Tag Archives: costume

LET’S “UP” THE TRUE VINTAGE BLING – RHINESTONE NECKLACES FROM MID-CENTURY AND BEFORE

IMG_0958Here’s my main collection of true vintage white rhinestone collars.  From simple and sweet to sassy and sophisticated.  These were made between 1940 and 1960, I’d say.  Some might be older, or slightly newer.

To be worn alone, or almost alone.  Unless you’re doing a period costume from a time when overkill was the usual fashion and everything was worn as a set, these lovelies shine most brilliantly when standing alone.

Just my opinion, for what it’s worth . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A SWEET SET – A FORMAL OR DRESSY EVENING IN TRUE VINTAGE RHINESTONES AND “PEARLS”

IMG_0956      This is one of my favorite little necklaces, from the 1950’s or early Sixties.  Very sweet – love the rhinestone bow and the faux pearl drop.  The chain, also, is studded with rhinestones all the way.

The earrings are a bit later – late Sixties or Seventies, but they coordinate nicely.  A parure like this would have been perfect with a formal pouf dress – depending on the age of the wearer and the occasion.

Definitely costume jewelry, but so pretty . . . .. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

img_2090

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

THREE PIECES OF TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S COSTUME JEWELRY

THREE PIECES OF TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S COSTUME JEWELRY

I’ll be showing highlights of my vintage jewelry collection, along with the shoes and dresses.  Here are three pieces which were very characteristic of the Sixties decade.

Enameled pins were very popular – especially in flower shapes. Also, large pendants that hung to the chest were a big thing.

The pin is not marked, nor is the middle pendant but I think that the chain which came with it said it was by Trifari.  The gold-color pendant with chain is by Sarah Coventry. Modernistic shapes were really popular.

Any one of these really sparks up an outfit and gives it a mod, mid-sixties flair.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PRETTY MID-CENTURY ENAMELED BRACELET FROM IRELAND

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

TRADITIONAL IRISH DESIGN ON BRASS 

What a pretty little thing!  It fits me perfectly, too, which can be a rarity these days. . . . . . must have belonged to a child, or a tiny Irish colleen.  Sorry for the glare, but glad that all the original shine is still there.

Enameled jewelry was very popular in the Fifties and is lots of fun to wear.  Though I have earrings and one or two necklaces, this is my first enameled bracelet excepting for a few bangles!

Though I planned to show my finds in order of discovery, scheduling hasn’t allowed me to photograph all of them yet, so this is actually one of the final items I found.  There’ll be more from Ireland later . . . . .

It is especially nice since it’s also a souvenir of Ireland and my trip.  Turned up on a little side trip to the seaside, out of the blue . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ARTISTIC MID-CENTURY BROOCH FROM HELSINKI, FINLAND

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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

WANT TO DRESS-UP THAT LITTLE BLACK & WHITE? TRUE VINTAGE JET AND PEARLS

IMG_0881
Faceted jet beads, seed pearls and rhinestones. Dress up that little day-dress or LBD with true vintage accessories.

Two-strand short necklace has a lovely clasp. Earrings are clip-on. I always keep my eyes open for true vintage jewelry. The new stuff just doesn’t compare. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE. MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WOWEE! A FUN AND RARE FIND – 1960’S WAITRESS UNIFORM

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

It was really fun to come across this find!  A poly-nylon women’s uniform – probably from a diner waitress or other food worker in the 1960’s.  Could even be from the 1950’s – must research the maker’s label.

The blue is really nice, and the fact that it is in such perfect condition!  Also love the cute scalloping on the collar.

Really makes me wonder where this was worn and about all the stories it must have to tell.  If only she’d carried a secret tape recorder . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE JEWELRY FINDS ON THE FLY

Haven’t had much time to sleuth, since I’m just about to take off again – BUT – my eye is always peeled for hidden treasure and I found it!  My first jewelry purchase in a while as I’m picky in that department.

Picky paid off today in a gold-tone Trifari bracelet from the 1950’s or ’60’s and a graduated necklace of black glass that is ’50’s or decades older, strung on a knotted cord.  Smart-looking, timeless mid-century accessories with elegant styling and high quality manufacture.  I’ll wear these for years!

It was a spur-of-the-moment investigation and I’m always prepared for those because – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN,  THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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