Tag Archives: Fifties

TRUE VINTAGE/RETRO HEELS THAT ECHO THE FIFTIES

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA     Love the lines of this heel, and the leather construction.  Heel caps are nailed on and materials all quality.  When true vintage (at least 30 years old) and retro are combined in one piece, it’s all about style and quality to decide whether they’re a good choice or not.

Apparently made by a higher-end line of a popular brand from Brazil, which has done a lot of good vintage/retro styles.  I’m guessing these are late ’70’s, ’80’s or maybe early ’90’s. It’s a skill to find old retro items now, that still have some of the good quality.

Rivaling the real 1950’s thing enough to be worth picking up.  Such fun!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SHIRTWAIST DRESS & COSTUME JEWELRY

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Classic shirtwaist styled day-dress from the 1960’s or ’70’s, made very special with a choice of jewelry sets from the 1950’s. Necklaces with matching bracelets or earrings (sometimes both) used to be super-popular and really dressed up even the most plain frock.

I love these examples, with enamel, rhinestones and Lucite. Just nice everyday stuff, but so eye-catching and colorful. My favorite would be something that coordinates with my outfit.  This time, I’d probably choose the white enameled metal flower.  I’ve got lots more to show, so stay tuned . .. . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MID – CENTURY ART METAL COSTUME JEWELRY, AND A CUTE 1950’S DRESS

Custom-tailored in the 1950’s of heavy cotton, with ric-rac trim and a back metal zipper. Works perfectly right now with a cute white blouse or even a turtleneck top underneath.

Very cute with distinctive costume jewelry from the 1940’s and 1950’s – copper,brass or nickel enameled in bright colors or sculpted in interesting shapes.  These are some of the most fun to wear and are rare finds!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S BLACK & WHITE MIDI FROCK

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A breezy cotton frock in a nice print – I like the focus on the upper bodice and at the hem. It’s a figure-enhancing style that creates an hourglass shape.  I really must have Stella show it off some time.

The skirt is not completely full, but it sways and billows nicely. Looks great with casual heels. Love it!  I’ts a great go-to day dress for 3 seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S/1950’S SHERBET-COLORED PEEP-TOE PLATFORM SANDALS

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These lovely sandals are very fine, in beautiful kid suede. They have tiny peep-toes – a favorite feature of mine – and sling-back heels.

What a fabulous addition to any 3-season dress or perky pants outfit!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE TREASURE – PRETTY MID-CENTURY (1960’S & 1950’S) NIGHTGOWNS

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Whenever I encounter beautiful examples of sleepwear lingerie from this era, I always bring them home.  Although I love the pj’s, knee-length gowns are another favorite. While made of the same type of wonderful nylon, the gowns usually have more elaborate and prettier decoration.

The Fifties saw mostly pastel pieces similar to the one on right, though sometimes in red or black.  During the Sixties bright colors were popular, as on the left.  This was kind of backward to how lingerie slips were made – go figure.

Anyway, there was no debate or stopping-to-think-about-it for me, but always nice to know all about it . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER DISCOVERY! 1950’S ’60’S ZIP-BACK BLOUSE – GIRLY

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With polka dots, a flouncy neckline and full metal back zipper this rayon & acetate blouse is pure 1950’s – early 1960’s.  Can’t wait to wear it with my “new” black pencil skirt!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S SPECIALTY LINGERIE SLIP – MADE IN BRITAIN, FOUND IN AUSTRALIA

IMG_1076IMG_1077     This undergarment is so unusual – it could be worn as a dress itself, like many beautiful mid-century slips could be – but not because of exquisite decoration.  It  has extremely rare construction and is also made, at least in part, of a rare fabric – Bri-nylon, a nylon blend made in Britain.

The top is sheer lace, but the bottom is substantial and opaque; made to act almost like a girdle under a slinky sheath dress.  Notice the back metal zipper that lets the wearer into the tight-fitting skirt.

A slip like this would be absolutely essential under many a wiggle-dress from back in the day.  I’m so glad to have one now!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

SHEER 1950’S PARTY DRESS AND SILK SLIP

IMG_1149IMG_1147IMG_1150IMG_1148These pieces were found on opposite sides of the world, several years apart, but they work here.  Mid-century sheer dresses require beautiful, but pretty plain, lingerie slips of the right length to carry them off properly.

From Canada, the lovely peach-colored silk slip can double as a dress.  Bias cut and the slinky, sexy fit points to the 1930’s as it’s era.  Pretty embroidery makes it really special and it has little hardware which make the shoulder straps adjustable..

The sheer party dress, which I found in Australia a few years ago, was probably custom-tailored.  Dropped waist and tea length.  See the photo showing metallic piping that is sewn around each sleeve and the front of the neckline, with a cowl in back. The fabric also has metallic flower and leaf decoration stamped on.  So fabulous to find pieces like this in near-perfect condition!

Picky work to construct this dress, and I’m so astounded by the skill of seamstresses back in the day.  Yes, it was a lot of work, but how fun it would be to have something exactly as you wanted with personalized fit!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S MINK-TRIMMED EVENING BLOUSE FROM NEW ZEALAND

IMG_1074     Stella rocks this wonderful find from my recent trip.  Can’t wait to wear it over a long black skirt or with black cigarette pants!

This was not a high-end item, in spite of the mink trim  – like so many lovely things from mid-century, the average woman was able to buy and wear it. It is open-weave in a glossy synthetic material, lined with black fabric.  The floral fantasy pattern reflects the colors of most, if not all, of the treasures I found in that country.  Stay tuned to see more . . . . .

It was made by a New Zealand clothing company back in the day.  I was told by other vintage experts there that New Zealand used to have a very excellent clothing industry which has, sadly, gone now.

But, so much more FUN for a modern sleuth . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM