MILLINERY SHOPS IN POLAND!

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-111112111111Although the vintage clothing shops are few and far between in this country, I have seen some wonderful services in the larger cities.  Millinery shops!

Just imagine – it would not be difficult to have hats custom-made on a regular basis, and prices are very good here.  That would have been such a dream of luxury for our grandmothers.

Also, I’ve seen clothing shops where they advertise the lost art of bra-fittings.  Back in the day, department stores and clothing stores had clerks who knew how to do this correctly.  Like proper shoe fittings, it was an expected service.  Good luck finding it now!

Off to Dublin , where  I’ll have some very busy sleuthing to do.  Stay tuned .  .  .

 

MORGANA MARTIN,  THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

 

WOVEN SUMMER – WEIGHT VERSION OF THE CLASSIC COWBOY HAT – MADE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA BY SMITHBILT

WOVEN SUMMER - WEIGHT VERSION OF THE CLASSIC COWBOY HAT - MADE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA BY SMITHBILT

Just as classic as the wool felt version, this beautiful Smithbilt hat is also of the highest quality.   Not sure when it was made – these enduring styles and handmade constructions are almost ageless.

Contrasting two-tone woven-in design & leather bands inside and out.  The weaving is tight and even.   This hat will also last forever (almost) if it’s taken care of.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE LADIES’ HAT – 1940’S / 1950’S

A FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE LADIES' HAT - 1940'S / 1950'S

One of my very favorites – this Spring hat is so distinctive and unusual. With classic lines and straightforward coloring, but a surprising and flattering asymmetrical trim.

That feature reminds me of a green hat that Greer Garson wore in the WWII movie Mrs. Miniver. To die for . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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2 LARGE-BRIMMED TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S DECORATED SPRING HATS

2 LARGE-BRIMMED TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S DECORATED SPRING HATS

Unusual, large-brimmed hats with netting and decoration.  Marlene and Celia are de la mode.  One is black with black decoration, the other in navy with large rose-colored flowers.

If tipped back, they might qualify as “picture hats”, made to frame the face beautifully. I think, however, that they were intended to be worn as photographed and to shade and accent the brow.

What a striking addition to an ensemble for a sophisticated outing or Easter Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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FOR EASTER, CHURCH OR A ST. PATRICK ‘S DAY DRESSY EVENT, A TRUE VINTAGE GREEN FEATHER HAT IS CHIC!

FOR CHURCH OR A ST. PATRICK'S DAY DRESSY EVENT, A GREEN FEATHER HAT IS CHIC!

No matter when you wear the green hat, it’s going to draw attention. So, why not St. Paddy’s Day? The black and white number with artistic feather trim is also to die for.  Chin straps were so practical.

These two are from the 1950’s and/or 1940’s. Marlene and Celia are feeling pretty “haute mode”.

Just love feather hats, and I’ll be showing some more before the Spring fashion parade is through. Notice that we’ve also got a veil. . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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CUTE TRUE VINTAGE RED HAT FROM THE 1950’S OR BEFORE . . . . . .

CUTE TRUE VINTAGE RED HAT FROM THE 1950'S OR BEFORE . . . . . .

Here’s Marlene in a great hat – might look good with that bright red ’40’s suit shown a few days ago . . . . . . .. It’s a beanie style with a tassel, all in Valentine red wool.

This is another example of what I call “witty” vintage style – fun, even amusing, details or designs that just make us smile. True vintage is full of that in a much better way than I ever see it done now.

Take a look at the necklace, too. I’ve got another picture of it coming later, but this one might even have better detail resolution.

Time to switch a bit, away from the truly Wintery-looking things. The hat collection is coming, plus some jewelry – though most of that will be later – maybe this summer. Got to get through the LBD’s first, and the shoes, some more Springy things plus the odd this and that which always turns up.  In other words, stay tuned . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ELEGANT SMALL TRUE VINTAGE SPRING OR SUMMER HATS IN CELLOPHANE STRAW

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Very tidy and elegant, these small hats would look lovely with many outfits, from black to pastels. From the Fifties or early Sixties, they are a quintessential lady-like finish to your ensemble.  Beautiful face-framers – perched on the crown.

They are made of cellophane straw, a popular mid-century hat material.  Subtle and chic, but oh, so glamorous. . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE FUR HAT BONANZA – A TOQUE IN CURLY LAMB

This was another one worth nabbing, because though I have similar curly lamb hats in black and marled grey, I didn’t have a luscious chocolate brown like this one.

It’s got a beautiful, architectural design that makes me think of the 1940’s.  It’s true vintage but is so classic that I can’t date it exactly.  Again, in near-perfect condition.

Curly lamb seems to be one of the furs that is easiest to replicate in imitation form, so go for it if you can’t find a real one made in the 1960’s or before.  Leave anything modern on the racks or, preferably, on the animals’ backs.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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RABBIT FUR TOQUE HAT FROM THE SIXTIES

IMG_1722Here’s a fun find which is different from anything I own (so far). I’d put this on with my black wool sheath and some black leather boots!  It’s a perfect partner to the dress shown earlier today.

Can’t say who made it as the label has gone missing, but I suspect that it was a from women’s dress shoppe or a large department store when they used to have specialty departments for millinery, shoes and furs.  Ladies enjoyed buying a new hat  the same way we focus on shoes today.

As I always say, I never buy modern fur but enjoy the old, old ones while they last.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTGESPY

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A BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE HAND-MADE VEILED HAT

IMG_1721Another “new” find.  That’s all you’ll be seeing for quite a while now!

This hat looks like a spring/summer model in pink and grey.  I can’t say exactly how old it is, as the milliner may still be in business.  But, it’s seen some wear (the veiling has some tears inside) and it was made to the standards of older hats with a liner, grosgrain ribbon inner band and little loops to catch pins in order to anchor the hat to your hair.  The ornament would be worn in back.

The fabric feels like a rayon/poly-type blend and the veiling is very nice.  My guess is that it’s “relatively new” (like within 10 – 20 – 30 years ago), but made with materials that are specially produced for “hatters” and that probably won’t make them mad unless they sniff too much adhesive.

Constructed to the traditional standards, for women who continue to prefer a hat for occasions such as church, weddings, funerals and such.  I’m happy to see that, although not quite as wonderful as older, true vintage hats almost always are, it’s certainly a cut above what is usually made now.  It’s only small, individually-owned shops that are run by someone who loves the art of millinery which produce hats of this caliber today.

Hope you all had a wonderful Halloween – my favorite holiday of the year . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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