Couldn’t be simpler, but that’s what makes it so elegant and lovely. I also like the midnight navy color – a nice switch from black.
Velvet and netting – nothing is more flattering and alluring while adding a touch of mystery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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This hat is made of the most wonderful fabric that feels almost like fine suede leather! It’s so hard, sometimes, to photograph black items – I hope that you can see the two bows under the brim in the first photo. The hat is almost a beret, but has stitched decoration on top and a kind of souffle’ construction so that it can puff up or lay flat on the head.
I suspect that it would be worn more like the first photo, in order to expose the bows above the hairline. Tricky to do with any kind of hairdo and probably would require hatpins. What women used to go through to get the “right” look!
So, maybe it was designed to be worn with a sleek head and hair coiled up underneath or massed beneath at the nape of the neck. It’s fun to wonder what the milliner who designed this beauty had in mind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. ..
Wool felt with leather interior and exterior hatbands – it’s a quality item that was sold by a western-wear dealer in Denver, Colorado. This one could be several decades old or just a couple – that’s how durable and stylish true vintage apparel is!
When it’s taken care of, it lasts and lasts and never goes out of fashion.
What could be better than that? Tomorrow we’ll see . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Velvet pillbox with a huge satin bow behind. And, lined in brilliant red. Originally from the Sears & Roebuck Millinery Department. Pretty cool!
So timeless and elegant, it’s another forever find . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Today, on a more-or-less routine survey, I had wonderful good fortune. I’m just about to re-examine and photograph my newest acquisitions and get them ready to post on the blog. Because I have already scheduled postings for the next three days, expect to begin seeing these on Sunday, Nov. 13.
Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although we do Christmas marketing almost year-round, back in the mid-century time no one thought seriously about Christmas stuff until after the American Thanksgiving in late November. But, if you’re making lots of your gifts . . . . .
McCalls needlework magazine promoted doing just that – to economize as well as adding a personal touch. Can you imagine getting all that done ?!
For many of our grandmothers, that was just part of the day-to-day. And, they did produce beautiful things – from hats, gloves, sweaters, socks and scarves to dolls & their clothing, tablecloths & bedspreads, just to name a few.
I love discovering some special true vintage handmade item that was probably made as a gift or a table decoration for a special family holiday. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
The always-dramatic Marlene models three views of this gorgeous and flattering scull-cap style, woven of black and white strips and topped with a face-framing ruffle.
I COULD NOT pass this by! And, it came with a matching hat-pin – always a plus. In it’s day, it was very wearable with lots of different styles from casual frocks to dressier ones. Very elegant.
When everyone wore hats daily, imagine selecting this cute one and setting it on just right before heading out for shopping or lunch. That was when men still whistled openly at women on the street . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What fun! I haven’t discovered a fabulous true vintage hat in quite a while.
Very pretty turban-look that’s actually a large pillbox style. Sits nicely at any angle. The color is a mushroomy brown with hints of green and it’s from the 1940’s, 1950’s or early 1960’s. Velour/velvet fabric in great condition – so sophisticated, but versatile. I’ll wear it a lot.
So goes the day of . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Back to Western Europe and finding many vintage clothing shops here – concentrated in the Temple Bar area. This won’t be any surprise to Dubliners, but worth a trek to anyone visiting the city.
I scoped out stores that are already listed in the reference section of my book, and was told about more which tend to hide from the mainstream. A real gem is Jenny Vander, with a 40 – year history and full of beautiful true vintage from mid – century and before. HUGE collection of costume jewelry!
Most places stock little older than the ’70’s or ’80’s, but the hidden gem might be discovered. Prices are reasonable, but not a real bargain. For a seasoned investigator, however . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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