This formal gown looks as though it was styled for a young woman. No worries – there’s no stain here, just a shadow in the photo. Lacey bodice with fine netting straps and overskirt. Perfect for any holiday gala. As you’ll see with some dresses I’ll show soon, it could also have doubled as a Prom or wedding gown. I’ve settled operations at another safe location, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I love this leather jacket from the 1950’s. Such a flattering fit and cut for comfort, with lots of room across the shoulders and back. Darts at the elbows also make movement easier without binding. Plus, slash pockets at the waist add convenience without adding bulk. So, we’ve got a nipped waistline! Covered buttons are always a plus in the quality department, too.
Just a bit tiny for me, so I had to let it go but the photographed evidence will remain in the files. Stay tuned, as transmissions will continue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, September often means it’s time to switch out some of the Summer wardrobe for warmer clothing. Traditionally, it was also the time to put away anything white, including accessories. That means I’m looking over my collection of true vintage handbags and selecting a couple that coordinate well with my Autumn fashion choices. Not only does that mean switching out a matching wallet, but other handy purse accessories from back in the day can be included. What savvy dame would forget to equip her handbag with smart and handy accessories? Here are just a few.
It’s so fun to look back into our mothers’ and grandmothers’ handbags to see what they used to carry on a daily basis. These are just a smattering of the interesting items I’ve seen. Mirrors, combs and tiny brushes, lipstick cases, foldable rain hats, key cases and key-rings all came in different sizes, styles and designs. An emery board and an orange stick were usually tucked in somewhere. Smokers also had special accessories – cases, lighters and interesting matchbooks. Little pillboxes were very decorative and pretty. I’ve got a few of those.
Above we see two note pads (with attached pen or pencil), a manicure set, sewing kit, mirror set (with normal and magnifying glasses), and an attractive case for a comb.
The intelligent and fashionable woman is always well-prepared when stepping out, no matter what her mission may be. Efficiency and style – that’s my motto . … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Not your typical “twin-set” – I found this pair of ’50’s cuties together – they probably belonged to the same woman. They’re identical excepting for the color. Very becoming to both Madge and Stella, don’t you think? If you zoom in, you can see the decorative studs on the front of each one.
Of the softest angora blend – rollover neckline, 3/4 sleeves and decorated with button accents on the front – these look great with black cigarette pants or a coordinating skirt. Perfect for a casual Fifties or early Sixties cocktail hour. Belly up to the Tiki bar!
True vintage sweaters in perfect condition are always a rare find! Just another day in the life of the magicvintagespy . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I have so many pairs of shoes that I absolutely love, but these are truly favorites. So versatile, so comfortable and so “Forties”.
All-leather construction, of course, and well-made. I even wore them one day walking in a parade on city pavement for a couple of hours, wearing a true vintage dress. They stood up beautifully and didn’t hurt my feet!
So, I’ll have these for life. Lovely to not have to say good-bye to favorites – I can just have them repaired eventually.
Ah, the beauty of true vintage . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Here are a few items that I ran across by surprise – from the 1940s (or so). All perfect finishes for a wartime or post-war costume. Mary-jane all leather shoes (always a classic), Capezio soft leather dance or casual flats and a couple of simple woven bags from the Depression era or time of wartime rationing – a drawstring and one with a metal zip in the top. It’s fun to find things in such good condition (and at very good prices). You just never know . . . .
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
The actress Audrey Hepburn, I’ve read, favored cute little low-heeled shoes like these in the 1950’s and 1960’s when she was making many movies in America and Europe. Though this pair are not quite that old, they’re of a style that has been around for decades and were made by a company that used to sell good-quality shoes and purses.
Nothing beats the classics and these are pure – Fall colors, back to school, practical casual fashion and comfort. Fashion items this versatile are a super investment, while looking so unique! Leather uppers with strong synthetic soles, they’ll last forever if they are looked after. Ahh, the beauty of a true vintage quality wardrobe . . . . ..
I wear them with a skirt and sweater, a jumper dress, slacks or even a simple suit. They’re a good choice for a day of shopping or sight-seeing or a long sleuthing assignment . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Daytime into evening glamour for some well-dressed women back in the day. I just love the details and distinctive style of these.
Unmistakably true vintage, they’re extremely versatile today when we might wear them with anything from jeans to evening clothing. And, of course, a perfect final touch to any period costume.
Naturally, they’re beautifully finished inside, with the original owner’s initials sewn to the lining. The little pockets on the front of the cape are an interesting feature – and that BIG button closure – AND the huge cuffs on the ’40’s jacket – LOVE!
Since supporting the current market for new furs is a major no-no for anyone who values animal rights, as I do, I’m grateful for the excellent imitation furs that are being made now and that the sales of new real furs seem to be diminishing – at least in the U.S. I hope that’s true.
It’s OK to enjoy these pretty designs from a half-century ago for their place in fashion history and beautiful craftsmanship. I never get tired of wondering and imagining about the origins and histories of the lovely garments I find, and how to wear them now . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I just love this cape and it’s little details. I’m an animal rights activist and don’t approve of the fur trade in any way, but I have collected old ones from back in the day.
Not sure what the origin of this fur is. The stripes are clearly dyed, probably to resemble mink. It’s got these funny little tabs to “close” the bottoms of the arm slits, for a better appearance and added warmth.
Of course, it had patches sewn inside with the owner’s initials embroidered on, along with the maker’s label, both of which are gone now. Surprisingly, it’s in great condition for its age – still soft and radiant.
These garments are so full of history that they intrigue me as much as any other vintage fashion. I wear them, too. Some people would say this is hypocritical but I would disagree – buying or wearing antique fur or leather does not support the current market for these things unless someone makes an irresponsible decision. I suggest that we should all be responsible for our choices in the marketplace – so, if you like my vintage fur, don’t use that as an excuse to go out and buy a modern one. Search for another vintage fur at least 50 or more years old or buy an imitation fur replica and do something kind for wildlife or your pet.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Back to wartime or post-war frocks. This is the cutest rayon dress ever, with that iconic swingy skirt that ’40s dresses often have and a wonderful relic from the ever-popular women’s bowling teams of the war years. Just like splashy musical movies, recreational activities like hometown sports were a great distraction from the reality of the times.
Anhauser-Busch or, more likely the local beer distributor, was the team sponsor. Hence, the Busch Bavarian Beer patches on front and back. The belt had the player’s name embroidered on it. Perfect features for costume-wear!
Without the patches, the dress is styled like many day dresses from that time. This one is probably from the late 1940s or, possibly, the early 1950s.
What a thrill to find it, and in excellent if not near perfect condition! You truly just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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