Wool felt with leather interior and exterior hatbands – it’s a quality item that was sold by a western-wear dealer in Denver, Colorado. This one could be several decades old or just a couple – that’s how durable and stylish true vintage apparel is!
When it’s taken care of, it lasts and lasts and never goes out of fashion.
What could be better than that? Tomorrow we’ll see . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
Unusual 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
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
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
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
Imagine yourself in this, over a gorgeous green dress, on your way to a swanky cocktail party or the church dance. This beauty is by Lilli Rubin, in emerald rayon blend, lined in turquoise blue! The collar, neckline bow and elbow-length sleeves are hallmark features of that era, as well as the color. The fabric is a jacquard with flowers embroidered all over.
What a great surprise it was to find this!! It starts up all kinds of fantasies about elegant dinners, evenings at the theater . . . . . you just never know . . . .
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
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Conjures thoughts of Spring, in spite of the winter storms – this, too, shall pass . . . . . . . ..
Spring IS just around the corner. Especially once we get past March, it’s the time that Spring and Summer fashion traditionally is brought out in force and warm weather clothing appears on the store racks. The way the weather has been changing, it can be different tomorrow!
Before the weather does get hot, beautiful lingerie is a must under Spring clothing when the colors get lighter and the fabrics do, too. Nothing modern compares well to the heavy nylon and artistic, high-quality decoration of slips made before the early 1960’s.
So, whether you’re into pastel dresses or not, wearing one of these can make you think of sunny skies and keep a secret smile in your heart. . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Very basic, faux suede – which leads me to think that they might have been made during wartime. Perhaps they were just an economical brand of everyday shoe. 2″ Cuban heels – couldn’t be more practical – just right for Lucy or Ethel in the day of an average 1950’s housewife, or classic rockabilly style.
Love these old standard brand names – “Vitality Shoes”. Certainly put a spring in my step when I found them! . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
True vintage late 1960’s 100% leather hand-made stiletto heels. What shoes should be!!! Black patent leather with fabric bow decoration.
These were originally sold at a well-known mid-western department store. They were made to last, and they have. Small metal taps at the toes to prevent wear. The soles have not been repaired, but they can be forever as needed. That’s the beauty of these beautiful vintage items.
More on the way – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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