PERFECT MID-CENTURY ACCESSORY FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER
This beauty is one of my favorites. I really had an OMG experience when I found it because alligator skins had been outlawed in North America for decades. If I did see a purse in a shop that sold vintage it would be very expensive but, I was able to buy this one “for a song”, and with a song in my heart!
It shows it’s age a bit, but is entitled to. I like to think of Mata Hari carrying it while on one of her undercover missions. Lined in leather, the maker’s stamp in gold tells that it was made in Panama. Love the interesting clasp.
True vintage alligator, crocodile, lizard and snake skin purses are good any time of year and with almost any outfit because they are a classic. I always use a good leather conditioning product on my collection at least once a year …
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Two days ago I had the privilege of talking with two of the owners of vintage clothing stores in Melbourne who have been doing business for years there. Both of these stores were included in my book’s reference section two years ago, but I hadn’t had the opportunity of meeting these women in person until now.
Nicole Jenkins, owner of CIRCA, is a true ‘grande dame’ of the vintage trade and has written several books. One was awarded a bronze medal by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Trained as a costume designer, she really knows her stuff down to the most technical details. I certainly learned new things during our short visit and her passion for the care and conservation of true vintage fashion items plus her wealth of knowledge earn my respect. She has lovely items for sale, plus a huge inventory behind the scenes – ranging from 1820’s to the present day. Well worth a visit.
“Annie” and her husband have operated RetroStar for eleven years and are real veterans among vintage-hunters. They have a delightful collection of remodeled true vintage and original true vintage, plus a smattering of new merchandise. Jewelry, accessories and clothing of all types – dresses galore. I especially enjoyed their relatively new “Forties/Fifties Room” that is filled with gems from those decades, in beautiful condition. No matter what you’re seeking, there’s sure to be something of interest. They bring in large numbers of “new” items every month. Don’t miss it – lots of fun.
So there – what a treat! Just another of the “perks” of my sleuthing investigations . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
As many of the hats from the ’40s, this one is pretty dramatic. It sits on the back of the head and is all brim in front, with none in the back. This is one of the decades when hats were super-important – – sometimes the most central part of an outfit. I must admit that some hats from the ’40s are not my favorites, but they were always fun and interesting.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit a street market and found a great 1960’s dress that I’ll show on the blog soon. There were a few other treasures there – notably some beautiful old furs with unusual features. I didn’t need to add them to my collection (and, space is an issue when traveling) but I’m always interested in looking at examples of old pieces.
After that, I was privileged to be guided around downtown Melbourne and noticed several vintage-clothing shops. Didn’t have much time to stop, but I did run in to SHAG – one of the stores which is included in my book’s reference section, but which I had not visited personally since it’s my first trip down under.
So much fun to look at what’s on their racks and to meet the salesperson, Leah, to get an update on the business. They now have a website and on-line store, which will be added to their info in the book (a real advantage of using a digital format, rather than print).
I also discovered, sadly, that Anonymous Posh has closed. Sounds like it had a good run, though!
Such fun to poke around or true vintage fashion down here – it is different in interesting ways, but also the same. . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Although you may say that the copycats made in the last few years look just like these, you would be mistaken. In almost all cases, the quality of the true vintage pieces is superior in some way or another – either materials, workmanship or design. Even these budget-type examples . . .
True vintage has features that are quite unique and tell a different story, both about the person who owned and wore them and about history. It’s fascinating. 
When you find the real thing, you may never want to buy faux “vintage” again.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
To wear at least three seasons of the year, a wool felt classic hat will last for decades and complete almost any sportswear outfit. This men’s cowboy style from the 1970s or before is uni-sex now.
The best quality hats of this type have a leather inside hatband. A liner (often satin) is another sign that it is of high quality. Look for the maker’s name stamped inside and, often, the name of the store where it was sold.
These will turn up in lots of places if you’re savvy about where to look. You just never know . . . .
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Magicvintagespy 