Tag Archives: buying

ARTISTIC MID-CENTURY BROOCH FROM HELSINKI, FINLAND

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1950’S ROSE-COLORED COSTUME BROOCH WITH SCULPTED SETTING

This unusual pin is heavy with large rhinestones and twisted wire sculptural elements in between the “gems”.  Such a gorgeous color!

About 1 1/2″ in diameter, it’s perfect for the lapel of a coat, suit or dress of heavy material. Back in the day, a woman would rarely go out in dressier attire without a brooch and usually owned a collection.

Although I have scads of costume pieces, I’ll never pass up a beautiful example like this one.  And, of course, found in a flash for minimal cash . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MY FIRST EUROPEAN FIND – BEAUTIFUL MID-CENTURY COSTUME JEWELRY

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BEAUTIFUL TOPAZ(?) LAVALIER AND FILIGREE RHINESTONE BRACELET

These are the two items which I found in England, during our first week. The necklace is from the 1950’s or before, and the bracelet 1960’s.  Use a detail examination of the metalwork – it’s gorgeous.  Yes, they show some wear, but that’s often a plus and no problem on a bargain like this.

It’s possible that the stone in the necklace is a real topaz – I’ll need to have that checked. The bracelet is unquestionably totally faux, but very pretty and has a safety chain.  That’s a feature I LOVE on bracelets and is almost impossible to find on any modern piece.  Such a sensible and elegant-looking addition . . . . .

Although these pieces are not a set, I will wear them together and was so happy to find a pair that coordinate so nicely.  The elegant jewelry finds continue tomorrow, in a new country . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SCORE! SLEUTHING SUCCESS

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-1111121111111 Found two stores in Dublin today.  The first, run by a long-time vintage clothing expert, stocks beautiful true vintage from mid-century and before.  Men’s and women’s!  BETTY BOJANGLES.

The second discovery, right next door, sells excellent quality by the kilo.  I was able to find blouses and shoes while still meeting my standard for fabulous frugality.  THE VINTAGE FACTORY.

The perfect treasure-hunt .  .  .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

 

VINTAGE IN DUBLIN

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-1111121111111 Back to Western Europe and finding many vintage clothing shops here – concentrated in the Temple Bar area.  This won’t be any surprise to Dubliners, but worth a trek to anyone visiting the city.

I scoped out stores that are already listed in the reference section of my book, and was told about more which tend to hide from the mainstream.  A real gem is Jenny Vander, with a 40 – year history and full of beautiful true vintage from mid – century and before.  HUGE collection of costume jewelry!

Most  places stock  little older than the ’70’s or ’80’s, but the hidden gem might be discovered.  Prices are reasonable, but not a real bargain.  For a seasoned investigator, however .  .  .  .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

MILLINERY SHOPS IN POLAND!

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-111112111111Although the vintage clothing shops are few and far between in this country, I have seen some wonderful services in the larger cities.  Millinery shops!

Just imagine – it would not be difficult to have hats custom-made on a regular basis, and prices are very good here.  That would have been such a dream of luxury for our grandmothers.

Also, I’ve seen clothing shops where they advertise the lost art of bra-fittings.  Back in the day, department stores and clothing stores had clerks who knew how to do this correctly.  Like proper shoe fittings, it was an expected service.  Good luck finding it now!

Off to Dublin , where  I’ll have some very busy sleuthing to do.  Stay tuned .  .  .

 

MORGANA MARTIN,  THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

 

SLEUTHING NOTES ALERT

Y file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-111112111111 Hiding in another “you’ll never find me” spot, a good – looking vintage shop turned up!  Best I’ve seen here, so far.

If you get to Warsaw, Poland, head to the Old Town district (great, anyway, if you want to sight-see) and find the nearby University of Warsaw campus.  Find the library and be sure to tour it (see the roof – incredible!) and then take the spiral stair downstairs  from the first floor area where you come off the street.  At the bottom, you’ll see The Original Vintage Store (sign in English).

Alas, it was closed since school is not in session but normal hours are 11 – 6  M – F and 11 – 5 on Sat.  There was also a contact phone #.  So, very good – if you’re there it’s easy.

That’s it for today.  You just never know .  .  .  .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

MEDIEVAL POLAND IS FABULOUS

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-111112111111 Knights and castles, crumbling but beautiful cathedrals abound.  Poland is modern, too.  The tourist industry is certainly alive and well, so you can enjoy the antiquity and vintage ambiance as well as comfort and convenience.  Right now I’m staying in an old farming estate, last rebuilt in 1922 and now refurbished as a quiet, beautiful and elegant retreat with its own lake.

Yes, evidence of the past is everywhere and I have seen several “secondhand” shops, but the focus seems to be on 1990’s – present day fashion (and maybe not too much 1990’s, either).  I found one place that sold a little bit of true vintage but my impression is that it’s hard even for the vendors to find.  Given the history of this region in the 20th century, that is not surprising and I’ve learned that beautiful examples of clothing from WWII and before do exist here, but mostly in museum collections.

I welcome comments from anyone who knows more about this country and am sure that, hidden away, many treasures exist.  I’ve been too busy looking at architecture to locate them and, as always, you just never know.

Prospects. (and Internet) should improve by the time I arrive in Ireland so,  stay tuned .  .  .  .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MID-CENTURY WOMEN HAD FUN MAKING DECORATED SWEATERS & COLLARS

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This was a really big thing in the Forties, Fifties and early Sixties. Hand-decorated clothing, decor and gifts were things that most women did at one time or another. It was more than just a hobby.

During the 1940’s, when so much was rationed and unavailable to buy, it is how women made up for the things they couldn’t get any other way. This was probably true in the Thirties, too, during the Depression.

In the 1950’s, during those Happy Days, it became part of leisure time activity and another expression of women’s love of pretty things and an abundant lifestyle.

These magazines that were given to me really highlight how the handicraft trade was marketed to women aggressively – it was part of women’s role and almost a duty as a homemaker. Take a close look . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RARE FIND!! TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S BLOUSE

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I just LOVE finding true vintage blouses! They’re so pretty and versatile – and so rare to discover in great condition.

This one was kind of a bargain-basement item – not top quality, and maybe produced during WWII when materials were rationed. But it’s got a lot of personality to make up for that.

I see it paired with a pencil skirt or cigarette pants. Tomorrow I’ll show some great platform sandals that go well with it, though certainly of a higher-class . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE BLUES – MORE TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S DRESSES AND COORDINATING SHOES

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Two shades of blue – cornflower and sea blue – with shoes that go along, all from the same era. I’m stuck in the Sixties right now, and loving it!

Again, fitted sheath styles but with the extras that make them unique. Madge wears an embroidered frock with a sheer layer over an opaque liner. Stella is rocking a sleek number with matching tie belt – perfect elegant simplicity in beautiful shantung.

The slingback sandals in cornflower and white are European-made – often the best quality imaginable! The multi-color pumps are appliqued with flowers all over. Both are 100% leather.

I love, love, love finding true vintage clothing and accessories that perfectly complement each other. Like putting together more and more puzzle pieces . . . .
Such Fun!!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM