MY FAVORITE RED TRUE VINTAGE STILETTO HEELS BY THE KINNEY COMPANY

TRUE VINTAGE STILETTO HEELS BY THE KINNEY COMPANY

If you’ve visited my Facebook page or read my book, you will have seen this picture, but I’ve never talked as much about it, so far, as I will here.  Maybe you remember when Kinney shoes had a store in just about every mall or shopping center and then kind of disappeared. Well, these lovelies were made before that time.  I took them to a shoemaker from Poland who had 25 years experience MAKING shoes and now does repair.  He told me that they were 30 – 40 years old.

They have a ’40s – ’50s vibe but were made in the ’70s. The label is of cloth, embedded in the insole. How often do we see that?! As you can imagine, they are very well-made of leather with Vibram soles.

I love this style so much, and the heels are very high. Any kind of peep-toe pump really gets my attention. Couldn’t resist these, and what a fabulous find!   You just never know . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE – NYLON SLIPS FROM THE 1950s & 1960s

BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE - NYLON SLIPS FROM THE 1950s & 1960s

Here’s a small portion of true vintage slips from my collection. These are, for the most part, less fancy than my others that are also older. Regardless, they are lovely and of very high quality. The heavy nylon that they’re made of feels like nothing you’ll find being sold today.

Slips and other undergarments were a really important foundation for vintage clothing, as they can be today if you know how to use them. A well-fitting slip can make all the difference in how a dress looks on the body. Bras and girdles in the past were essential in order for many dresses, etc. to fit properly.

Nylon takes on color very easily, so it can be dyed. The slip on the left was probably tie-dyed in the 60s. The black slip has simple, very elegant small embroidery on the bodice, which is covered by a sheer layer of fabric. The red slip is made almost like a dress with a plain red lining and overall lace on top, a side zipper and hem slit. I showed it a few days ago.  The two white slips show a variation in length (very important) and plain & fancy details. It’s nice to have beautiful decorated ones and also plain ones, to wear under sheer dresses.

I could drift around the house in one of these gorgeous slips all day, and night. So comfortable, so glamorous, full of mystery. What might I be wearing under that simple-looking dress tomorrow? You’ll just never know . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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SUNNY YELLOW TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES DOES THIRTIES FROCK

SUNNY YELLOW TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES DOES THIRTIES FROCK

This is so cute! I think it is from the late ’60’s, but might also be from the early ’70’s. It’s a ’30’s revival style with a flounce at the hem.  Lovely, drapey rayon, cut on the bias.  It’s missing the original belt, but otherwise is perfect.  Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun . . . . . . . . . .

Not my color, so this one was sold but I just couldn’t resist!   Wish I’d had Stella at the time, for the photo, since Madge couldn’t possibly get into it.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1970S BOHO WESTERN – INSPIRED JEENZ BOOTZ BY CAPEZIO

TRUE VINTAGE 1970S BOHO WESTERN - INSPIRED JEENZ BOOTZ BY CAPEZIO

Samples of two pairs I own, these were made in America by Capezio.  They are styled like authentic Western-wear but with 3″ stiletto heels!  It seems like they were a short-lived fashion moment, more or less. Well-made and nicely detailed, anyway.

Some other company may have made something similar, but these are probably the nicest and are a true late 1970’s fashion moment.  Looked great with jeans.  Just the thing to wear when you’re going out to do the Texas Two-Step. (maybe line-dancing?)

Capezio has been a popular shoe company for many years. The founder started his shop in the late 1880s, specializing in footwear for dancers. They are probably still best known for that.

When I found these, three pairs were together – probably from the same original owner. Bonanza!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1960s COAT & DRESS ENSEMBLE BY A CHICAGO DESIGNER

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Since looking at the last post, I know that you’ve been asking yourself “What could I wear to go with that black leather purse with the red lining?”  Well, here’s the answer – a belted knit dress with matching coat, with its own red lining.

Classic sleeveless, belted sheath dress and matching coat, originally sold in Chicago, Illinois.  The style is mid to late 60’s.  The black and white check fabric first gives the impression of being a wool knit, but it is a blend, likely of cotton and synthetic which provides some warmth for cool days but is easier to store than wool.  Really a gorgeous set and so flattering. It would be a perfect outfit to go with that lovely Italian handbag!

It does need to be dry cleaned in order to keep its shape but, these days if there is not a difficult stain or other problem that can be done at home.

I hardly ever see coat and dress ensembles and this is a beauty.  Love it! Keep your eyes open for something like this. You just never know when it might turn up. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE JEWELRY FINDS ON THE FLY

Haven’t had much time to sleuth, since I’m just about to take off again – BUT – my eye is always peeled for hidden treasure and I found it!  My first jewelry purchase in a while as I’m picky in that department.

Picky paid off today in a gold-tone Trifari bracelet from the 1950’s or ’60’s and a graduated necklace of black glass that is ’50’s or decades older, strung on a knotted cord.  Smart-looking, timeless mid-century accessories with elegant styling and high quality manufacture.  I’ll wear these for years!

It was a spur-of-the-moment investigation and I’m always prepared for those because – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN,  THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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SO SWEET – TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S PUMPS BY MISS AMERICA

SO SWEET - TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S PUMPS BY MISS AMERICA

OK, all you aspiring debutantes out there – here are a pair just for you! So sweet, and proper, and ladylike (but, they’re RED!). VERY 1960’s.

Also quite elegant – wearable with almost everything almost anytime. Shoes like this have always advertised the wearer’s good taste and sophisticated fashion sense.

But, hey, they’re also pretty cute! Imagine finding a 50-year-old pair of shoes in this condition – Fabulous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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AIRY 1960’s TRUE VINTAGE STILETTO PUMPS COVERED IN LACE

AIRY 1960's TRUE VINTAGE STILETTO PUMPS COVERED IN LACE

What could be prettier and more cool-looking over the next few weeks as the temperatures begin to rise?   These were made by Life Stride, the long-time shoe company that, I think, is still in business. They are fabric-covered all over with a peek-a-boo lace upper.

Fortunately, these were made during the time when quality materials and workmanship were still the standard.  I love it that the heels and toes are reinforced and that they are constructed to last!  What could be prettier for spring and summer wear . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MY TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S THAI SILK DRESSES

MY 1960'S THAI SILK DRESSES

Yes, you did see the one on the left a few days ago, but here’s my photo with both. The vibrant-colored fabric with such a rich hand makes these garments radiant and unique.

Thai silk is like no other. The fabric is so lustrous and with a hand-made texture. The colors are gorgeous, in beautiful combinations.

On top of that, the hand-tailoring of these garments makes them so beautifully detailed and fitted. Both of these dresses would have been custom-made for someone who was vacationing or living in Thailand or China.

And, of course, in classic styles that are as wearable now as they were in the 1960’s . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SILK BUTTON-FRONT FROCK

UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S SILK BUTTON-FRONT FROCK

Although the basic style of this dress is unremarkable, it is so unique!  100% lined silk in a beautiful paisley print. And, very well-tailored.

Cool and breezy, yet quite sophisticated. This is not a run-of-the-mill item.
I’ve never seen another like it.

Aside from its vintage, it doesn’t leave many clues. But, of course I love a mystery . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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