So pretty – with signature 1980’s shoulder pads plus the Edwardian, Victorian elements that designer Jessica McLintock has always loved. Dark green crushed velvet makes this a Fall/Winter dress for a dressy occasion.
Although it’s not way old or classic, I often like to pick up designs by Jessica McLintock that date 1985 or before. They are definitely of an “era” and well-made. This one will be fun to wear.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a great find! I didn’t have a bracelet exactly like this already, so I was really pleased. Pretty white rhinestones in wonderful shape – and it even has a security chain (one of the fantastic features of quality costume jewelry that has been mostly lost in modern times). This one is probably 1950’s.
The workmanship and materials are high quality, too. Just in time for the holidays . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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Although you may say that the copycats made in the last few years look just like these, you would be mistaken. In almost all cases, the quality of the true vintage pieces is superior in some way or another – either materials, workmanship or design. Even these budget-type examples . . .
True vintage has features that are quite unique and tell a different story, both about the person who owned and wore them and about history. It’s fascinating. 
When you find the real thing, you may never want to buy modern retro “vintage” again.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Can’t say for positive-positive, but I have my suspicions. Absolute confirmation can require a chemist’s lab but, anyway, what a cute little bangle bracelet this will be for summer – or any time.
Love the shape. Love the color. Love the mystery. What could be better?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
In such good condition, too! That was one of the biggest reasons that I grabbed this, though I do have some others that are similar. The inside is also very clean and undamaged PLUS I can see the maker’s name stamped inside, though it wouldn’t be readable in a photograph. It;s also got little amber-colored “jewels” decorating the snap clasp.
It’s just a small evening bag large enough to carry the essentials (the 1930 essentials, that is) such as lipstick, a comb, some money and a key – oh, maybe some rouge and a hankie, too. Forget the cell phone.
Maybe there might be room for a miniaturized transmitter and camera, in a pinch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The always-dramatic Marlene models three views of this gorgeous and flattering scull-cap style, woven of black and white strips and topped with a face-framing ruffle.
I COULD NOT pass this by! And, it came with a matching hat-pin – always a plus. In it’s day, it was very wearable with lots of different styles from casual frocks to dressier ones. Very elegant.
When everyone wore hats daily, imagine selecting this cute one and setting it on just right before heading out for shopping or lunch. That was when men still whistled openly at women on the street . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I have lots of pearl jewelry – costume and real – in my vintage fashion collection, but couldn’t pass these up. Large costume pearls in graduated sizes – difficult to find now! I would say that this example dates 1930’s – 1950’s.
Also, it’s in great condition, with a lovely golden color. The cord is knotted between each bead. Equally wonderful is the clasp, which has a pearlized center, surrounded by small ruby-pink rhinestones or crystals. The necklace is long enough that the clasp can be draped a bit in back if I’m wearing a neckline that plunges there.
There’s nothing more elegant or alluring than pearls . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
In the early to mid-fifties there was a fad of putting Egyptian motifs on all kinds of fashion items, and I have several. This Egyptian style craze had also happened in the 1920’s – especially with furniture.
This is a costume set and it’s a lot of fun. Not really my colors, but it’s a family item and I enjoy it. Very unique.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
When it comes to making an impression, these pins and earrings may be the “blingiest” with their diamonds-and-platinum looks. All costume here, but with pedigrees. Some are signed.
Again, the pins are fairly heavy and, while not as big as the things shown over the past two days, not for wear with filmy materials unless suspended on a chain. Some of these pins have loops soldered on the back for just that purpose. The dangle and smaller earrings on the right can, of course, go with anything.
I’m always impressed with the creativity of true vintage designs – often with features that allow conversions or multi-purposing – always done elegantly. . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I love these jewelry items so much! Some might be earlier than Forties, too. If you’re not familiar with them they have a snap clip that attaches them to the neckline of a dress, sweater, jacket or coat.
Only the ones on top are small enough to wear on a lightweight dress – the others would only work on wool or heavy knit as they are quite substantial in size and weight. Very popular items during the wartime and post-war years and these are costume jewelry, without precious metals or stones.
To me, the look is feminine and dashing at the same time. That so much epitomizes the 1940’s woman who really developed a lot of strength during the second World War. We were never the same after that . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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