ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY LEATHER CLUTCH PURSE

ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE 1950S/'60S LEATHER CLUTCH FOR THE VALENTINE'S DAY BASH

Accessories are EVERYTHING to an ensemble, so what to carry on an impromptu dressy occasion?   A true vintage bag, of course. This one doesn’t steal the show but demonstrates your exquisite taste and knowledge of quality.  I have many dressy bags, but this one is often my go-to choice.

It’s of gold leather and is lined in black rayon. The inside pocket, of course, contains its own little make-up mirror for touching up your lipstick throughout the night. No self-respecting true vintage handbag would come without one. If you’re a really successful sleuth, it will still be in it’s original little paper envelope.

The accessories that you carry or wear (this includes shoes) raise or lower the impression of your entire outfit. Genuine leather is always a preferred material, and quality construction.  Remember the phrase “well-heeled” to describe a person who is well-dressed and tasteful, referring especially to their choice of footwear?  That’s what it means!

It’s not the point to look for something expensive or flashy (better NOT flashy) if you are successful in the hunt for true vintage fashion.  It’s so much fun to spot that perfect bag hiding and waiting . . . . . you just never know . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY ’60S PARTY FROCK

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY '60S VALENTINE'S DAY FROCK

This dress is of heavy taffeta.  It looks so Spring-like, but in this substantial fabric and vibrant color it could stand on its own (almost literally!) any time of year.  The photo is of the back view, because of the cute bow.  In front, there is simple seaming at the waist for a cummerbund effect.  Very elegant and sweet, but also quite flattering with the shaped fit.

Love the salmon pink color! The material, 3/4 sleeves and netting under the skirt are so common for that time.  Such a beautiful fabric – I’ve found several dresses made of heavy taffeta from the late ’50’s to early ’60’s, in beautiful jewel tones. Would be perfect with a true vintage or modern FAUX rabbit stole ~ true vintage mink if you’re a real debutante.

As I’ve said before, when going for fur I choose true vintage (at least 50 years old) or faux/fake fur.  It is getting so good these days that you can have the look without the cruelty.  However, if I find a fur that is so old that buying it won’t support the current market for the fur trade, I go for it. There’s nothing like True Vintage.

This gown turned up a few years ago during one of my investigations. You just never know . . . . . .!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

FABULOUS FIND! FIREY RED TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950’S FROCK . . .

IMG_1467 IMG_1468Stella is doing a 1950’s Janet Leigh thing this time (she loves her wigs).  Just perfect in this custom-tailored red velveteen frock with rhinestone buttons and buckle.  It’s a little warm for this time of year – probably best for Christmas or Valentine’s Day – but, how could I resist?

It’s got those little pointy cuffs on the 3/4/ sleeves that are so stylish, and a very full skirt.  No lining or slip needed with this cotton velveteen fabric, as it’s very opaque and will be cuddly in cool weather.

The buttons and belt buckle are very nice, too.  Would be lovely to still have notions like this available at the corner store . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s – 1950’s RED VELVETEEN PARTY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S CHRISTMAS RED VELVETEEN PARTY DRESS

Staying in the spirit – looking back on the Christmas Dance (or ahead to the Valentine’s Day Dance)!  I just love this little circle skirt dress from the 1940’s – early 1950’s with sequins on the bodice.

Probably custom-tailored, with little cap sleeves and a skirt meant to swing.   Just right for dancing.

This is one of my favorite colors – good any season, but especially right when everything is white and gray outside.  Velveteen is also such a feel-good fabric.  You can’t beat rayon for drape, but velvet, silk, nylon and poly have their own lovely ways.

Zip up the back, waist-hugging style – there’s nothing too remarkable about the tailoring but it’s unmistakably TRUE VINTAGE, and  only the real thing that has that “look”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

DARK CHOCOLATE WITH A CHERRY ON TOP? EVERY GIRL LOVES CANDIES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY!

DARK CHOCOLATE WITH A CHERRY ON TOP?  EVERY GIRL LOVES CANDIES FOR VALENTINE'S DAY!

Moving into the mood for a special date on St. Valentine’s Day, how about a little silk jacket in sweet cherry red from the 1950’s over your LBD? I love this one in a red and black print.

Pictured here with a modern skirt, you could also top a dress or slacks with this one. The nice short length is very versatile. Leave it open over a pretty, simple shell or blouse or wear it closed.

Just a little smolder while you sip a red in some small cafe’ . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

VERY INTENSE ST. VALENTINE’S DAY SCARLET SHEATH FROM THE LATE 1950’S

VERY INTENSE ST. VALENTINE'S DAY SCARLET SHEATH FROM THE 1950'S

Now we’re getting REALLY serious – this velveteen sheath with a cowl neckline and fabulous shoulder tails is the ultimate chic. Dark red with a rayon lining – it’s one of a kind.  See how the drapes echo the LBD styles I’ve just found?

Imagine an entrance in THIS! Aside from the color, it’s not in-your-face, but would initiate and hold stares of wonder and disbelief.

You must be prepared to wear a dress like this, and it’s not for anyone without PRESENCE. Your date had better have some, too. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE EARLY ’60S STILLETTOS FOR THE VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE EARLY '60S STILLETTOS FOR THE vALENTINE'S PARTY

Since we’re doing accessories this Valentine’s Day, there are such a sweet collection of things to wear to a holiday party in my closet! These pink patent stilettos are some of my favorites.

From the Mad Men – Kennedy era, these pumps are beautiful 100% leather from top to bottom. No wonder they’ve lasted 50 years, and can go a lot longer. It’s hard (impossible?) to find modern shoes of this quality, so I always prefer my true vintage ones. They’re usually more comfortable, too.

I’ve got lots of lovely vintage shoes because I’m always finding them. You just never know . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S WIGGLE DRESS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

TRUE VINTAGE 1950S WIGGLE DRESS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

Oooh!  Wish I had a party to go to – you can be sure I’d wear this.  By Jonathan Logan in cherry-color velveteen.  Deep V-neck front and back, back zip.  The straight sleeves have short zippers at the wrists – a surprise feature that I’ve rarely seen excepting on wedding dresses.

Looks good on Madge, huh?  You can be sure that there are no pockets! Nothing shows off the figure like a “50s wiggle dress or 1930s bias-cut gown.  Women wearing these look nothing but elegant because they are cut and made so well.  Let’s bring back the days of high-quality, elegant AND alluring clothing again (but till then, I’m thrilled to be the Magicvintagespy. ) And, you just never know . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG;  MAGICVINTAGESPYCOM

A TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY CAPE AND GORGEOUS COAT FOR A CHILLY DAY

HOW ABOUT THESE WHERE THE TEMPS ARE STILL FRIGID?

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY CAPE AND GORGEOUS COAT FOR A CHILLY DAY

The temperatures are hovering Spring-like in some places, but I know that these wonderful garments can still be worn in many cities. One reason I still like cold weather is for the opportunity to wear lovely wool clothing.

The coat has a fabulous collar and stand-out sparkley rhinestone buttons, in my favorite red. I like to wear it in the evening.  They would both be from the 1950’s – early 1960’s.

The lovely woven cape came from San Francisco and was, undoubtedly, tailor-made with a silk lining bordered by about 6 inches of hand-done embroidery. It has arm slits for convenience, so I can easily substitute it for a coat or throw it quickly over anything else I might be wearing.

“Look, Fred – who’s that mysterious woman? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE…

View original post 16 more words

TWO TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY EVENING COATS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

TWO TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY EVENING COATS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

Here’s another view of the green evening coat I like to show for St. Patrick’s Day – this time with a more versatile and elegant style from the same decade.  These coats are from the 1950’s/1960’s. Lighter-weight fabrics and fresh colors make them suitable for mild evenings.

So fun, with a little sparkle, the one on left is more subtle with just a bit of pattern in the glossy pale yellow material.  Both have easy, elegant styling but the coat on the right is in-your-face BRIGHT with a silky emerald floral jacquard and huge collar.  VERY much a sign of it’s time.

It’s so important for me to have alternative disguises available . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM