Tag Archives: ladies

FOUND YESTERDAY – VINTAGE CROCODILE BELT WITH MEXICAN SILVER

Look what I discovered and picked up for pennies! Although I avoid buying any modern pieces of leather, skins or fur, I’m still captivated by the style and quality of true vintage examples which have endured in the second-hand market.

Made in Mexico, this belt from a bygone era combines the best features of beauty and craftsmanship. (And, it’s my size!)

Someone enjoyed this lovely accessory for years and perhaps was reminded of a great trip south of the border. I’ll carry on the fantasy while I nip the waists of pants, skirts and jackets. Ole’!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BLACK SATIN JUMPSUIT WITH MESH AND SEQUIN OVER-DRESS: THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOST-EST!

Can’t you see Stella greeting her cocktail party guests at the door of her penthouse on Park Avenue? At first glance, in photos 3 & 4, this looks like a sumptuous but sedate evening gown. However, when she begins to walk . .

there’s a strapless jumpsuit underneath! Wide embroidered mesh panels with streams of shiny sequins from shoulder to hem, finely tailored with satin binding, waft and swing across her legs as she fetches your martini. I have never, ever discovered one of these and I’m so excited!

It’s Joan Leslie by Kasper and it’s a late 1960’s – early 1970’s vintage. Almost looks like ’40’s – ’50’s to me, but that would pre-date the label. Just a continuation of the glam costumes which began to appear in the 1920’s when women’s hostess outfits started showing up with wide-leg silk and satin pants.

So, I always love a party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAEGSPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LONG AWAITED! POSTING OF MY MOST GLAMOROUS FIND THIS YEAR . . . . . . . . .

It needed some TLC that I finally had time to do. See the result in the next post. . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1930’S(?) DRESSY LEATHER CLUTCH BAG WITH ORNAMENTS

Pretty taupe color leather and cast metal decoration with little cabochon “stones” in pastel colors. I especially like the leather wrist strap and the little dangle on the front.

Inside, the capacity is small with rayon lining and two little pockets. Delightfully clean and with the obligatory tissue paper for storage. Sweet!

That’s it for right now but, wonder what’s next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MOD, OP – ART 1960’S BOX BAG

Really interesting shapes, depending on how you look at it. Big enough inside to hold a sheaf of 8 1/2″ by 11″ pages, too! No maker’s name inside, but who cares?

It’s well-made, also, as I would expect from that mid-century time. The body is woven of some type of fiber or reed. Tubular handles are gold-tone and the clasp and anchors on the bottom (which I haven’t photographed) are black leather. It has little feet, too.

This is the “youngest” of my recent discoveries, but there are two more. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

AN ICONIC TAILORING CLUE ON THIS DRESS PUTS THE DATE IN QUESTION . . . . . . .

At first look I would immediately say that this dress is of the same era as the previous one shown yesterday. Well, almost . . . . . . . . . . .BUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The raglan sleeves have gussets sewn in the underarms. This is a feature usually seen in 1950’s dresses and earlier. So, this little number may be a bit older. It’s also very well-made with a beautiful shantung fabric, made of rayon rather than the more common silk shantung. The bolero jacket is very practical and pretty.

I could have these dresses altered to fit me but, since I have others very similar, they’ve gone on to eBay. The find was the fun this time. One more to go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A KENNEDY ERA 1960’S FROCK

A very well-made dress by Mr. Henry, in a mid-weight woven fabric that’s almost like a knit. Drapes beautifully and has this pretty cut-out design around the neckline, outlined in beads. Smart casual for day but can slide into evening.

Way too big for Stella, but she makes everything look good no matter what! Actually, I’m always happy to find these lovely clothes in bigger sizes because it’s so rare. A dress can almost always be made smaller, but making it bigger is usually only a dream.

In fact, I found two black frocks in this same size so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A MID-CENTURY TURQUOISE NAVAJO DRESS

Just what I was looking for – in this color and size!! Isn’t it wonderful how things just turn up?

My mother had a similar one years ago, but it went by the wayside before I could speak up for it. Was just wishing, the other day, that she had kept it. Now here this one is, perfect for me, and with the same great styling and construction.Originally made in Arizona, it’s got a matching color metal side zipper in the blouse and lots of lovely silver trim. Can’t wait to wear it!

This was the first thing I found, but it just kept coming. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A BUNCH OF FINDS YESTERDAY!

Keep a look-out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

JUST RECEIVED A WONDERFUL GIFT FROM FAMILY: 1970’S BILL BLASS SWIMSUIT AND 1960’S CAP

Awww, this was so sweet. After the passing of her mother, my in-law gave me this swimming costume that had belonged to her mom for part of my collection. I’m so thrilled to have it! Those iconic floral swim – caps from the 1950’s and 1960’s are something else. This one is fragile, but still survived all those years of chlorine exposure and kept mom’s hairdo pretty.

Bill Blass created this one-piece swimsuit design in the Seventies that was still loyal to much older styles from the 1940’s and 1950’s. Very elegant, yet functional. It gives a sleek, figure-enhancing fit which is not dowdy and also super for serious swimming. The waffle weave of the fabric would never do for Olympic competition, but is just fine for your daily laps or a cooling dog-paddle. Just had to share this surprise with you . … . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM