She’d just pull out the latest edition of her McCalls Needlework magazine. And, of course, there is the Christmas Pageant, too . .. . .
I can’t believe the intricacy of these home-sewing DIY patterns. Women used to do this all the time!
Once when I was a kid, my (I thought) non-sewing grandmother did whip up a very convincing 1960’s black collarless jacket for me when I wanted to be a Beatle for Halloween. Who knew? . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Whether in the parade or afterward, at the big game, some high-school girl or coed strutted her stuff in this set. Sorry that I don’t know what school it was associated with, but she must have kept her letters as memorabilia. Styling and construction put it in the Sixties or Seventies.
Again, a super-seasonal find which makes it all the more fun. Won’t be a keeper in the long run, but we were approaching Halloween when this turned up. I’ve got lots of “new” things which could make dynamite costumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another rare find! This one was not a high-end item when it was made, but it is an iconic piece with mink-trimmed sleeves. I have a few of these garments with sleeves like this but don’t find them often.
Metallic thread on sheer black fabric, with “Autumn Haze” mink cuffs. Buttons up the back. Back in the day, companies that produced medium-priced clothing still made some “luxury” items that the average woman could afford, and they made them well.
What a pleasure to discover this one!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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Box bags were quite popular during the mid-century. Here’s an example from the 1960’s or 1970’s.
This one was made in Italy, where many beautiful handbags were, and still are, made. It doesn’t have a smidge of leather on it, which Italy is usually famous for, but it is still very well constructed.
After all these years, the hardware remains shiny and unblemished. The woven exterior looks almost new, as does the interior. Although it helps that this purse was used little if at all, age and storage can wreak havoc on many items – especially if they are not of good quality.
So, if you haven’t stored your treasures with care, they can deteriorate simply from sitting still while they wait for you to enjoy them. Keeping them dust-free and clean, inside and out, is important. Don’t store them in places where the temperature or humidity are too high or too low. If the item is made of natural materials, using a quality conditioning lotion made for the material once in a while will make a big difference in their appearance and durability. Lotions and sprays made for leather, skins and wicker are available. Even vinyl can be conditioned with products made for car interiors. That’s my wisdom for the day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Look! I found another woven metal mesh Glomesh bag – this time a black one. Photographed on two different backgrounds to enhance the details. So nice to have two colors. Also, love this wonderful macrame’ bag in a similar style.
The Glomesh purses were very popular here – a real Australian company. The white bag doesn’t have a brand name inside. Sixties or early Seventies, both of these purses have survived in great condition. I will really enjoy using them!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I have TONS of true vintage handbags and won’t show them all, but I’ll post examples of really lovely ones or unusual styles. This one is croc-embossed leather with out-of-the-ordinary style and color.
True vintage handbags are one of the greatest bargains available, wherever you find them. Today’s purses don’t hold a candle to them in terms of quality or design.
The leather is usually of a high grade and the workmanship is exceptional. Hardware is also more interesting and of better quality than most used today.
Some even came with a small mirror included inside, in a cellophane or waxed paper envelope. Although they sometimes are not meant to hold a lot of stuff, they are elegant and send the message of strong fashion sense and good taste.
And, it is possible to find true vintage bags that are quite roomy, if you know exactly what you are looking for. This one has plenty of room, even for a small pair of binoculars . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I already have many tooled leather handbags in my collection, but it’s always open to another unique and high-quality item. These purses are SO special, because they are hand-made, one-of-a-kind and often tell a story. This one is beautifully-done, has older traditional motifs and a DOG(!), which always captures my heart. It was probably a tribute to a beloved pet and is signed by the maker – no relation to me, but what a coincidence!
And, in beautiful condition – I’ll enjoy this one for a long time.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
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
Needlepoint totes and sassy little clutch purses were very popular in the late 1950’s – mid-1960’s. I’m tickled to find these great examples that will be so practical and fun to carry! Love the touch of asymmetry in the designs of both.
Although modern shoulder straps can make today’s monster purses quite handy when only a large handbag will do, I often prefer the design of older ones – and they’re better-made, too, unless you want to pay hundreds of dollars (and even then, it’s no guarantee – shame, shame on modern makers).
Anyway, these pretties got tucked into my closet and will come out soon – so perfect for the season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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