Tag Archives: shopping tips

TRUE VINTAGE 1970´S PRAIRIE DRESS – WITH ALL THE FRILLS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis is the sweetest thing from that era, and very well-made, in a peachy-pink tone.  It´s all lined, in beautiful sheer fabric, covered with lace and details.

Not sure if this might have been a Prom dress years ago, or just for a special occasion.  It´s a possibility for street wear now.

So iconic of that time, I just had to pick it up – like another that will be shown in a day or two . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1960´S BLOUSES ON THE RUNWAY THIS WEEK – NEW TREASURES

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I couldn´t believe my good fortune last week – half a dozen blouses, as well as shoes and dresses.  These are somewhat rare finds, so I always do a happy dance!

Yes, they look very unremarkable in the photos, but I think you trust my snooping skills well enough to follow along while I explain what is so cool about them.

The blouse on the left is in a wonderful, semi-sheer and shimmery mid-century synthetic fabric that is just so pretty.  It also has darts at the shoulders, front and back, that not only make the fit special but also are pretty details that can be seen.  The little Peter Pan collar is very feminine and early ´60´s all the way!

On the right, a Levis shirt is just special in it´s casual sort of way for the fit and the ´60´s sportswear flavor that it will add to my high-waist blue jeans – a favorite everyday look when I´m at home.

Although you might think that “I could go to Walmart and buy shirts like that any time . . . .”, no, no, no.  These jumped out at me from the midst of a crowded rack and they´ll do the same when I wear them.  People who pay attention to fashion – even in a casual sort of way – can usually spot it when they see someone wearing something a little bit different, even if they don´t know why . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SHIRTWAIST DRESS BY HENRY LEE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWell, this computer has distorted my image a bit, but use your mind´s eye.  I haven´t run across a dress of this style for some time, so I was excited to see it.  It`s also a name brand that I have discovered before, so it was double fun!

Midi-length shirtwaist style with round, faceted black plastic buttons that look like jet.  The print is black on red and it´s made of a swishy synthetic fabric.  Designed with a classic tie at the neckline – very traditional, but smart.  No shoulder pads this time.

I always enjoy finding this style, which has been popular since the 1930´s and keeps showing up in new incarnations each decade.  It was a lovely surprise when I was scouting in new territory.  As always, you just never know . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGSPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY – FABULOUS BLACK & WHITE LEATHER PUMPS AND A GREAT BAG

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Aren’t these shoes beautiful? The design is so unique, and the quality is wonderful. Smooth white and black patent leather.

This handbag is vinyl and like so many from the 1950’s and 1960’s – HOWEVER, I like it because it has two full compartments, a mid-night navy satin lining, sewn vinyl handle rather than a chain and smart-looking hardware. It’s a great partner to these marvelous shoes, which . . . . .

will never go out of style and will always get attention and compliments!!!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S ATOMIC COSTUME JEWELRY BROOCH

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Gold-plated planets and rhinestone stars orbiting the sun or Jupiter or something way out there . . . . I went back the next day to snag this piece of costume jewelry because it really called me. It’s so iconic of the Fifties decade!

Although it may have come from a “dime store” originally, I love it. Just so cosmic . . . .. .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

SHOE TREASURE! TRUE VINTAGE DE LISO SWEET SIXTIES SLINGBACK PUMPS

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This is just the first of at least 3 pairs of fabulous true vintage shoes that I’ve just uncovered. De Liso footwear is always the most wonderful thing to find because of their quality, styling and the company history – since the 1920’s.

As with all quality shoes from the early Nineties and before, I love the leather foot-liners and gold-embossed lettering inside. Plus, the heels and soles last forever and can always be repaired when the time finally comes.

Crocodile-embossed leather in a lady-like mid-century slingback style that is always elegant. This pair looks like a spring-summer one, but could go year-round in warmer climates, even during the fall and winter months, because they are in winter white, so classic and obviously well-made. You can’t get by with that in cheaper footwear – doesn’t look “right”.

These are the least edgy of the shoes so far, but I’m always excited by the classics, too. Rocks my inner Grace Kelly.. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

1950’S/EARLY 1960’S DRESSY BLOUSE & THE PERFECT SWEATER-GIRL SLIP FOR MARILYN

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This blouse is a good example of dressy styles that were popular right around the time of the Kennedy era. It’s a large size and, without a model, it’s hard to get the best pictures of each of these, but I’m sure that your discerning eyes can pick out the important details.

The blouse is made in two layers – one more opaque covers the torso and an illusion layer floats on top and creates the sheer sleeves. They are my favorite feature of this garment – it’s otherwise too fussy for me, but this kind of blouse was very much in vogue with average women.

The hem is finished with a band, intended to wear untucked over dressy slacks or a long skirt. As with many blouses made then, it buttons up the back and has a fold-over collar. The ruffle in front is just feminine decoration. . . . .

NOW FOR THE SLIP – this is an OLD one that I couldn’t resist. The fabric is heavy rayon-type and it has very interesting seaming. Of course, the hardware is made of metal. It’s an everyday piece of lingerie, without much decoration. This feature is one of it’s best – makes it perfect to wear under this blouse because there’s no issue of trimmings showing through.

Although it’s so practical in this way, this slip is really the perfect undergarment for a sweater-girl. You can see in the photo that the bodice is sewn as cups that are seamed to a point. Just right to wear over your bullet-bra! It’s also seamed front and back to fit very closely to the waist and hips. No unsightly folds or creases under your cashmere.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

ANOTHER FABULOUS DAY FOR SLEUTHING!

file0001209214386 ebook cover #1 (1)In between enjoying the beautiful vistas of our American West, and the museums, and the food –  I’ve had phenomenal fun and good fortune doing some detecting on the side.

Although some of the Eighties, Nineties and Seventies stuff is really great, I’ve been having close encounters with the items I like best – from the 1960’s and before.

Blouses/shirts, long dresses, nightwear and wonderful shoes were all in the treasure chest and I’ll get them on the blog soon.  Also can’t wait to see how they look on Stella and Madge.   Stay tuned  . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

NEW FINDS! TRUE VINTAGE DRESSY DRESS AND MID-CENTURY EARRINGS IN EMERALD

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Both true vintage, but from very different eras. This sophisticated late 1980’s/1990’s Maggie London silk dress is an uptown and toned down version of Eighties does Forties(with modest shoulder pads and 3/4 sleeves) that reflects a flashier side of the city chic style going on at that time, when “black was back”. I love black, but am so happy to report that the monotone of that decade was broken by vivid, jewel colors, too. Silk was also popular then and some very good quality was still being used.

Speaking of vivid and jewels, I also found this beautiful pair of faux emerald costume clip-on earrings from the Fifties that are a perfect complement. Beautiful stones, in excellent condition – I have others that would go with the dress, but these seemed perfect! I’m usually very selective when collecting evidence . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

A VERY SWEET TRUE VINTAGE NIGHTGOWN & ROBE SET FROM THE 1960’S

IT’S WONDERFUL TO ENJOY BEAUTIFUL SLEEPWEAR AS THE NIGHTS COOL DOWN . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A VERY SWEET TRUE VINTAGE NIGHTGOWN & ROBE SET FROM THE 1960'S

This is a really nice little nightwear combo. The early ’60’s is just about the last time we’ll find the truly beautiful things. With the exception of some exclusive designer or handmade item, the trims are not nearly as lovely as during the ’50’s and before and the quality of the nylon or silk is noticeably inferior when you get into the mid ’60s and ’70’s.

As I’ve said before, in my opinion you can’t improve much on 1930’s, 1940’s and 1950’s lingerie/sleepwear when it comes to overall quality and luxurious beauty. The fabrics from that time and the craftsmanship of the trimming detail is the best!

This is not a va-va-va-voom ensemble, but it is lovely and, if you wish it to be, very sexy in its own way. The embroidery trim is done well and the buttons are the nice sturdy and well-formed little pearlized ones that I always love on true vintage nightwear…

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