Tag Archives: accessories

TRUE VINTAGE BOLEROS, CAPES, SHRUGS AND SHAWLS FROM McCALL’S

IMG_1480With all the graduation parties going on and the weddings coming up, we’re sure to need little cover-ups like these for the cool nights.  Despite the hot days in some places, it’s still Spring!

Well-dressed ladies in 1956 loved pretty “wraps” to wear over their dressy finery at times when a jacket or coat just wouldn’t do.  What could better than to pick the perfect style, material and color for your own custom-made accessory?

Skilled needle-workers could whip up one of these in no time.  Inspired? . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE FUR ACCESSORIES FROM THE ’30’S, ’40’S, ’50’S & ’60’S

TRUE VINTAGE FUR ACCESSORIES FROM THE '30'S, '40'S, '50'S & '60'S

It’s still not too late to glam it up with fabulous fur accessories, especially during the variable March weather . . . . . . . our mothers and grandmothers had to be prepared to look chic no matter what!

Marlene and Celia have been waiting for another chance to get into the picture.  Here you see them modeling a variety of mink accessories, with the exception of the black muff far left, which I believe is of rabbit fur and has a small zipper compartment and the black hat, which is curly lamb.

Whole skinned animals, with heads, feet and tails (and little glass eyes) were popular as stoles in the 1930’s & 1940’s, maybe the ’20’s, too.  Big “Eeew!” factor for a lot of people now.  I’ve already covered the fur issue so, if you love real furs (and animals) stick to 1960’s and before.

There’s a dark brown mink scarf that closes with a big mink-covered button (very elegant) and a blonde mink “dickie” to wear at the neckline under your coat.

The hats are probably the most visible accessory when you’re first seen – these are super-flattering but also will be warm. So, when you’re forced to take to the sidewalks, just remember —- to be well-dressed at all times is a gift to yourself and everyone who sees you.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PRETTY TIE-ON FAUX FUR COLLAR – A REAL TOUCH OF TRUE VINTAGE ELEGANCE

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Whether over a dress, blouse, sweater or coat collar, this removable “fur” accessory provided lots of glam and a little extra warmth.  Sweet and sophisticated, without the expense and care demands of real fur.

Our mid-century gal found this addition to her wardrobe to be one that she could wear with many outfits and on different occasions, for many years to come.  I’m so glad that she preserved it so well for me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HERE WE GO AGAIN . . . . . . . . . . .

So, I have queued-up my latest group of finds for your viewing over the next 3 days BUT there’s already been another discovery! I’ll get it added to the line-up right away.

The message is: I may be on a roll and can’t predict how it’s going to go. Thanks for sticking with me. Stay tuned and expect more at any time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FOUND YESTERDAY – VINTAGE CROCODILE BELT WITH MEXICAN SILVER

Look what I discovered and picked up for pennies! Although I avoid buying any modern pieces of leather, skins or fur, I’m still captivated by the style and quality of true vintage examples which have endured in the second-hand market.

Made in Mexico, this belt from a bygone era combines the best features of beauty and craftsmanship. (And, it’s my size!)

Someone enjoyed this lovely accessory for years and perhaps was reminded of a great trip south of the border. I’ll carry on the fantasy while I nip the waists of pants, skirts and jackets. Ole’!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MOD, OP – ART 1960’S BOX BAG

Really interesting shapes, depending on how you look at it. Big enough inside to hold a sheaf of 8 1/2″ by 11″ pages, too! No maker’s name inside, but who cares?

It’s well-made, also, as I would expect from that mid-century time. The body is woven of some type of fiber or reed. Tubular handles are gold-tone and the clasp and anchors on the bottom (which I haven’t photographed) are black leather. It has little feet, too.

This is the “youngest” of my recent discoveries, but there are two more. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HOMEMADE LATE 1960’S PRETTY MOD CARPET SHOULDER BAG

Simplest of simple fold-over style with nothing fancy inside, though it does have a full black lining. I’m going to really enjoy this one – SO of the period (1967 – 1970) and in a plush and colorful fabric.

This purse was a great finale to my sleuthing expedition. I wonder what’s next? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A CACHE OF TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE FINDS: TREASURE WORTH SAFE-KEEPING

I came across a whole bunch of classic nylon sleepwear pieces that are ALWAYS worth adding to your collection – even if you already have several.  My rationale? :

1. if you’ve never slept in mid-century nylon pj’s or gowns (just about 1950’s to very early 1970’s), you don’t know what you’re missing!  There is nothing (including silk) that is more comfortable as well as practical in bed and for lounging.  They add warmth and are also cool, plus luxuriously smooth and soft.  The fit is forgiving.  2.  well-made and classically stylish, you won’t find anything equal in modern garments.  3.  often you may find single pieces – these are great for matching later, with an identical or similar mate, or as an accessory, such as the black sleeveless cape pictured above.  I plan to wear it over a black nightgown.

Not to forget, photo 3 is of a satin storage bag I discovered.  These have been staple pieces in women’s undie drawers and storage chests for decades.  Not sure if they are still being made to the same standard, but this one is great.  Pretty peachy pink and brown in the classic style with inner pocket and fold-over styling, plus ribbon closure ties.  Nothing is better for keeping hosiery and delicate garments safe from snags and dust.  Grab these, too, whenever you see one.  A girl can never have too many . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

PRETTY MID-CENTURY LINGERIE FINDS

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I know, I know, I know.  I’ve collected a ton of vintage slips, etc., but these are beautiful and to some degree unusual.  The full slips are really old ones (early 1950’s or before) and are delicious to wear under dresses but they both are opaque enough and styled right to be worn as little dresses themselves.  As long as your bra and panties are correct for the look, they can be flirty sundresses or club-wear.

I NEVER get tired of these . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MOD 1960’S NYLON HALF-SLIP

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I’ve got lots of beautiful vintage lingerie, so I’m not in the habit of picking up lots of slips now – BUT – I don’t have a single one with this wonderful mid-Sixties Mod print!  Didn’t take me long to grab this one.

It’s in beautiful condition, so I’ll enjoy wearing it for decades – maybe as a skirt next summer.  The label is so worn from washing that the brand name is no longer legible but I can see that it is “100% Nylon”.  Seems like that was kind of a big deal at one time.

Such fun, and a new thing for me!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM