Tag Archives: elegant

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

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

 

A DELIGHTFULLY PRETTY LITTLE YELLOW SUNDRESS – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S

A DELIGHTFULLY PRETTY LITTLE YELLOW SUNDRESS - TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S

This gorgeous little number says summer all over.  It is the brightest yellow, with little embroidered flowers all over the bodice, each with a pearl center.

If that isn’t enough, around the hem are larger flowers, all embroidered in the same bright yellow thread.   fit, as you can see, speaks for itself . . .

The label is long gone, but I am sure that it was commercially-made.  There are too many professional details.  Fully lined, of a really nice woven fabric with a bit of texture – metal zip up the back.

Although this is not a formal dress, it is quite refined and could go into the evening very confidently.  In the heat of the summer, it could go shopping, lunching, to dinner and dancing without missing a beat.

Natalie Wood would have loved it.  “I feel pretty, oh so pretty . . . .”.  Almost as if it found its way from her closet into mine . . . . . . .. . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

WOVEN SUMMER – WEIGHT VERSION OF THE CLASSIC COWBOY HAT – MADE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA BY SMITHBILT

WOVEN SUMMER - WEIGHT VERSION OF THE CLASSIC COWBOY HAT - MADE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA BY SMITHBILT

Just as classic as the wool felt version, this beautiful Smithbilt hat is also of the highest quality.   Not sure when it was made – these enduring styles and handmade constructions are almost ageless.

Contrasting two-tone woven-in design & leather bands inside and out.  The weaving is tight and even.   This hat will also last forever (almost) if it’s taken care of.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S STILETTO PUMPS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1950'S - EARLY 1960'S STILETTO PUMPS

Here’s a pair of shoes that I might wear with the dresses I’ve shown recently.  These needle-toe patent leather pumps are characteristic of late ’50’s to early ’60’s styles. The placement and shape of the heel is also characteristic.

I love the little cut-outs on the vamp.  Many shoes of that era had great details.

One of the things I like best are the company names stamped on the insoles.  The script is usually so interesting.  Although these are cracked inside, the outers are in great shape.

I’ve had new heel caps put on, but otherwise they will last for decades more.  The color is funky but fun, too!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGSPY.COM

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

A PRETTY LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE DAY DRESS FROM THE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S

A PRETTY LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE DAY DRESS FROM THE 1950'S - EARLY 1960'S

I see Sophia Loren wearing this dress and running down a street in Naples, Italy  (in black stilettos) – chasing Marccello Mostriani in their latest film.  Someone custom-tailored this little beauty in a style that falls low on the shoulders if you are petite.

It’s a sunny, breezy style with the 1950’s wasp waist and full skirt, in cotton print material, made for whatever casual activity is on the agenda.  However, like most dresses of the era, a little jewelry and a hat (and, maybe, gloves) made it suitable for a slightly more formal event such as a luncheon date.

I prefer to let fantasy take my imagination away with this one – a bottle of local wine, a loaf of bread, cheese and fruit on a balcony overlooking the Adriatic Sea – with a very good friend . . .. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

[

 

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY – MID 1960’S LOUNGE-WEAR AND HOSTESS GOWNS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY - MID 1960'S LOUNGE-WEAR AND HOSTESS GOWNS

A change of pace for the weekend – let’s slip into some fabulous-feeling vintage nylon. There’s nothing that feels like it – heavy, smooth, creamy and cool on your skin.  Well, enough of that – this is a vintage fashion blog, not a . . . . . .

These are what the fashionable woman wore at home while relaxing and/or for casual entertaining.  The one on the left is a slip-over design with roses embroidered at the neck. The right-hand style is unique with two fabric layers, a front zipper and long scarf “tails” that can be tied in a bow or crossed in front and thrown over the shoulders.  One is by ShadowLine and the other by a less well-known maker.

Those shoulder “tails” are an interesting feature.  I have a velveteen sheath dress circa about 1960 which has them and also a jacket, which I think comes from the wartime era. Not sure if this style element was something that repeated – I haven’t seen it often.  The color combo on the right has such a characteristic ’60’s look.

When I go sleuthing, or just sorting through my closets, I drift through several decades one after the other.  It’s almost as good as going to the movies . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s – 1950s SEMI-FORMAL DANCE DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s - 1950s SEMI-FORMAL DANCE DRESS

Here’s pretty, floaty frock of satin and chiffon for a dinner-dance or any semi-formal party.  It does have stiffening in the skirt, but doesn’t have a huge crinoline, like many made a few years later .

I just die with delight when I discover one of these!  It reminds me of the classic movies that I love, where there’s always a dance in the plot somewhere.

This one is not haute couture – just an average lovely gown that any middle-income woman might have selected.  I’m not complaining!  It makes me think of France, where I’ll be in a couple of weeks!

With the mid-calf length, this one could go to the Prom, and maybe it did, once.  You just never know . . . .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950’s SEMI-FORMAL DANCE DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s SEMI-FORMAL DANCE DRESS

This one is just about my favorite.  I love the camellias (or whatever flower) at the waist and the contrasting sash that flows down the front.  The length is just below the knee on me (I’m 5’6″).

There is a size tag inside, so it was commercially made.  Seems to be of rayon chiffon over a rayon/acetate liner.  There is no stiffening in the skirt. It’s such a pretty pale peach color, and an easy-to-wear style.  Perfect for dancing and very graceful.

I noticed recently that J.Crew made a very similar dress in silk chiffon.  Of course, it is nice, but not “original” – 1. there is no ornamentation (you could add your own)  2. the dress is available in several different colors, but no contrasting sash which, to me, adds so much to this original vintage one  3. since it’s mass-produced, you could see your dress on lots of other women.  However, for $250.00 you can have the modern version.

I’ll take true vintage any time. True, it had some spots on it when I found it, but I was able to make them disappear – POOF!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s SILK DINNER – DANCE – COCKTAIL DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950s SILK DINNER - DANCE - COCKTAIL DRESS

Here’s a lovely mid-century silk dress in a classic style, perfect for a dressy date, a dance, dinner or cocktails.  It’s too sophisticated for afternoon shopping, though it could be dressed down for a day on Fifth Avenue – just don’t take the dog to the vet. (even the Yorkie, with their sharp little claws)

In printed silk, with a full skirt (but no attached crinoline), wasp waist, center back vintage nylon zipper and a sweet little bow right at the bottom of the bust-line.  Mid-calf length.

I found this one in a little out-of-the-way place where several things were hiding. It always pays to look, 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