I just HAD to have these when I found them! It’s interesting how they look so much like the fashion that became really popular in the early 1980’s “New Wave” era. The Fifties did some really fun, dramatic styling when they were coming out of their conservative period – think about fins on cars that were made then.
These pumps escape looking trashy by the fact that they are quality footwear, well-made of leather and not over-the-top in terms of the design. Their elegance makes them wearable with almost any type of outfit. In my opinion, that’s the way to make dramatic looks really effective, rather than just faddish or cheap and easy to forget (along with the person wearing them!) Vintage-era designers knew this.
A follower asked me yesterday how I date clothing, etc. and it’s not an easy thing to answer in a few words. Mostly, I just “know”. There are lots of little bits and pieces of information and know-how, like with any type of experience. The evidence is out there . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Another of my favorites. It took me a little while to fall in love with this one, but I did. Some of the buttons and the belt needed replacing, but fortunately I had in my collection some fun copper-colored ones that matched! They spark up the overall gray color of the fabric and add interest.
Actually, the fabric isn’t gray. It’s maybe the tiniest black & white check known to mankind. Had to get out my magnifying glass to examine the fabric closely. The weave is very interesting and looks like a cross between a stripe and a hounds-tooth check, in a beautiful rayon (?) with a wonderful drape – So luscious that it makes me wish I were a fabric expert to understand it better. In warm lighting, it gives a kind of nut-brown effect that seems just right for going into Fall.
Looks like the frock was made by a dressmaker, rather than commercially. As usual, there’s a metal zipper at the waist, extended shoulders with pads and those cute hip pockets that are very ’40’s. This frock deserved a second photo on the stunning Stella . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here are a collection of my blouses in slightly heavier fabrics that will go 3 – 4 seasons. Perfect as the weather starts to get cooler. They are all from the 1940’s and 1950’s.
#1 is a striped beauty from Mode ‘0 Day. I love the collar on this, especially, and the interesting red and grey stripe.
#2 is rayon with a fun print, from the ’40’s. I love these funny old fabrics and designs.
#3 is a Bobbie Brooks gingham, probably from the ’40’s, also. It has little decorative pockets on the front.
#4 is a cotton lovely classic, ending just at the waist. A 1940’s or early 1950’s style. Interesting possibilities to wear this one with skirts, slacks or shorts.
It’s such fun to find a separate like these. I never pass them up – so intriguing . . . . . . ….
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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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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I just love this jacket! Look at the details – the red lining, black velveteen collar, bracelet – length sleeves, shoulder pads, big black buttons and – surprise! – the body is a check of white and true navy blue!
It looks so good with a solid true navy or black skirt or slacks, or over a plain dress. Just stylish with good lines, fit and overall quality – like the best! A perfect 3-season garment.
Sleuthing tip: Be careful about Leslie Fay garments when searching for true vintage, because the company is still in business (as are some others from that era) and the item you’re looking at might have been made this year!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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