I have lots of mid-century beaded bags but this one’s a bit older and I especially like the shape of it, soooooo . . . . . . . . . . . .
of course I had to pick it up. This iridescent beige/gold color is so versatile to go with anything and everything. So pretty – it makes me think of Grace Kelly.
Perfectly clean inside and with beads intact, what could be better? .. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
OMG – pure white true vintage shoes are so rare, and especially in such good condition. Miss Wonderful (and they are) made these lovely full leather pumps back in the Kennedy era, early 1960’s. I’m in heaven because I’ve looked for some for ages.
Nothing takes the place of perfectly white “dress” shoes with pretty vintage summer frocks. Vintage white sandals are not hard to find, but pumps are another matter. Leather soles, with metal toe taps and almost-new heel caps just seal the deal. I’ll enjoy these for decades.
Although I’ve been too busy to be looking much . . . . . well, you just never know . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Isn’t this the cutest thing? And, such high quality. It’s probably a wool blend, but is so soft that there’s no need for a slip. Stacy Ames is just one of the mid-century brands that created really nice clothing for the mid-priced market in the early 1960’s and I’m always thrilled to find an example like this.
Casual elegance. So nice to slip into Fall in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another treat to find – yes, I have several in this color but they’re all slightly different and, hey, who cares! Under many dresses, a slip is indispensable and how could you not love wearing something like this!
The older lingerie like this usually had pretty lace overlay on a sheer backing. So sexy. And, the nylon feels so smooth and luxurious to wear. This one’s a mini length, too, which makes it versatile. I like having several in order to get the length just right . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Back in the mid to late Sixties, while all the Mod stuff was going on, women with more traditional tastes wore beautiful frocks like this one. Many day dresses were still true to the history of elegant styling, lovely fabrics and excellent tailoring. This one is by ALGO, a mid- to higher-priced line of dresses that originated in the U.S. and also became popular in Canada.
For example, this fabric is some kind of a rayon blend with alternating shadow stripes of nubby weave and satiny sheen. The color is not for me and it’s also too large, but I couldn’t pass it up because it’s such a lovely example of the timeless side of 1960’s style. Probably next Spring it will go on eBay, but I do have other dresses I love from that era.
I’ve still got more to catch you up on, and the next ones are a little more seasonal . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just found this mid-century custom-tailored frock that is modeled after Marilyn’s famous costume in the 1954 movie The Seven Year Itch. Although it’s a bit too sweet, made of cotton poplin flocked with cotton candy pink and green, the style is close to the original.
Some gal got carried away by that sidewalk scene above the subway grate. It’s always fun to find something that tells a story, like this.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, I’m back at Headquarters now – unpacking and taking care of business. Although these finds are out-of-season right now, despite the heat, I like to show brand-new discoveries ASAP.
What makes these worthy of my closet? The styles are simple, but the vintage fabrics are REALLY NICE. Also, the hand-done tailoring touches, like a full lining, well-cut facings and hem allowances make them special garments.
I always pick up pieces of exceptional quality. They are rare treasure, not seen in the marketplace today. Stay tuned for more . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, it’s that time of year again. I don’t know how many of you had mothers or grandmas who made most of your wardrobe, all year long – BUT, it was not at all unusual back in the day. And, aren’t these cute and good-looking! I’ll bet no one else would have had one like it.
These kinds of needlework magazines with patterns were really popular and there used to be little knitting shops around that sold all the necessary supplies. When I was cleaning out some of the OLD family stuff recently, I found a lot of knitting needles of every size and configuration you can imagine. I couldn’t begin to understand how they were used . . . . .
In these old magazines that were given to me, I’ve seen ads for knitting machines, too – something small that you could set up and use at home. Although I can’t imagine devoting the time it would take to make these garments really well, they are SO beautiful that it seems it was well worth it.
I’d love to hear about your own family stories . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s another mid-century at-home leisure outfit. This one is a sumptuous lipstick red velvet design that mimics 1930’s – 1940’s style – I have a true vintage 1930’s rayon robe with tasseled sash – but this one, while still true vintage, is probably from the 1950’s or 1960’s.
LOVE the glamorous look and luxurious feel. What a treat to make a RARE discovery like this one (of course, that happens to me a lot, and each one is a delight!).
With pinked seams, rolled cowl neckline, a long back zipper and the wonderful rayon tassels on the belt plus a lovely embroidered tag. I can just see “The” Marilyn wearing this backstage in her dressing room, can’t you?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
We’re working our way from the Fifties into the Sixties here, starting with a beautiful nylon shorty nightgown with embroidered bodice. This was standard nightwear back in the day.
Second, a lightweight cotton smock, with embroidered pocket. It is even older, and was very common as a morning house-dress. Delicate and sheer, they are quite feminine and usually in pastel colors.
The brown checked house-dress, which can even be belted and worn to town, is early Sixties leisure wear, with the big flower applique’ detail that was popular then.
This was the kind of thing women wore at home early in the morning or between changes of clothing. You often see examples in old movies. They’re fun to have for those hang-around-the-house times. I always pick up good examples when I find them . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 