Tag Archives: ladies

BEAUTIFULLY TOOLED LEATHER BAGS FROM MEXICO – CIRCA 1960’S – 1980’S

BEAUTIFULLY TOOLED LEATHER BAGS FROM MEXICO - CIRCA 1960'S - 1980'S

Soft, supple leather inside and out – these bags were made in Mexico and probably picked up by vacationers who used them very little, if at all, after their trip.  Both have vintage hardware, but the designs – especially on the left-hand purse – are more modern.

On the right, we see a traditional floral/cactus pattern similar to those made in the western United States while the left-hand one has a farm worker pictured and, on the back, the Mayan calendar.

What I like best about these handbags, whether made in the ’40’s or the ’80’s is that they are 100% hand-made and usually the workmanship and quality of the leather are excellent.  Plus, they are SO distinctive and unusual . . . . . . . . . . always a priority for me.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S TOTE BAG/HANDBAG – A REAL SIGN OF THE TIMES

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S TOTE BAG/HANDBAG – A REAL SIGN OF THE TIMES

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S TOTE BAG/HANDBAG - A REAL SIGN OF THE TIMES

Although this kind of carry-all has never lost popularity in general, it seems like the 1960’s was a really big time for smart, tailored bags like this.  Many were used to carry needlework, like knitting and crochet.  No matter the use for it, totes like this are always SO handy.  In this case, a very elegant design . .. . . . . . . .

Not sure why, but fashion needlework was kind of a “fad” in the Sixties among everyday women even though lots of people have always done it and certain people still do.  I picked this bag up when I found it because it is beautifully made, in pristine condition, and just spoke to me of that Mod time in fashion.

The tortoise shell plastic handles were really “in” then, as well as the printed lining.  I’ve left the closure flap turned up so that you can see the lovely lining material, too.  It’s fully-lined, with metal hardware.

Just a simple bag, but with a shift dress and flats (or a sheath and pumps if you’re at the Club or an appointment) you’d look just like any photo from a popular magazine of 1964 or so. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FOUND ANOTHER TREASURE TODAY!

FABULOUS SURPRISE FIND – REEDCRAFT LEATHER PURSE FROM THE 1920’S – 1930’S

FABULOUS SURPRISE FIND – REEDCRAFT LEATHER PURSE FROM THE 1920’S – 1930’S

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What a rare and wonderful discovery!  In excellent condition – perhaps never used.  Only some minor discolorations from age or storage and almost 100 years old.

These handbags have beautifully finished leather and fun hardware touches.  A tri-color Bakelite or celluloid clasp ornament and even a little coin purse stashed inside.  When you think that this was at the beginning of the Great Depression with war looming in Europe, it puts a different slant on this pretty product.  The company was formed in 1928, just a year before the stock market crash.

Despite it all, people did find ways to enjoy life in the 1930’s – some of the most fun and outrageously glamorous movies were made during that time, some of the most luxurious and over-the-top fashion plus beautiful Art Deco furniture, architecture and ornamentation.

“Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..”

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LOVE FINDING TRUE VINTAGE JACKETS WITH STYLE!

What a find! Made in 1940’s/1950’s style, this jacket was custom-tailored by someone with expert skills. Some of my favorite colors – deep plum and teal green. Nice tailoring with patch pockets and those wonderful buttoned tabs at the cuffs. Fully lined, and with modest shoulder padding – my favorite!

At first, I thought it might have truly been a 1950’s coat but on closer examination, I decided that it is probably a retro version made in the 1970’s or 1980’s (but I could be wrong about that). Both of those decades had a 1940’s revival period. So fun and it fits, so I’ll wear it a lot when the weather is cooler. For now, it must be stored to protect the fabric which is a wool blend.

I did find a couple of blouses made in the ’60’s or ’70’s, but they’re not distinctive enough to show in a post. I’ll just enjoy wearing them. So, that’s it for my most recent haul but I’ll be back at it in a few days and my handbag reprise continues for some time. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S MORRIS MOSCOWITZ TAPESTRY HANDBAG

IMG_1063IMG_1162IMG_1064 So nice to encounter this one!  Morris Moscowitz mid-century purses are always fun, good quality items – and some of them are really exceptional.  I own examples from the 1940’s through the 1960’s or 1970’s.

This one has leather trim, nice hardware and little feet to stand upon, plus an attached coin purse.

In such good condition, too!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ONE OF A KIND FIND. ICONIC STYLE THAT HAD A MINUTE IN 1964.

ONE OF A KIND FIND. ICONIC STYLE THAT HAD A MINUTE IN 1964.

This frock is a home-tailored version of Mary Quant’s Tent Dress which she introduced in 1964. It was an immediate hit because it fit every body, was SOOO comfortable and easy to wear and also was a radical fashion departure from the more structured, prissy day and evening dresses up until that time. The closest women had come so far was the summer shift dress that was only acceptable in the most casual settings.

I didn’t think I’d probably keep it at first. Waist-defining styles are usually my preference but then I tried it on. Mega cute!! It’s a little bit mini on me, which makes it just perfect. Just love the aqua color, with a printed repeating pattern of interlocking flowers in pale yellow for just the right amount of contrast. The vintage nylon zip and hook and eye at the neckline are the only hardware needed. Probably won’t even require a slip.

Such a fab find. Although there were similar versions over the following years, I’ll probably never encounter another one as faithful to the original authentic style. But then, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM