotlight again, modeling these beautiful toppers. They are made of wool, so appropriate for cold weather.

For those of you who can remember back a few posts or are willing to go back and search, these two are perfect with a couple of ensembles shown before, even though they were found separately: Remember the French blue jacket with purple cuffs and collar, shown over a purple wool sheath? This hat is perfect! It also comes from France!! (Can’t you tell? . . . . . . . . .. ) Remember the blue/brown/white wool suit with suede trim from New York City? Perfect match on Celia.

That’s one of the things that is SO MUCH FUN about being a vintage fashion sleuth – the serendipitous finds are just amazing!

I still can’t get over these gorgeous hats – so flattering and, also, practical on a cold day in the city. I especially like these because they are easy to wear – no elaborate pinning necessary as with certain other styles.

Keep your eyes open – you just never know . .. . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

2 CLASSIC HATS, PROBABLY FROM THE 1960’S

2 CLASSIC HATS, PROBABLY FROM THE 1960'S

Classic warm hats for winter or winter/fall – true vintage fox fur a la’ Dr. Zivago and and a ’20’s-style wool felt cloche. It’s hard to date them exactly, but from the construction and labels I would say they were made in the 1960’s.

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

2 GREAT TRUE VINTAGE FASHION – STATEMENT HATS FROM THE 1960’S

2 GREAT TRUE VINTAGE FASHION - STATEMENT HATS FROM THE 1960'S

These are wonderful hats. Marlene, on the left, is wearing a lovely velour brimmed model with a wooden buckle decoration. It is, I believe, from Montreal.

Celia, on right, sports a velveteen style which Courreges made popular (I think he was the first one) in the mid – late 1960’s. It’s styled after the caps that Bobbies wear/wore in Britain and came from Peck & Peck in New York.

Think, also, Mary Quant and Twiggy for Celia’s hat. Very Mod. It was followed shortly (I think that’s the order they came in) by the Carnaby Street look – brimmed caps, neckties, hip-huggers, paisley patterns.

Lots of fun fashion finds from the Sixties . . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

A COLLECTION OF SMALL, VERY PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE HATS WITH VEILS AND DECORATION

A COLLECTION OF SMALL, VERY PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE HATS WITH VEILS AND DECORATION

This little group are from the 1950’s and 1940’s, in small styles that complement your clothing in a very striking way but don’t overpower. I love the small details! Little bits of feathers . . ….. .. . ..  Sorry that the color isn’t the best in the photograph.  They are black, mocha and dark brown.

Veils are always attractive and flirty. The beret styles have cute, eye-catching elements. The two together, black and white on the top right, are simple but very interesting because of this.

I’ll put one on when I want to add something special. They always get noticed.  Therefore, not during an investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

ELEGANT AND SOPHISTICATED LADIES’ TRUE VINTAGE HATS

ELEGANT AND SOPHISTICATED LADIES' TRUE VINTAGE HATS

No matter what the dressy occasion, day or night, these hats would be absolutely beautiful. I love veils – nothing more dramatic and mysterious . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

VELVET, FEATHERS & MINK – 1950’S LUXE PILLBOX HATS

VELVET, FEATHERS & MINK - 1950'S LUXE PILLBOX HATS

2 luxurious and sophisticated pillbox hats for city days and nights. . . . . . . . . . .. I love feather hats and will be showing several more. Like a small veil, a pillbox is subtle and elegant with major impact and impeccable taste.

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

TRUE VINTAGE BLACK FELT BRIMMED LADIES’ HATS

TRUE VINTAGE BLACK FELT BRIMMED LADIES' HATS

Black felt hats are a staple in anyone’s vintage or modern wardrobe. Notice the unusual shapes and trim that distinguishes these from today’s styles. You’ll also notice a difference in the quality of the felt.  These examples, I believe, are from the 1940’s – probably my favorite era.

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com