Tag Archives: Fifties

SOMETHING FOR THE MEN! TRUE VINTAGE CUFF-LINKS BY SWANK

SOMETHING FOR THE MEN! TRUE VINTAGE CUFF-LINKS BY SWANK

Costume jewelry for the guys, though they may be sterling silver. Sets like this were standard dress-wear for men in the mid-century and before.  These came through my family, but I always nab nice ones when I find them.

They are by SWANK, in their original packages.  The set on the left, with pearls, were sold at a hometown menswear store.  The set on the right was packaged especially for a department store.  Perfect with your ’50’s,’60’s or ’70’s dress shirt (and tie).

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE NOVELTY MID-CENTURY LINEN TOWEL – THE MOST SEXIST EVER!

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Can you believe this?  It’s so awful it just cracks me up!!

Thank goodness things have changed so much that this is just funny.  I couldn’t possibly pass it up!

I just love these old novelty linens – aprons, tablecloths, napkins, etc.  Some of them are really cute but it’s hard to believe that things like this one were “normal” stuff that most people bought.

I’ve got more “new” true vintage mid-century finds to show you, but couldn’t resist posting this one first . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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FINE TRUE VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY BY TRIFARI – THE SMART WOMAN’S CHOICE 1930’S – 1980’S

FINE COSTUME JEWELRY BY TRIFARI - THE SMART WOMAN'S CHOICE 1930'S - 1980'S

Trifari made lovely costume jewelry – here are a few examples of pins and earrings from several decades. Always high quality. Pick them up if you find them . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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THE 1950’S HUSBAND’S ANSWER TO BUYING A MINK

THE 1950'S HUSBAND'S ANSWER TO BUYING A MINK

Genuine mink fur novelty jewelry had a bit of mid-century popularity during the 1950’s. Kind of a fun idea at the time, BUT –

if we could go back in time to advise our young grandmothers, we might say  “Be careful what you ask for!”  This whimsical little mink “brooch”  may not be exactly what Ethel had in mind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC NAVY & WHITE CAPE JACKET – 1950’S – ’60’S TRUE VINTAGE

BEAUTIFUL CLASSIC NAVY & WHITE CAPE JACKET - 1950'S - '60'S TRUE VINTAGE

When Spring is springing (or almost) I really like to get into the true navy blue and white and nautical themes that have been classic styles of this season for decades and decades. In this case, the classic double-breasted jacket with a twist – cape styling(!) and a little military feel.

A cute little sailor-style hat would look so great with this (true vintage, of course). Imagine it with skirts, sheath dresses, slacks, jeans, leggings – a true vintage classic can go with all of them, ups the style quotient and lasts for decades because of its high quality.

In this case, there’s wool warmth, too. Much appreciated this year!  I’ve loved my  vintage military pea jacket for winter, but now it’s time for a change.  Perfect outerwear to bridge the seasons from cold to cool in fashionable elegance, with a lighter, brighter feel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGSPY

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VA-VA-VOOM! TOTALLY MAGICAL TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S VIXEN DRESS

VA-VA-VOOM! TOTALLY MAGICAL TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S VIXEN DRESS

OK.  Let’s compare this frock to the dress shown yesterday. . . . . . . ..

This was a completely magical find!  For the first thing, I almost missed it.   I was an inexperienced sleuth at the time, years ago, and wasn’t sure what I was seeing.

Second, it was at least 3 sizes too big, with some dowdy design features that were not appealing.  However, this is a 100% silk dress with a designer label.

Look at the draping and the ruching – GORGEOUS!! Another woman remarked about it and woke me up.

After a few very simple alterations, without doing anything that can’t be reversed, voila’! An absolute Mata Hari, femme fatale frock. Who knew?

From the same 1950’s era as yesterday’s dress – just as elegant but with a totally different feel.  This dress is very sexy and dramatic, but not in any way sleazy or tacky.  That’s the beauty of true vintage style and quality . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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1950’s LBD WITH SHEER BLACK SLEEVES AND SEDUCTIVE SHAPE

1950's LBD WITH SHEER BLACK SLEEVES AND SEDUCTIVE SHAPE

Leave it to the 1950’s to produce the most come-hither styles . . . .. . .. How could anyone resist this one?  The inventors of the “cocktail dress” knew their stuff.

Rather than a sleeveless style, “demure” sheer sleeves add just the right touch of modesty and mystery and end up amping the “sexiness” to new levels.

One of the mistakes that so much modern fashion makes – it’s so in-your-face that after the shock and awe wear off in a few minutes, it’s pretty boring and tacky.  True vintage fashion rarely, if ever, makes that goof.  It’s usually has just the opposite effect.  And, high quality materials and tailoring is the cherry on top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL DELICATE COLOR TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – 1960’S SLIPS TO WEAR WITH YOUR PASTELS

BEAUTIFUL PASTEL TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S - 1960'S SLIPS TO WEAR WITH YOUR PASTELS

Here are great nylon slips for Spring into Summer wear. When the weather has us in the doldrums, these will pick up the spirits and coordinate with the lovely pastels we are beginning to wear again.

Gorgeous lace and embroidery – the slip on the left may even be 1940’s. We know we’re getting into the 1960’s with the one far right because of the fabric and construction – not just the length – .some pre-WWII slips were short, too, depending on the style.

It’s fun to know all the details but I love each one . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE IN A FEW MINUTES?

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A handful of fun separates when I had a bit of time on my hands:  1.  a cute poly/cotton pajama top from the Fifties or Sixties that doubles as a summer blouse  2.  RARE, RARE, RARE FIND of Fifties pajama bottoms – although they’re not a perfectly-matched pair, I think they’ll make a great lounging outfit together with the bed jacket shown earlier today.  It’s always great to have these on hand.  Nice lace at the ankles   3.  a home-sewn Sixties shirt.  I’d wear it with jeans, but it’s not the best job.  However, worth buying just for the buttons.

Never miss an opportunity to uncover more clues . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER “NEW” TRUE VINTAGE BED JACKET WITH UNUSUAL STYLING

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I know, I know, I know . . . . . I collect so many of these that I’ll have to lounge a whole lot and eat many breakfasts in bed to be able to wear them all . . . . . . . . . . . . .. BUT

How can I resist?  Who wouldn’t love a gorgeous little scrap of mid-century feminine luxury like this one?  Although they are always pretty, I’m especially excited when I find one that is unusual.  I’m not sure that I have another one in this green color or with this type of styling.  Generally, they were made in pink, blue or sometimes in white.

The lace is especially nice, too.  Even when I get to a point where I’ll have to part with some of them, this one is a keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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