Tag Archives: Happy Days

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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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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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

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PURE CLASSIC! VINTAGE DAY DRESS IN FLORAL COTTON

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Right on the heels of that daring red frock shown yesterday came this traditional, custom-tailored every-day dress in a beautiful cotton print.  Again, I can’t say exactly how old it is but it was home-sewn in a classic, mid-century style.  The fabric is gorgeous.

Although it’s another perfect fit for me, the style is very plain so I think I’d cinch the waist with a belt to enhance the fit and add a pert little scarf or pearls at the neckline, depending on my mood.  Yes, that would be VERY cliche’ ’50’s but – so what? – also a VERY pretty look. Unless I wanted to go completely kitchy for the fun of it, I’d leave off the hat/gloves -handbag/shoes sets.

Anyway, this dress really makes me hanker for Spring!  Can’t wait to see what turns up next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSES FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S IN SILK, LINEN & RAYON

Here’s the perfect shirt to go with those 1940’s pants, right here on the left – ivory silk by Lady Manhattan.  Nothing more classic and beautiful  – unless . . . . .

We move center to a waist-length linen blouse that buttons up the back. Look at that fabulous lace neckline.  How feminine and chic!  Under a little suit or just with a skirt . . . . . .

And, the blouse far right can do the same job in sumptuous rayon.  It shows more of the gorgeous hand-done tailoring detail that is so characteristic of true vintage garments.

They’re all treasures . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MID-CENTURY TRUE VINTAGE TARTAN PIECES – REAL CLASSICS

MORE TRUE VINTAGE TARTAN PIECES - REAL CLASSICS

I’m not sure which clans these may be from, but they are the real deal or very close. From Canada, where there’s still a large population with near roots in Great Britain.  This is another “well-heeled” look in the United States.  At one time, the girls who went to the best schools almost all had a tartan skirt in their wardrobes and they were extremely popular!

I just love the colors and the “casual but very well-dressed” vibe that they have. Tartan weaves, whether “real” or not, are often quite beautiful and the high quality ones are worthy of a place in your closet for life. The clothing styles also tend to be classic and enduring.

In this case, I’ve got two skirts – both in a kilt style. One closes with buckles and the other with buttons, and has a matching vest top. I suspect that these particular ones came from the early 1960’s or, maybe, the  1950’s.

Worn with  blouses or sweaters, kilt skirts have been in elegant and stylish women’s closets for decades. Like any other classic separate, they’re as versatile as a pair of jeans (but these will last longer!) And, they’ll keep you a lot warmer!  DEFINITELY worth grabbing if you find a real one!

Katherine & Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Twiggy, Princesses Diana & Kate. . . . .. . . . . … . they’ve all worn tartans – and so have men, too.  Sherlock Holmes, . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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EXTREMELY RARE FIND – TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY CUSTOM-TAILORED CHILD’S DRESS

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Old cotton and buttons; hand-stitching – this little frock is probably from the 1950’s or 1960’s.  Can you imagine a little girl’s everyday dress surviving till today??????  Read on . . . . . . . . . . . .

Once in a while, in an unusual venue, I’ll see something out of the ordinary – like a piece that is very antique or something made for a child. Although children’s clothing is not my usual focus, I’ll take a second look.

Well, this was another Wowee, look at THAT! moment so, of course, I had to bring it home.  What a relic so well-preserved, with the added bonus of having been hand-made.  Several things about the construction are unusual.

In these situations, it’s common to see something that was made for a special occasion – that is, dressy clothing or christening gowns, etc. that are often preserved after one or two wearings; maybe baby shoes that are tough enough to stand up over time (no pun intended).

BUT, not everyday items!!  These usually have gone by the wayside decades ago because of the normal wear-and-tear a child puts on their clothing, not to mention outgrowing it and passing it on or Mom turning it into a dishrag.

So, I feel like a museum curator with a new discovery laid before me.  The mystery goes on . .. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE – IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LACE . . . . . . . . . . ..

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE LACE . . . . . . . . . . ..

These are perhaps the only black slips I’ll show, for now, even though I have lots of them. The details don’t photograph well, but in this case you can see the gorgeous lace on the hems and bodices.

This lace is unusual and the two black slips are somewhat longish – 1940’s or early 1950’s. They’re almost little dresses themselves.

Each of my slips has a unique decoration of some kind – even the plain ones that I probably won’t be photographing have some interesting features or an unusual color.

Fun to wear with your beautiful true vintage dresses or even if you have to wear boring clothes . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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SUCH FUN! TRUE VINTAGE SOUVENIR KITCHEN LINENS

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From the West and Down East – a vacationer’s mid-century mementos of a fun holiday!

Fun cotton linens for the kitchen and dining table were big favorites during the 1950’s and 1960’s.  Many a traveler picked them up as souvenirs, too.  I just love the funky and funny prints!

As always, these items tell a story.  You could have practically driven through California without a map after buying this muslin tablecloth. Although the apron doesn’t have any words, the cute illustrations of pilgrims/immigrants in their native dress and the border designs contain a lot of information about the communities or cultures that they came from.

Also, if you can do a close-up look, you’ll see a small vintage safety pin stuck in the waistband.  I always like to leave things like this in place because that’s just how the cook or housekeeper wore it during her daily routine.

These linens will last forever if they’re looked after well – remove stains quickly and wash gently.  I’ll bet that I can channel some very interesting vibrations with these in my kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MY SECOND MEN’S BATHROBE FROM THE ’50’S – ’60’S, WITH A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT VIBE

MY SECOND MEN'S BATHROBE FROM THE '50'S - '60'S, WITH A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT VIBE

You see how classic – this robe is made in the same style as the one I showed a few days ago, with the same, now rare, black satin trim. However, the feel is completely different.

This robe is of Sanforized cotton, in a very traditional medallion print. The fabric is slightly lighter-weight and much more “conservative”.

I suspect that this robe is also from the 1950’s, or  the late 1940’s. Menswear has rarely been as lavish as women’s and this one was not a luxury item, but these satin-trimmed robes are special.

Makes me think of a man of distinction; a real big spender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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