Here are a few items that I ran across by surprise – from the 1940s (or so). All perfect finishes for a wartime or post-war costume. Mary-jane all leather shoes (always a classic), Capezio soft leather dance or casual flats and a couple of simple woven bags from the Depression era or time of wartime rationing – a drawstring and one with a metal zip in the top. It’s fun to find things in such good condition (and at very good prices). You just never know . . . .
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
A pair of, low-heeled classic quasi-spectator-style Mod pumps. Black and white is always “in”, and is always de la mode. Very practical for any Sixties – era outfit. You can also dance the night away in comfort.
This pair is by the famous maker Florsheim, a quality name for decades. Looks great Spring, Summer or Fall. Probably in Winter, too. A classic’s a classic, right?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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The actress Audrey Hepburn, I’ve read, favored cute little low-heeled shoes like these in the 1950’s and 1960’s when she was making many movies in America and Europe. Though this pair are not quite that old, they’re of a style that has been around for decades and were made by a company that used to sell good-quality shoes and purses.
Nothing beats the classics and these are pure – Fall colors, back to school, practical casual fashion and comfort. Fashion items this versatile are a super investment, while looking so unique! Leather uppers with strong synthetic soles, they’ll last forever if they are looked after. Ahh, the beauty of a true vintage quality wardrobe . . . . ..
I wear them with a skirt and sweater, a jumper dress, slacks or even a simple suit. They’re a good choice for a day of shopping or sight-seeing or a long sleuthing assignment . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Another of those boxes in the basement which I hadn’t thought about in a while – finds of the last 10 years stored away. It’s always fun to see what’s inside! Lots of variety from several different decades.
From the top row down, we’ll start with the DUDS, from the viewpoint of a true vintage hunter:
Pairs #1, #2 & #3 – nice to very nice classic styles in leather, 1980s at the earliest to 1990s. Pretty shoes. Ho hum. More retro than vintage, but reminiscent of the 1940’s and 1950’s.
Pair #4 – True vintage late 1950s – early 1960s gold-tone all – leather stiletto pumps. For cocktails and dancing the cha-cha.
Pairs 5 & 6 – True vintage bowling shoes, 1950s – 1970s. The two-tone ones are suede.
Pair #7 – Original true vintage Dr. Scholl’s leather exercise sandals from the very early 1970s. They’ve made them in later years, but they aren’t the same.
Pair #8 – Low-heel leather pumps by Johannson from the mid-’60s.
Pair #9 – Leather pumps from the ’70s. Nothing to lose your wallet over.
Pair #10 – Leather flats from the mid – late 1960s, with price tags still inside.
Well, that was interesting. I remember finding all of these. Probably I will sell them, since I run into the issue that all vintage collectors usually do – storage space! Sometimes you have to (sigh), but as I get better and better at my craft, the non-keepers become fewer and fewer
Don’t forget that one of these pairs might be just what is needed to finish off a Halloween costume soon . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Completely different from yesterday’s cardigan but so much fun! It’s another must-have vintage sweater to wear with cigarette pants. A pretty open-weave Orlon sweater knit with metallic thread design to be worn with a black skirt or slacks at some mid-century party event. It is absolutely amazing that it’s survived for 60 years in almost unworn condition!
Just like the women of the 1940’s onward, I’m grateful for these lovely acrylic yarns that can be washed in a machine (with care) and don’t have to be stored in a moth-proof container. Orlon was a revelation and major time-saving blessing to wartime and post-war ladies who still did most of their housework by hand.
Although we’re so used to acrylic fibers now, these early ones were really special in terms of their quality or, perhaps, it is the garment itself that is made so well that the fabric looks great after more than half a century. I’m sure that I also, again, have to thank the first owner of this elegant top for taking such good care of it.
I’m over the full moon again, and wondering what will turn up next . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Gotta have for summer! Original vintage low-heeled pumps found in the Miami area. From the late Sixties – early Seventies. One pair more casual, one pair a bit dressy.
Both a little bit mod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is one of my favorite true vintage styles in warm weather shoes. The fabric uppers and openness are so breezy, cool and feminine. They are such a cross between dressy and casual that they are very versatile and will look just right almost any time.
I’ve found lots of lovely true vintage shoe styles by Johansen since I’ve been sleuthing and they’re always dependably elegant and well-made. Such a pleasure to find and to wear . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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