Tag Archives: accessories

MID-CENTURY WOMEN HAD FUN MAKING DECORATED SWEATERS & COLLARS

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This was a really big thing in the Forties, Fifties and early Sixties. Hand-decorated clothing, decor and gifts were things that most women did at one time or another. It was more than just a hobby.

During the 1940’s, when so much was rationed and unavailable to buy, it is how women made up for the things they couldn’t get any other way. This was probably true in the Thirties, too, during the Depression.

In the 1950’s, during those Happy Days, it became part of leisure time activity and another expression of women’s love of pretty things and an abundant lifestyle.

These magazines that were given to me really highlight how the handicraft trade was marketed to women aggressively – it was part of women’s role and almost a duty as a homemaker. Take a close look . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE BLUES – MORE TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S DRESSES AND COORDINATING SHOES

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Two shades of blue – cornflower and sea blue – with shoes that go along, all from the same era. I’m stuck in the Sixties right now, and loving it!

Again, fitted sheath styles but with the extras that make them unique. Madge wears an embroidered frock with a sheer layer over an opaque liner. Stella is rocking a sleek number with matching tie belt – perfect elegant simplicity in beautiful shantung.

The slingback sandals in cornflower and white are European-made – often the best quality imaginable! The multi-color pumps are appliqued with flowers all over. Both are 100% leather.

I love, love, love finding true vintage clothing and accessories that perfectly complement each other. Like putting together more and more puzzle pieces . . . .
Such Fun!!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S BRACELETS TO ACCENT YOUR BLACK & WHITE ENSEMBLES

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Favorite jewelry pieces that are very Fifties, in copper & brass, pot metal and engraved silver. The large copper bracelet, which I cleaned up and photographed again, is commemorative of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1952 or ’53.

The pot metal bracelet and the sculpted one are not fine, but are great accents. The wide bangle bracelet has stretch built into it’s construction, but not with elastic or anything like we see today. It is all done with hinges and is completely mechanical. So cool!

Finer jewelry – bracelets and watches – always had little guard chains to prevent loss in case the catch opened. These silver ones are very delicate and pretty, with engraved designs. I just love finding items like these!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FASHIONABLE FOOTWEAR FROM FIFTIES FLORIDA – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S

IMG_0854 More “black & white”. From the fab Fifties, these heels with clear vinyl on the uppers are iconic 1950’s and iconic Miami Beach. Well-constructed in leather, of course.

Notice the maker’s name on one shoe and the name of the store that sold them on the other.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WANT TO DRESS-UP THAT LITTLE BLACK & WHITE? TRUE VINTAGE JET AND PEARLS

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Faceted jet beads, seed pearls and rhinestones. Dress up that little day-dress or LBD with true vintage accessories.

Two-strand short necklace has a lovely clasp. Earrings are clip-on. I always keep my eyes open for true vintage jewelry. The new stuff just doesn’t compare. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE. MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY OFF-WHITE SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS – AND A SHOE SUGGESTION

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A very pretty frock from the late 1950’s – early 1960’s.  I found this several years ago at an out-of-the-way sale.

Basically, it is a sheath with added tailoring details.  Metal zipper up the back and an attached bolero jacket, with big buttons in back.  The cummerbund waistband closes in back with hooks and eyes.

Very, very refined and elegant.  The mid-heel leather pumps are of the same era and make a perfect complement.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE. MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BACK TO THE EARLY SIXTIES – TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S SWIM TRUNKS

BACK TO THE EARLY SIXTIES - TRUE VINTAGE MEN'S SWIM TRUNKS

Gearing up for summer with a pair of true vintage men’s swim briefs.  I think this is a really flattering length – not too short nor too long.

Simple construction with a button at the waist.  These were  a hand-me-down from a family member and I’m so glad to have them in my collection!

Just think of all those vintage beach photos with surfboards and old movies and TV shows – didn’t the guys look so much more hot?

  • I’ve just discovered a women’s suit of the same era in Sweden!  So much to catch you up on, but the sightseeing demands and dodginess of Internet may delay the communique’s in full at least until I’m back at temporary Headquarters.  However,  I’ll do my best to keep you informed from the field.  Stay tuned  . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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

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WOVEN SUMMER – WEIGHT VERSION OF THE CLASSIC COWBOY HAT – MADE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA BY SMITHBILT

WOVEN SUMMER - WEIGHT VERSION OF THE CLASSIC COWBOY HAT - MADE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA BY SMITHBILT

Just as classic as the wool felt version, this beautiful Smithbilt hat is also of the highest quality.   Not sure when it was made – these enduring styles and handmade constructions are almost ageless.

Contrasting two-tone woven-in design & leather bands inside and out.  The weaving is tight and even.   This hat will also last forever (almost) if it’s taken care of.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S STILETTO PUMPS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1950'S - EARLY 1960'S STILETTO PUMPS

Here’s a pair of shoes that I might wear with the dresses I’ve shown recently.  These needle-toe patent leather pumps are characteristic of late ’50’s to early ’60’s styles. The placement and shape of the heel is also characteristic.

I love the little cut-outs on the vamp.  Many shoes of that era had great details.

One of the things I like best are the company names stamped on the insoles.  The script is usually so interesting.  Although these are cracked inside, the outers are in great shape.

I’ve had new heel caps put on, but otherwise they will last for decades more.  The color is funky but fun, too!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGSPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’s & ’60’s MEN’S NECKTIES

TRUE VINTAGE 1950s & '60s MEN'S NECKTIES

Here’s a collection of neckties that span from the early ’50’s to the late ’60’s.  Brand names include Wembley and others (which I’ve forgotten at the moment).  Some are of silk, some of rayon blend and some of polyester.

Although the widths vary a lot from decade to decade, I don’t think that I would let that keep me from wearing the one I wanted to if I were a man.  They can all look sharp and interesting or fun.

It’s not difficult to find these now.  Once in a while I check for them.  They even make nice belts for women’s clothing sometimes, and women did wear them as ties, too, in 1967 when the British Carnaby Street fashions were really in.  You can wear a skinny one for an Annie Hall look, or whatever.

When it comes to wearing vintage fashion, anything goes . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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