A very European “walking shoe” that is smart for the city and goes with lots of things. Practical and well-dressed women in the U.S. liked shoes of this sort a lot in the 1930’s, 1940’s and early 1950’s when they were busy at work, or shopping or . . . . . . . . . . Worn with dresses, suits and slacks.
Not sure of the age of these definitely – somewhere between 1970 and 1995. They are, of course, full leather including the soles and superbly constructed. Nothing could be more elegant or classic for sporty day-wear.
Of course, I always love mid-century & war-time styles. Just couldn’t pass these up when I found them, because you rarely encounter this type of quality and that’s always my standard, especially for footwear. I think that they would suit Miss Moneypenny very well, don’t you? . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Just to keep the fare varied, here’s another pair of shoes – but men’s from France. I am not sure how old these are. They are a size 7B, which is a smallish and narrow men’s size. That works for my 8narrowB feet.
The uppers are leather with laces, black or dark navy. They look like an oxford, but have the full wooden sole, made like the wonderful Scandinavian clogs. Undoubtedly, they are hand-made.
I’m not sure if these are true vintage or not – they appear to be, but European shoes and garments have different labeling and so many are hand-done that it is hard to be sure. They are a very traditional French design.
Regardless, I love them. Such quality and style. They were a surprise find and I think they are delightful! Love clogs, anyway – it’s a very early ’70’s thing in the U.S. I wonder if I’ll see more of them when I go to Paris next June . . . . . . . . .. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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There’s a ’30’s – ’40’s flair to these with the high vamp and bow detail, but I don’t know when they were made, for sure. It was a small maker – likely European.
They are so soft – like kid gloves. It’s so true that you can judge someone’s taste and elegance by looking at their shoes, gloves and handbag. And I don’t mean designer labels or logos – I refer to high quality and workmanship . . . . . . . . . . that’s the real clue.
They’d look nice with a lot of things, and unusual – attention-getting. This week I’ll show a 3-piece outfit that they’d look fabulous with, plus some other pieces in the same color family – all true vintage, of course . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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About this time of year, the fashion magazines begin showing the “new” Fall styles and, inevitably, I see clothing and accessories that echo many of the wonderful true vintage items in my closets. These oxfords are officially “vintage” from the Eighties, even though they’re styled after shoes from forty years before that!
Just goes to show that everything that goes around comes around and that is so true with fashion. Of course, some decades do it better than others and having some superbly made originals can be the ultimate best. I’m happy with these, because they’re still made of good leather with Vibram soles, and should continue to last as long as the 1940’s originals would do.
My original 1940’s ones are still my favorite, but they’ll come later. I’ve got a ton of shoes to photograph and you’ll be seeing lots over the next few weeks. These are from the ’80’s and look great with suits, pants, dresses and skirts from the 1940’s, as well as many other outfits. There’s nothing more classic than a good oxford shoe. And, if they;re made well and fit well, nothing more comfortable except bare feet.
Especially if you have a lot of walking ahead, from hideout to hideout . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s a beautiful leather handbag in a classic shape and with the quality of leather. I have collected them whenever possible because of their outstanding value and elegant design.
This one is beige leather inside and out, with a snakeskin quilt overlay. It’s so classic in design and neutral in color that I can carry it any time of year. It has lasted for decades and, with good care, will last decades more.
I always use a leather conditioner on my leather goods once or twice a year and store them in a way that won’t encourage mold or mildew or cause them to be bent out of shape.
Like your shoes, there’s nothing that is more telling about your good taste and willingness to invest in the best than the kind of handbag that you carry.
I’m not big in favor of designer names just for their own sake. I’d much rather have a high quality item that looks elegant than an obviously designer item to show off – many times I think they look cheap no matter how high the price may have been.
Nothing can beat the elegance and obvious chic of a well-selected true vintage handbag . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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