From just about the whole decade of the ’50’s, the shoe museum in Mexico City covers it all. Just coming out of the ’40’s and almost into the ’60’s – these are THE BEST!
This showcase contains the most casual to the most dressy examples. I love them all!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s a real variety of styles in a more casual group. They all look very Spring-like!
Also, imagine these cute, stylish versions in full leather and/or other quality materials, hand-made. No wonder they’re still around for us to admire. What a dream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A rare surprise find for me – these beautiful pumps in excellent condition, from the 1930’s. Unusual to find shoes from that time in the first place, but with fabric uppers and in such good shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
These might look lovely with a Spring party or tea dress. They would also be beautiful with a tailored outfit for every-day. Of course, that depends on your every-day wardrobe . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
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Here’s another great collection of sling-backs & pumps.from the shoe museum in Mexico City. Look at the decoration on the vamps and the peep-toes. LOVE peep-toes!
Can you imagine owning beautiful designer styles like this, in 100% leather construction, done by hand? Heaven! Used to be, shoes like that were available in most shoe stores. Now they’re all made of ticky-tacky and they all look just the same.
’40’s shoes are some of my very favorites, and such a pleasure to see so many examples in such beautiful condition.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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There’s nothing more eye-catching on a plain tailored dress, coat or jacket lapel than an outstanding piece of jewelry. These costume brooches are each signed, by different designers. Whimsical and elegant, women hardly felt dressed without one on back in the day.
From the 1950’s – 1960’s, they are either glamorous or fun. I love the turtle!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A very favorite find, custom-tailored in the early 1950’s after one that Grace Kelly’s character, Lisa, wore in the classic Alfred Hitchcock movie, Rear Window. Lisa’s dress had a yellow printed skirt, rather than blue. I even know the woman who made this frock in 1954!
The black fabric in the bodice is stretchy and the neckline very unusual. It fits perfectly, no matter how your own curves go! The skirt is of three layers, with sheer fabric on top and netting underneath. The little black “leaves” are embroidered on the sheer overlay.
What could be more fabulous? – a costume similar to one worn by one of my all-time favorite actresses in a favorite movie by a favorite director! How intriguing . . . . . .. . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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CUSTOM-TAILORED VINTAGE FROCKS ARE OFTEN THE MOST INTERESTING!
I love this find! All the details of the talented seamstress’s work are evident here. She was good!
Like many dresses from the Fifties – early Sixties era, this frock is made with a contrasting liner under sheer illusion fabric. The black overlay has flocked design with little reflective accents, like tiny, tiny sequins, sprinkled throughout. The neckline treatment took a lot of skill to create, with many folds and tucks.
The side metal zipper was a standard in many of these early styles. Because it’s a bit shorter, I suspect that the owner was a buxom lady of petite stature or that she shortened the dress over many seasons of wear as the hemlines went up in popular fashion. Although the dress is in exceptional condition, some wear to the flocking shows that it was worn more than once – maybe many times. She loved it!
The original belt is missing and I put one of my own on just for illustration. The sizing is a vintage plus, or half-size as they were known then, and is made for a full figure. Can’t wait to photograph it on Madge, whose measurements will do it some justice!
More new finds tomorrow, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Another treasure from the 1960’s. Sorry my camera/laptop is playing tricks on me again – can’t edit the photo.
This pretty Spring dress was custom-tailored with lots of nice features. Love the Mod bell sleeves – I’ve run across several of these in the past 2 years, all of a sudden. It’s fully lined, with raglan sleeves and an invisible zipper center back.
The seamstress knew her stuff and did a very good job. Although it’s plain, it’s very well-made. The first thing she did right was selecting the fabric – a good quality polyester and/or acetate. The print and colors are gorgeous – SO SIXTIES!!!
Sorry that this isn’t my color palette (makes me look jaundiced) but I’m sleuthing for true vintage fashion – not only things I can wear. So, that didn’t stop me. Never does . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Right on the heels of that daring red frock shown yesterday came this traditional, custom-tailored every-day dress in a beautiful cotton print. Again, I can’t say exactly how old it is but it was home-sewn in a classic, mid-century style. The fabric is gorgeous.
Although it’s another perfect fit for me, the style is very plain so I think I’d cinch the waist with a belt to enhance the fit and add a pert little scarf or pearls at the neckline, depending on my mood. Yes, that would be VERY cliche’ ’50’s but – so what? – also a VERY pretty look. Unless I wanted to go completely kitchy for the fun of it, I’d leave off the hat/gloves -handbag/shoes sets.
Anyway, this dress really makes me hanker for Spring! Can’t wait to see what turns up next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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In the midst of my series of mid-century finds, lets take a little break for the latest discovery. I was out sleuthing the other day when I spied this. Although it’s not the type of thing I usually get excited about, because so many cheap imitations have been made over the past 10 years or so, I liked the quality of the knit fabric and the fact that it was home-sewn. So, I picked it up . . . . .
Thinking it would be too small for me and I’d just have to end up selling it or giving it away, I slipped it on and – WHOA! – it fits me perfectly and it’s really cute! Maybe some teenager made this in Home Economics class back in the 1960’s (when they were still offering that in schools). Kind of a cross between a bomber and a bolero style – it’s a simple-sew item that would have been an intermediate pattern for someone learning how to set in sleeves.
Originally, it would have had a matching print skirt or slacks – or maybe a sheath dress in one of the solid colors in the print. Alas, those pieces are long gone, but I’ll enjoy wearing it with my turquoise jeans or my regular jeans until an alternative comes up. Won’t be one of my prized true vintage possessions, but it may be a go-to super casual jacket on cool-weather days when I’m just out and about.
A little variety is always the spice . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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