Tag Archives: bead-work

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S LBD THAT SPANS THE DECADES AND THE SIZES. . . . . . . .

Another pretty, pretty black crepe frock from the mid-century, embellished with bugle beads.  Perfect for a cocktail party or a dressy date, etc., etc.,etc.  When I tried it on size 2 Stella, it really had a 1920’s to 1930’s feel to the fit, with a slightly dropped waist and bow at the hip, plus drapey fabric and a slouchy fit on top.

Moving on to size 4 Giselle, the fit is still stunning but a little more trim and very classic.  Grace Kelly would have been gorgeous wearing this in the 1950’s.

Put the dress on size 6 Madge and it gets very sassy, more of a mini-length and much more Mod – this is the size it was designed for – or was it? . . . . . . . . .  The label would suggest so, but –

Isn’t this a good example of how a well-designed, garment that has been well-made of good-quality materials could look equally-beautiful on 3 different-sized women!  It’s a keeper!!  More finds to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BAUBLES, BANGLES & BEADS – TRUE VINTAGE 1930’S, 1940’S,1950’S COSTUME JEWELRY BRACELETS

IMG_0944     These bracelets are so distinctive-looking – so interesting, to pair with any casual or daytime outfit. They’d also go well into the night, with the right ensemble.

I’ve always pounced when I spotted something like this – rare and fabulous! Though they’re often made of pot metal and plastic (or bakelite), cast rather than hand-made,  they are so unusual and will last a long time if you don’t mistreat them.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CAN’T BELIEVE IT!! 1970’S WHITE LEATHER FRINGED MOCCASIN BOOTIES

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This is so bizarre – more true vintage white leather shoes with magnificently clean uppers.  Moccasin booties are especially rare and fun to find.

A BIG fad for women in the 1950’s, they were often brought back from vacation as Southwestern U.S. souvenirs.  People have been fascinated with the American West and the Native American culture for decades.

Just the thing to wear with jeans and they were perfect with Native American-made circle skirts and dresses, which were also very popular among more adventurous white American housewives in the Fifties and Sixties.  These were probably made a decade later, but the style is classic.  Also, with the Thunderbird – my personal totem . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE FINDS! HERE WE GO . .. . . . ..

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TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S FROCK FOR A HOLIDAY GALA IN VELVET & BROCADE

Isn’t this one a pretty thing?  A perfect 10 – vintage size 10, that is.  Of course, it’s got the classic styling of the early Sixties but with a fun touch of beaded fringe at the midriff.  All the required tailoring touches make it a well-made garment – full lining, hanging loops, hooks and eyes and a deep hem, however . . . . . . .

the nicest thing, to me, is the beautiful fabric.  Plush, sumptuous red velvet on top and a lovely brocaded material in the skirt.  I can just imagine Jacqueline Kennedy hosting a Christmas party at the White House 55 years ago, dressed in a style like this.  So glad that someone else loved it enough to keep it preserved in such wonderful condition for this sleuth to uncover today.  The investigation continues – stay tuned .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BEAD NECKLACES THAT WILL GO GREAT RIGHT ABOUT NOW . . . . . . .

IMG_0878     Necklaces like these are not uncommon in thrift stores and lots of copies have been made more recently, BUT these are the real deal from the Fifties, give or take a few years.

In this case, the beads are plastic or composite, glass and metal.  Sometimes you will find natural stone, including crystal.  Sometimes they are nicer pieces, which you can pick out because of the construction, and sometimes very cheap or mid-priced costume.

For me, the deciding factor is always quality and appearance, as well as age.  So-called “statement necklaces” are very popular now in mainstream fashion and these work well that way because they’re showy and draw attention..  Although they were very de rigueur back in the day, they are distinctive and stand out now and add a very definite vintage touch.  These colors can work year-round, but I’d like them best in the Fall.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A SPECIAL 1950’S BEADED BAG

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I have lots of mid-century beaded bags but this one’s a bit older and I especially like the shape of it, soooooo . . . . . . . . . . . .

of course I had to pick it up.  This iridescent beige/gold color is so versatile to go with anything and everything.  So pretty – it makes me think of Grace Kelly.

Perfectly clean inside and with beads intact, what could be better? .. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RARE TRUE VINTAGE GLASS BEAD NECKLACES FROM THE 1920’S

RARE GLASS BEAD NECKLACES FROM THE 1920'S

Staying in the early 20th Century for a brief while, here are two costume bead necklaces from the 1920’s. Longer length, which was popular then, twirling and bouncing down the front of ladies’ Spring frocks.

Although these are certainly not a dime-a-dozen all over the place, fortunately for us they have survived the years better than their clothing counterparts from that day.

Wonderful finds!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S STRAPLESS DRESS WITH BEADED BODICE AND MATCHING JACKET

Here’s the flip-side of sweet – my favorite strapless number from the 1950’s. Rayon with beading and a killer fit.

I love to imagine where this one has or could have been. Smokey nightclubs come to mind. Maybe she was a singer.

It was a dark night in the city. The story you are about to see . . . . . . . ….. . .. . . . . … . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES SHEATH DRESS WITH BEADED NECKLINE

TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES SHEATH DRESS WITH BEADED NECKLINE

Here’s a mod version of the little black dress – classic knee-length sheath styling in black crepe, with a sassy stand collar in bugle beads.   LOVE this neckline!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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FABULOUS RAYON FIND – A TRUE VINTAGE BEADED DRESS FROM THE 1930’S/1940’S

FABULOUS RAYON FIND - A TRUE VINTAGE BEADED DRESS FROM THE 1930'S/1940'S

Was I ever thrilled to run across this beauty! Sleek and slinky, it’s got great film noir presence.  Another dress that Madge can’t wear, but I can’t wait to photograph it on Stella because it would fit her just right!

With a side zipper at the waist and fabulous design, it’s such a neat wartime style.. The color is tricky to photo – a medium mauve, grayish purple. Very unusual and lovely.

The best thing is the bead trim – and especially the trailing streamers that hang from the hip area. You’ll see more of these rare & interesting tailoring features in some future posts.. . . . . .

No, it’s not a dirty camera lens and Yes, there is a flaw on the front, with a funny stain or fade on the left bodice that can’t be remedied. However, it’s just the right place for a pin, a flower or corsage which early mid-century women often wore for a night out.  I think I’d love a piece or two of markasite jewelry with this frock . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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