Tag Archives: Fifties

PRETTY MID-CENTURY ENAMELED BRACELET FROM IRELAND

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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

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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

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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

MID-CENTURY WOMEN HAD FUN MAKING DECORATED SWEATERS & COLLARS

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This was a really big thing in the Forties, Fifties and early Sixties. Hand-decorated clothing, decor and gifts were things that most women did at one time or another. It was more than just a hobby.

During the 1940’s, when so much was rationed and unavailable to buy, it is how women made up for the things they couldn’t get any other way. This was probably true in the Thirties, too, during the Depression.

In the 1950’s, during those Happy Days, it became part of leisure time activity and another expression of women’s love of pretty things and an abundant lifestyle.

These magazines that were given to me really highlight how the handicraft trade was marketed to women aggressively – it was part of women’s role and almost a duty as a homemaker. Take a close look . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RARE FIND!! TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S BLOUSE

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I just LOVE finding true vintage blouses! They’re so pretty and versatile – and so rare to discover in great condition.

This one was kind of a bargain-basement item – not top quality, and maybe produced during WWII when materials were rationed. But it’s got a lot of personality to make up for that.

I see it paired with a pencil skirt or cigarette pants. Tomorrow I’ll show some great platform sandals that go well with it, though certainly of a higher-class . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S BRACELETS TO ACCENT YOUR BLACK & WHITE ENSEMBLES

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Favorite jewelry pieces that are very Fifties, in copper & brass, pot metal and engraved silver. The large copper bracelet, which I cleaned up and photographed again, is commemorative of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1952 or ’53.

The pot metal bracelet and the sculpted one are not fine, but are great accents. The wide bangle bracelet has stretch built into it’s construction, but not with elastic or anything like we see today. It is all done with hinges and is completely mechanical. So cool!

Finer jewelry – bracelets and watches – always had little guard chains to prevent loss in case the catch opened. These silver ones are very delicate and pretty, with engraved designs. I just love finding items like these!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FASHIONABLE FOOTWEAR FROM FIFTIES FLORIDA – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S

IMG_0854 More “black & white”. From the fab Fifties, these heels with clear vinyl on the uppers are iconic 1950’s and iconic Miami Beach. Well-constructed in leather, of course.

Notice the maker’s name on one shoe and the name of the store that sold them on the other.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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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

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY OFF-WHITE SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS – AND A SHOE SUGGESTION

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A very pretty frock from the late 1950’s – early 1960’s.  I found this several years ago at an out-of-the-way sale.

Basically, it is a sheath with added tailoring details.  Metal zipper up the back and an attached bolero jacket, with big buttons in back.  The cummerbund waistband closes in back with hooks and eyes.

Very, very refined and elegant.  The mid-heel leather pumps are of the same era and make a perfect complement.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE. MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HAND-MADE SWEATERS FROM THE 1950’S

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Beautiful sweaters to make yourself – I’d love to have lots of things like this in my wardrobe (I do have some cardigans that are hand-done). Pictured in the McCall’s Needlework Fall-Winter edition of 1956 – 1957.  This year it’s been so cool that we could sometimes wear them now!

Nothing beats hand-made clothing, done by an expert. At one time, even middle-income women had this luxury because so many of them were very skilled seamstresses and tailors. It was economical to make your own wardrobe and even hiring someone to custom-tailor for you was not out of the question, at least once or twice a year.

The beauty of finding true vintage clothing is that much of it is hand done. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM