TRUE VINTAGE WEALTHY ICE PRINCESS COCKTAIL DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE WEALTHY ICE PRINCESS COCKTAIL DRESS

Step into a party in this linen sheath and immediately the heads will turn. Where did that classy lady come from?

From the high-end stores in the 1960’s, dresses like this one always made an impression. One look and I needn’t say more , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,,

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

NOTABLE NOTES RE: SHOES IN MEXICO CITY

     Well, yes, I was properly informed that vintage-hunting here is not particularly fruitful (practically non-existent).  There is a market on the weekends (Lagunillas) that apparently has some flea market characteristics and you MIGHT find something, but don´t hold your breath.  There are also TONS of modern clothing and shoe stores.  Most things are pretty or cute-looking at first glance, but cheaply made.  I wouldn´t bother.

     However, the guidebook we´re using mentioned a shoe museum over an older shoe store at 27 Bolivar Street that is MUST SEE for any vintage-lover or curious fashionista.  No charge, upstairs.  It was established by the store owner and has many display cases of shoes, mostly women´s but some men´s, very nicely displayed.  1800´s – 2000, in lovely condition.  I got a few photos which I may show later, but had to stop because my camera was flashing.

     Also of note, I saw yesterday in the same district (4-5 blocks south of the Zocalo, historical district) another shoe store with an older storefront (many here have been around for decades) with the brand name Bandolino on front, over the display windows.  I have found many shoes by this brand to be of good quality and excellent styling.  I had to look in the window and was not disappointed.  The construction appeared to be a cut above and the styles very classic and chic.  Though modern, many echoed vintage styles and would look good with many true vintage ensembles.  Moderate prices, averaging $80.00 U.S. currency.  I was tempted by a pair of two-tone pumps with half-inch platforms, perforations and a bow on the vamp but I didn´t buy.  I´m so spoiled by the real thing, and much better prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

 

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

Book:  How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

SOUTH OF THE BORDER, DOWN MEXICO WAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . ..

     Yes, I’m off for two weeks in Mexico tomorrow morning.  Can’t wait to see the history, love the food and culture, then sink my toes in the sand and bash the waves!  

      Won’t be taking my laptop (I read that’s not a good idea) and I don’t (yet – this summer!) have a tablet or pad.  Posts are prepared, though, so I’ll continue to send as long as internet cafe’s are available and schedule permits.  

       So, don’t be surprised by some gaps or blips and, if all else fails, I’ll see you first week in February.  I understand that it’s not the best place to find vintage fashion, but you know I love a challenge to my undercover skills. . . . . . . .. . . . .

 

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

THE MYSTERIOUS CRAFT OF MANIFESTING TRUE VINTAGE FASHION: FINDERS’ CLUE #22

      Finding true vintage fashion items is not rocket science, BUT it does involve many bits of skill, knowledge and experience coming together in order to be really good at it.  Each of these clues may seem simple and boring alone, but together they have made a big difference in my overall success.  Of course, there are many more details involved with each one, but the basic idea is where to start . . . . . . ..

CLUE #22 – IF THERE’S A LOBSTER CLAW CLASP ON A NECKLACE OR BRACELET, THE JEWELRY IS NOT TRUE VINTAGE, UNLESS A PREVIOUS OWNER REPLACED THE ORIGINAL CLASP.

 

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

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Book:  How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

DON’T FORGET TRUE VINTAGE HALF-SLIPS – THEY’RE JUST AS BEAUTIFUL AS THE FULL ONES!

DON'T FORGET TRUE VINTAGE HALF-SLIPS - THEY'RE JUST AS BEAUTIFUL AS THE FULL ONES!

Sometimes a full slip just doesn’t suit, and certainly as the weather gets warmer (yes, it will!) you may want to lighten up on the underwear. It’s always necessary to have a variety of half-slips available.

Those that I find come in a whole variety of lengths, just like the full ones, with the same elaborate decoration and beautiful detail. Lace, applique’, embroidery – even ribbons!

These are all from the 1950’s, unless a black ’40’s one has sneaked in there somewhere. They would be just right under one of the suits I’ve shown and will be showing soon. Longer ones like this are perfect for late-’40’s skirts.

The beautiful designs and embellishments just make me gasp – always a treat to discover another one . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

THE MYSTERIOUS CRAFT OF MANIFESTING TRUE VINTAGE FASHION: CLUE #21

     Finding true vintage fashion items is not rocket science, but it does involve lots of bits and pieces of knowledge, skill and experience to be really good at it.  They seem simple and even boring by themselves, but together they make a BIG difference in my overall success.  Of course, there are many more details involved with each one, but the basic idea is where to start –

CLUE #21:  USE THE LAW OF ATTRACTION.  If you don’t know about this, do some research.  If you don’t think it’s real, Okay.  It works for me BIG TIME.

 

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

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Book:  How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion

2 BEAUTIFUL BEAVER JACKETS FROM THE MID-1950’S

2 BEAUTIFUL BEAVER JACKETS FROM THE MID-1950'S

Just the right topper for your elegant suit on Christmas Day.. . . . . . ..(or any other day – let’s not be fussy . . . . . .. ). Soft, plush and luxurious, these true vintage masterpieces also have lovely printed linings.

Lady-like and refined, they’d go very well with the suit shown yesterday or any dress with that same character. I’d even wear them with pants and more casual clothing at times, but these were born to be thoroughbreds.

The one on the right is from Marshall Field and Company in Chicago and belonged to my grandmother. It only remains to say that I wish you all a joyous season with all the ones you love and a fabulous New Year. Thanks for this first year of Magicvintagespy.com and here’s to 2014!

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

ANOTHER FABULOUS FIND – NOS 100% SILK DRESS FROM THE 1960’S

ANOTHER FABULOUS FIND - NOS 100% SILK DRESS FROM THE 1960'S

Love, love, love finding new/old unworn dresses with tags still on. It’s been a week for those.

Always makes me wonder how they found their way into NOW – had they been hanging neglected in an old warehouse, or dreaming the decades away in some lady’s closet, waiting for just the right invitation . . . .

So refined, in dark taupe silk with a fitted shape, below-the-knee hemline and 7/8 sleeves. By a well-known company of the day.

Madge likes it, as you can see, and . … . .. it fits ME! Yes, the vintage faeries have been leading me true lately . . You just never know . . . . . … . . . . . . . . . . ..

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagspy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

THE MYSTERIOUS CRAFT OF MANIFESTING TRUE VINTAGE FASHION: CLUE #20

    Finding true vintage fashion items is not rocket science, BUT it does involve many bits and pieces of skill, knowledge and experience coming together in order to be really good at it.  These tips may seem simple and boring by themselves, but together they make a big difference in my overall success.  Of course, there are many more details involved with each one, but the basic idea is where to start.

CLUE #20:  Myth buster:  Shoulder pads in a garment, even if it is definitely true vintage, do not always mean  that it is from the 1940’s.

 

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest

Book:  How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

THREE BEAUTIFUL BLONDE TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S FURS – ONE IS AN IMPOSTOR . . . . . . . . . . . .

THREE BEAUTIFUL BLONDE TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S FURS - ONE IS AN IMPOSTER . . . . . . . . . . . .

These sisters look like the real deal, but the jacket on the left is a faux fur. I’ll show more of them later.

The fakes made in the Fifties are of excellent quality and, like many now, require a second look and a touch to be sure. Sometimes even the touch doesn’t completely convince!

Usually, if not always, these lookalikes are made by furriers who sew them and finish them in much the same way as the true furs. The linings are really beautiful, as well as the fasteners, and sometimes the owner’s initials are sewn inside, too – just like the real thing.

So much better for our furry friends! These days you can buy almost any type of imitation fur in a completely convincing version. Don’t be seduced by cute little sweaters or jackets with just a bit of real fur trim. A lot of that comes from China now and I’ve read that their practices in the fur trade can be horrendous. . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com