Tag Archives: Happy Days

MORE CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAG FINDS

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Of course, the two bags on the right are elegant essentials forever but I’m really thrilled to find the mid-century souvenir summer purse on the left.  So bright and cheerful!  It’s in perfect condition, was handmade in the Philippines, and is of a shape that I’ve never encountered before in a handbag of this type.

So practical and roomy – styled like a classic handbag rather than a beach bag or tote.  I’ll use this for a long time as an everyday summer purse.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER WARTIME – POST-WAR STRAW HAT. THIS ONE HAS SUEDE TRIM!

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Spring, Summer, Fall?  Who cares?!  This unusual ladies hat will make any simple outfit a stand-out.  Suede leather is a unique combination with the woven straw.

The odd UFO platter shape makes me lean toward dating it in the Forties, but who knows for sure.  During the decades of millinery-mania, there were many innovative and even bizarre styles.

It’s so fun to find an example of that hat madness that is not a run-of-the-mill, frequently-seen design.  More on the way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..  . .. ..

 

MORE FUN TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAGS DISCOVERED

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Garay, made in Hong Kong, Lumured – famous names from the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s. Classic as they come, and in wonderful condition.  I’ll be keeping these for a while.

Never can have too many – especially in navy (not as many around as in black) and white (not as many in pristine condition).  The woven wicker bags are sturdier and more abundant, but finding one that’s undamaged and  has great Lucite trim is another plus. The vinyl interior is very plain, but is a great foundation for a beautiful cloth lining, which I’ll probably make and attach myself (pretty simple).  Remnant pieces of vintage fabric or old scarves and hankies are perfect for the job!

I’m still working through the most recent finds, but I’m sure there will be more.  Maybe tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

ANOTHER RARE FIND – 1940’S TO 1950’S MEN’S COTTON SPORTS SHIRT

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What fun to find this!!  Love true vintage men’s and boys’ shirts and tops.  Since men usually tend to be much harder on their clothing than women do, it’s unusual to encounter garments that have survived, especially in wonderful condition like this one.

Just an everyday casual shirt, it’s still got a great fit, fun collar and wonderful lightly-brushed cotton fabric.  Happy Days all over again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST PICKED UP THIS LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE PEIGNOIR ON MY RECENT TRAVELS . . . . . . . . .

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While it’s nothing special in terms of its pedigree, I love the styling of this pretty robe and always am delighted with rhinestone buttons!  Sheer and lovely – just right for Blanche Dubois – and, on top of being in “perfect” condition, it’s REALLY PERFECT over a black true vintage gown I own which had no matching peignoir!!

So, go figure. . . . . . . . serendipity always happens for

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL 1940’S – 1950’S NYLON NIGHTGOWNS

IMG_3007BEAUTIFUL 1940'S - 1950'S NYLON NIGHTGOWN

These gorgeous lingerie gowns were another surprise find – always so much fun! The shoulder detail is what really makes them stand out – the way the straps are joined in the front. They just don’t make ’em like this anymore.

The sheer panels and the gathers are also lovely, as well as the cloud-soft feel of the nylon fabric.

Sigh – to die for . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A LITTLE SWIMSUIT SERIES – TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC BLACK MAILLOT

A LITTLE SWIMSUIT SERIES - TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC BLACK MAILLOT

This one is so elegant and well-made that I can’t tell without getting it out and examining it again whether it’s from the 1940’s, 1950’s or early 1960’s.  That’s the way that all our wardrobe fundamentals should be!

Even looking at the photo, I believe that this suit comes from the earlier end of the time spectrum than the end of it.  It’s all in the fabric.

Next time I want to channel Esther Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE TANK BATHING SUIT – 1940’S – 1950’S

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE TANK BATHING SUIT - 1940'S - 1950'S

This suit has two layers.  The way they used to do the little briefs or shorts underneath was such a figure-enhancer for most women.

Almost like a tankini, but all in one piece.  Look at those great design details, too. You won’t see that on modern suits, nor the exceptional construction.  Black & white makes another appearance for Spring and Summer, as always.

Just right for sitting beside the pool, under a big sun-hat, with a Mai-Tai . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BE A LUAU MAMA OR A CHIC WAIKIKI WAHINI

BE A LUAU MAMA OR A CHIC WAIKIKI WAHINI

Since I’ve started getting out the patio frock, here we go – – – – – – Nothing rivals the beautiful workmanship and fabulous fabric found in true vintage Hawaiian fashions from the early Seventies and before.  The colors are incomparable.  The cottons and rayons are practically indescribable.  Men’s shirts are also incredible.

Since at least the 1940’s, dresses made in Hawaii were very desirable for their quality and fit.  Some are exceptionally comfy and relaxed. Others are high-volume sexy or very chic.

Think Mata Hari of the islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER DISCOVERY! 1950’S – 1960’S MEN’S CATALINA SHIRT-JAC

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This one is an interesting find.  Might have been part of a work uniform back in the day, but it’s a shirt made like a jacket with hip pockets and that funky stripe.  Today it would be fun as a sports shirt with jeans.  The maker was Catalina – that iconic California maker of sportswear, so who knows . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’m sure that it was intended to be a man’s top when it was made, but today it’s very unisex.  To me, it’s got a Grease vibe.  Could also go over a tank top or muscle shirt.  If it were smaller, I’d keep it myself if not for the orange color.  No can do.

So, this was for fun and will go into the archives for the time being.  That’s OK.  It’s the hunt and the quest that are the real reward!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM