Tag Archives: shoes

HEADING BACK IN TIME AGAIN – ANOTHER RARE FIND IN EUROPE. MID-CENTURY LEATHER HIGH-HEEL PUMPS

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TRUE VINTAGE LEATHER SHOES

If you look closely, you’ll see that these pumps were Made In America.  When was the last time we saw that printed on something?  It’s always the U.S.A. now, and has been since the 1970’s, I think.

These beauties are from way before that time – 1940’s – 1960’s – and have wonderful leather construction.  Although you can’t see it in the photo, the heels are 3″ high and sturdy.

Though found in Ireland (Dublin, to be exact), it goes to show that trade for some goods was going on even back then.  Maybe this pair are from the early mid-century era when Europe suffered more than North America from the effects of war and had to import many goods that otherwise would have been made there.

We’ll never know the exact story of how these slippers danced their way across the Atlantic, but someone loved them well and they found their way to – guess who . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SCORE! SLEUTHING SUCCESS

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-1111121111111 Found two stores in Dublin today.  The first, run by a long-time vintage clothing expert, stocks beautiful true vintage from mid-century and before.  Men’s and women’s!  BETTY BOJANGLES.

The second discovery, right next door, sells excellent quality by the kilo.  I was able to find blouses and shoes while still meeting my standard for fabulous frugality.  THE VINTAGE FACTORY.

The perfect treasure-hunt .  .  .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

 

VINTAGE IN DUBLIN

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-1111121111111 Back to Western Europe and finding many vintage clothing shops here – concentrated in the Temple Bar area.  This won’t be any surprise to Dubliners, but worth a trek to anyone visiting the city.

I scoped out stores that are already listed in the reference section of my book, and was told about more which tend to hide from the mainstream.  A real gem is Jenny Vander, with a 40 – year history and full of beautiful true vintage from mid – century and before.  HUGE collection of costume jewelry!

Most  places stock  little older than the ’70’s or ’80’s, but the hidden gem might be discovered.  Prices are reasonable, but not a real bargain.  For a seasoned investigator, however .  .  .  .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

TRUE BLUES – MORE TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S DRESSES AND COORDINATING SHOES

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Two shades of blue – cornflower and sea blue – with shoes that go along, all from the same era. I’m stuck in the Sixties right now, and loving it!

Again, fitted sheath styles but with the extras that make them unique. Madge wears an embroidered frock with a sheer layer over an opaque liner. Stella is rocking a sleek number with matching tie belt – perfect elegant simplicity in beautiful shantung.

The slingback sandals in cornflower and white are European-made – often the best quality imaginable! The multi-color pumps are appliqued with flowers all over. Both are 100% leather.

I love, love, love finding true vintage clothing and accessories that perfectly complement each other. Like putting together more and more puzzle pieces . . . .
Such Fun!!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FASHIONABLE FOOTWEAR FROM FIFTIES FLORIDA – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S

IMG_0854 More “black & white”. From the fab Fifties, these heels with clear vinyl on the uppers are iconic 1950’s and iconic Miami Beach. Well-constructed in leather, of course.

Notice the maker’s name on one shoe and the name of the store that sold them on the other.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY OFF-WHITE SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS – AND A SHOE SUGGESTION

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A very pretty frock from the late 1950’s – early 1960’s.  I found this several years ago at an out-of-the-way sale.

Basically, it is a sheath with added tailoring details.  Metal zipper up the back and an attached bolero jacket, with big buttons in back.  The cummerbund waistband closes in back with hooks and eyes.

Very, very refined and elegant.  The mid-heel leather pumps are of the same era and make a perfect complement.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE. MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S STILETTO PUMPS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1950'S - EARLY 1960'S STILETTO PUMPS

Here’s a pair of shoes that I might wear with the dresses I’ve shown recently.  These needle-toe patent leather pumps are characteristic of late ’50’s to early ’60’s styles. The placement and shape of the heel is also characteristic.

I love the little cut-outs on the vamp.  Many shoes of that era had great details.

One of the things I like best are the company names stamped on the insoles.  The script is usually so interesting.  Although these are cracked inside, the outers are in great shape.

I’ve had new heel caps put on, but otherwise they will last for decades more.  The color is funky but fun, too!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGSPY.COM

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

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

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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