Step into a party in this linen sheath and immediately the heads will turn. Where did that classy lady come from?
From the high-end stores in the 1960’s, dresses like this one always made an impression. One look and I needn’t say more , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,,
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Finding true vintage fashion items is not rocket science, BUT it does involve many bits of skill, knowledge and experience coming together in order to be really good at it. Each of these clues may seem simple and boring alone, but together they have made a big difference in my overall success. Of course, there are many more details involved with each one, but the basic idea is where to start . . . . . . ..
CLUE #22 – IF THERE’S A LOBSTER CLAW CLASP ON A NECKLACE OR BRACELET, THE JEWELRY IS NOT TRUE VINTAGE, UNLESS A PREVIOUS OWNER REPLACED THE ORIGINAL CLASP.
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Here’s a better photo of the beaded tunic I showed about a month ago – transformed from a dress, which had irreparable fading and a stain on the skirt. This photo has much better light for seeing the detail of the decoration.
Mocha-color rayon crepe with iridescent black beads.
The skirt was easy to remove from under the “apron”, without interfering with the side zipper. Easy, also, to finish off the cut edge underneath.
Voila’ – a tunic top for any dressy or avant guarde ensemble. Just thought you’d like to take a better look. . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Sometimes a full slip just doesn’t suit, and certainly as the weather gets warmer (yes, it will!) you may want to lighten up on the underwear. It’s always necessary to have a variety of half-slips available.
Those that I find come in a whole variety of lengths, just like the full ones, with the same elaborate decoration and beautiful detail. Lace, applique’, embroidery – even ribbons!
These are all from the 1950’s, unless a black ’40’s one has sneaked in there somewhere. They would be just right under one of the suits I’ve shown and will be showing soon. Longer ones like this are perfect for late-’40’s skirts.
The beautiful designs and embellishments just make me gasp – always a treat to discover another one . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Just the right topper for your elegant suit on Christmas Day.. . . . . . ..(or any other day – let’s not be fussy . . . . . .. ). Soft, plush and luxurious, these true vintage masterpieces also have lovely printed linings.
Lady-like and refined, they’d go very well with the suit shown yesterday or any dress with that same character. I’d even wear them with pants and more casual clothing at times, but these were born to be thoroughbreds.
The one on the right is from Marshall Field and Company in Chicago and belonged to my grandmother. It only remains to say that I wish you all a joyous season with all the ones you love and a fabulous New Year. Thanks for this first year of Magicvintagespy.com and here’s to 2014!
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Love, love, love finding new/old unworn dresses with tags still on. It’s been a week for those.
Always makes me wonder how they found their way into NOW – had they been hanging neglected in an old warehouse, or dreaming the decades away in some lady’s closet, waiting for just the right invitation . . . .
So refined, in dark taupe silk with a fitted shape, below-the-knee hemline and 7/8 sleeves. By a well-known company of the day.
Madge likes it, as you can see, and . … . .. it fits ME! Yes, the vintage faeries have been leading me true lately . . You just never know . . . . . … . . . . . . . . . . ..
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagspy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Finding true vintage fashion items is not rocket science, BUT it does involve many bits and pieces of skill, knowledge and experience coming together in order to be really good at it. These tips may seem simple and boring by themselves, but together they make a big difference in my overall success. Of course, there are many more details involved with each one, but the basic idea is where to start.
CLUE #20: Myth buster: Shoulder pads in a garment, even if it is definitely true vintage, do not always mean that it is from the 1940’s.
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
These sisters look like the real deal, but the jacket on the left is a faux fur. I’ll show more of them later.
The fakes made in the Fifties are of excellent quality and, like many now, require a second look and a touch to be sure. Sometimes even the touch doesn’t completely convince!
Usually, if not always, these lookalikes are made by furriers who sew them and finish them in much the same way as the true furs. The linings are really beautiful, as well as the fasteners, and sometimes the owner’s initials are sewn inside, too – just like the real thing.
So much better for our furry friends! These days you can buy almost any type of imitation fur in a completely convincing version. Don’t be seduced by cute little sweaters or jackets with just a bit of real fur trim. A lot of that comes from China now and I’ve read that their practices in the fur trade can be horrendous. . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Finding true vintage fashion items is not rocket science, BUT it does require that many bits and pieces of knowledge, skill and experience come together in order to be really good at it. These clues may seem ordinary or boring by themselves, but each one has made a big difference in my overall success. Of course, there are more details involved with each one, but the basic idea is where to start.
CLUE #19: IF YOU FIND HAND-SEWN SEAMS OR DETAILS ON A GARMENT, GOOD CHANCE THAT IT’S TRUE VINTAGE.
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage fashion available on Amazon.com
Beautiful tangerine-red heavy knit coat,fully lined. this one has dyed-to-match sculpted plastic buttons. Very well-made.
Magicvintagespy 