Two days ago I had the privilege of talking with two of the owners of vintage clothing stores in Melbourne who have been doing business for years there. Both of these stores were included in my book’s reference section two years ago, but I hadn’t had the opportunity of meeting these women in person until now.
Nicole Jenkins, owner of CIRCA, is a true ‘grande dame’ of the vintage trade and has written several books. One was awarded a bronze medal by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Trained as a costume designer, she really knows her stuff down to the most technical details. I certainly learned new things during our short visit and her passion for the care and conservation of true vintage fashion items plus her wealth of knowledge earn my respect. She has lovely items for sale, plus a huge inventory behind the scenes – ranging from 1820’s to the present day. Well worth a visit.
“Annie” and her husband have operated RetroStar for eleven years and are real veterans among vintage-hunters. They have a delightful collection of remodeled true vintage and original true vintage, plus a smattering of new merchandise. Jewelry, accessories and clothing of all types – dresses galore. I especially enjoyed their relatively new “Forties/Fifties Room” that is filled with gems from those decades, in beautiful condition. No matter what you’re seeking, there’s sure to be something of interest. They bring in large numbers of “new” items every month. Don’t miss it – lots of fun.
So there – what a treat! Just another of the “perks” of my sleuthing investigations . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Before leaving Melbourne the last time, I found this beauty hiding in plain sight. The vivid psychedelic print jumped out at me, for sure!
It was custom-tailored and the fabric is marvelous. One of the most beautiful, heavy nylons I’ve come across for a long time. You wouldn’t believe how it feels.
In a straight, shirt-dress style – it could be belted. The sleeves are bracelet length, but are slit from the cuff to the shoulder to show bare arms. I’m going to enjoy this one! Can’t wait to see what turns up next . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
It’s hard to see in this photograph, but the satin material behind the lace is a beautiful soft rose color. The skirt is black crepe – the classic dressy fabric that is so perfect for frocks of this type. It’s a vintage size 8, which fits like a current size 2 to 4. Perfect condition.
This design is made to look like a two-piece ensemble, though it is a straight sheath style with a zipper up the back. It hugs the body and even looks good on a hanger, which is lucky when I don’t have Madge or Stella to model it for me!
Made by PACO, which is a relatively upscale label for dressy clothing here in Australia.
Great find!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE CLOTHING – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
As often happens with black things and when photographing without a model, I couldn’t get good detail in a picture but want to tell you about this great find anyway. I’m sure that you’ll be able to see it in your mind’s eye. Picture this . . .
Heavy black crepe, fully lined. Metal zipper up the middle of the back and a small kick pleat at the hem. Classic sheath style, but with a waist seam and a black fabric rosette toward the left side there. The neck is scooped front and back, with layers of draped fabric all around. The label is from a maker, or maybe a department store, which is Australian.
As always, the fabric and the tailoring distinguish it from the tons of modern black dresses that can be found anywhere. And, it fits much better, too. This one will last another 50 years!
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Magicvintagespy 