Tag Archives: ladies’

A BOX OF TRUE VINTAGE SHOES IN THE BASEMENT

A LITTLE HUNTING GUIDANCE FROM THE VINTAGE SLEUTH . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A BOX OF TRUE VINTAGE SHOES IN THE BASEMENT

Another of those boxes in the basement which I hadn’t thought about in a while – finds of the last 10 years stored away. It’s always fun to see what’s inside!

From the top row down, we’ll start with the DUDS, from the viewpoint of a true vintage hunter:

Pairs #1, #2 & #3 – nice to very nice classic styles in leather, 1980s at the earliest to 1990s. Pretty shoes. Ho hum. NOT vintage. But the pumps are, by today’s style standards, very retro. The navy sandals are kind of retro ’40s.

Pair #4 – True vintage late 1950s – early 1960s gold-tone all – leather stiletto pumps. For cocktails and dancing the cha-cha.

Pairs 5 & 6 – True vintage bowling shoes, 1950s – 1970s. The two-tone ones are suede.

Pair #7 – Original true vintage Dr. Scholl’s leather exercise sandals from the very early 1970s. They’ve made…

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VINTAGE ASIAN SHEATH, MADE IN THE EAST CIRCA?

Here’s a little number to shake you up!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

ImageThis dress is one of my Mata Hari outfits and  came from a shop in, probably, British Hong Kong – maybe Taiwan or somewhere in China.  It has a label with the shop’s name, but no further info.  It is possibly custom-made, as so many of the dressmakers will do in those countries.

Because it is a classic oriental style and a heavy jacquard material, I am unable to date it really closely – also has none of the identifiers that clothing made in the U.S. often will.

In any case, I love Eastern styles and the beautiful silks that they are often made from.  The older dresses are still found.  Some, like this one, are made from a synthetic blend.  Many contemporary dresses are still being made in the traditional styles, so you have to know how to identify the older ones, if that is what you are seeking.  Kimonos…

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A VERY PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE DRESS, HOME-SEWN IN THE 1950’S

Put on a sweater or jacket and look pretty in this one, no matter how cold it is!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A VERY PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE DRESS, HOME-SEWN IN THE 1950'S

Another favorite, the 50s styles with nipped waists. Love ’em! – who doesn’t – they’ve remained a fashion favorite for many years and a style that keeps on repeating itself. The wide neckline is also a favorite – SO flattering.  I call it a summer dress, but the cotton material is heavy, so it’s perfect to wear almost all year.

The skirt on this one has a bell shape, too – an unusual feature that is somewhat unique. This dress was custom-tailored and the construction is very unusual. I’ve never seen anything like it. Although it zips up the back, there is also an inner bodice that hooks together. This may have been the design of the woman who sewed it – in place of a bra(?)

Sometimes you’ll find a garment like this that is as interesting on the inside as it is on the outside. The tailoring details…

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TRUE VINTAGE (?) 1980’S (?) TIGER PRINT SHIRT JACKET BY ABS

TRUE VINTAGE (?) 1980'S (?) TIGER PRINT SHIRT JACKET BY ABS.

TRUE VINTAGE (?) 1980’S (?) TIGER PRINT SHIRT JACKET BY ABS

GO ON THE WILD SIDE TONIGHT – OVER A BLACK SKIRT, PANTS OR SHEATH DRESS. HEAR ME ROAR . . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE (?) 1980'S (?) TIGER PRINT SHIRT JACKET BY ABS

This shirt/jacket is an unusual one for me to include in my collection – is it true vintage or not? The A B S clothing company was started in 1982, so it might be 30 years old and animal prints were iconic at that time (again!). If it was made in 1982 or 1983, I’d be willing to call it true vintage and I’ll explain why.

Animal prints have been a significant fashion trend at one time in the 1940’s, mid/late 1950’s, late 1960’s and again in the New Wave early 1980’s, as far as I know. They show up at other times, too, but were a bigger deal in the fashion world at these specific times.

When I saw this item, I immediately thought of the early ’80’s and was also impressed with the quality of the garment. I have since learned that the A B S company is…

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TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAGS FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAGS FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS.

TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAGS FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

One of these will go with your outfit tomorrow . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAGS FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Here is a collection of several vintage handbags for parties and semi-formal to formal occasions. The significant features of these are pave’ rhinestones on clasps, faux pearls, plush velvet, gold-finished leather, double-sided box construction and a telescoping convertible handle.

Though tons of retro-style purses are made now, a true vintage one will have features that put it above the crowd.  Anyone who knows, will realize that you are carrying something special.

These purses are from the fifties and sixties. They are simple, but of quality design and construction. A keen eye can spot the difference in materials and style elements.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

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A LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S DRESS FOR DINNER AND DANCING

A LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S DRESS FOR DINNER AND DANCING.

LATE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S NEW LOOK TRUE VINTAGE GOWN

LATE 1940'S – EARLY 1950'S NEW LOOK TRUE VINTAGE GOWN.

LATE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S NEW LOOK TRUE VINTAGE GOWN

How’s this for holiday dressing? . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

LATE 1940'S - EARLY 1950'S NEW LOOK TRUE VINTAGE GOWN

This dress is somewhat majestic. The material is a heavy rayon with sheen – almost satin. It has black beaded designs around the neckline and each sleeve.

It’s an example of the design introduced by Christian Dior in 1947, I believe, called the “New Look” because it was so different from the severe, short and relatively plain clothing that women wore during WWII in order to conserve resources. Tiny waists, long skirts, luxurious material and extravagant decoration were “in” again.
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Enough history lesson! It’s just a beautiful, feminine and stunning dress. The original owner had shortened it by 2 – 3 inches, so it was definitely mid-calf length when new. Fortunately, she didn’t cut off any material, so it could be let down again.

This is certainly something that you might wear to see the Queen, or the King, or the President or just your favorite male person …

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