Tag Archives: shopping-tips

ANOTHER FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S RAYON SHIRTWAIST DRESS AND LINGERIE SLIP

IMG_0991Navy blue again, with a white print.  Shoulder pads; the whole bit.   I just LOVE this style!   Forties rayon drapes so nicely, feels lovely and has a beautiful sheen. Shoulder pads and a belted waist are so flattering to many women and I love the prism-cut rhinestone buttons, too.

Pictured here with the rayon slip I wear with it.  Vintage nylon is wonderful, but rayon and silk slips are, also.  I like to combine similar fabrics  to my dresses in the undergarments I wear with them, if I can, or at least to match eras.

Also, woven peep-toe heels with ankle straps.  These are from the Forties or early Fifties and are also favorites.  All that’s missing are a garter and nylons, a handbag and jewelry – maybe a hat . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s/1950’S/1960’s NATURAL POLISHED STONE JEWELRY

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Good with almost anything, a variety of jewelry items for women and men with polished semi-precious stones were really popular in the mid-century. Necklaces, bracelets, pins, sweater clips,cuff links, tie pins, rings – you name it.

Generally, these pieces were not of fine construction in gold or silver, but they lasted a long time anyway. Sometimes they came in sets, as the pendant and bracelet pictured at top. Often people would purchase them at vacation sites as souvenirs. Hobbyists sometimes made them at home, too.

I like to wear mine with many outfits, from casual to semi-dressy. It’s a real iconic mid-century touch.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE WIND-UP WATCHES: A CLASSIC AND FEMININE ACCESSORY

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I collect these in high-quality and stylish examples. Yes, you’ll have to wind it briefly once or twice a day and learn how to do that correctly, but no big deal. It’s well worth it and any minor repair for the fashion effect.

Silver and gold are out there, as well as base metal pieces. I look for delicate design and pretty straps.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE CINCH BELTS – AN ESSENTIAL ACCESSORY

Whenever I discover a great vintage belt, I pounce.  Even if I don’t have a specific outfit to pair it with, it’s always worth the investment.  These two are probably from the ’70’s or ’80’s.

What makes these different? We see so many cheap, giltzy things now that it would be easy to miss them if you’re not a skilled investigator.

The gold-color serpentine belt is well-constructed. The black sequined belt is, as well, with a metal buckle. Both have stretch built in, so they are great to dress up frocks and tunics that need a little “extra”, with an adjustable fit.

Makes completing a mid-century vintage outfit a snap, while staying true to the era.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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TRUE VINTAGE SEVENTIES DOES FORTIES BLOUSE AND HIGH-WAIST PANTS

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Two finds from the 1970’s, put together perfectly.  I love the cute 1940’s vibe;  these pieces were made in the early 1970’s when that style was revived.  The shirt was from Sears Junior Bazaar and the slacks made by a company called Beeline. How fun!

The pants are long, so they’re great with platform sandals – another thing popular at that time – also part of the 1940’s retro thing.  As a true vintage sleuth, it’s so fun to watch how the styles go around and come around again.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE BLACK & WHITE KNIT DAY DRESS – SO SMART AND CHIC!

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I have found several of these elegant black and white styles from the ’60’s and ’70’s – and wear them a lot.  As versatile as a Little Black Dress for day and fun to accessorize.  If made by a well-known clothing company or designer, the workmanship was good .

Polyester knits made up until the early 1970’s were usually very nice – good quality and with a substantial feel and nice drape.  A well-made dress or pant-suit could take you through 3 seasons of the year.  Although similar-looking dresses are made now, the older ones almost always have superior tailoring and fabric.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL WEDDING GOWN AND VEIL FROM 1940

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I’ve really been scoring the RARE finds over these past few weeks – older garments and accessories, iconic styles and items in great condition!  Can’t wait to get back to Headquarters and put this wartime bridal ensemble on Stella, who is the only one of my models who will be able to wear it.  Until then, I’ll tell you the story of this lovely gown and it’s matching veil.  As an additional blessing, the tale comes directly from the original family.

Although many brides were wearing suits and shorter dresses to be married in 1940, this bride chose the traditional full-length gown and veil for her ceremony.  It was purchased through a well-known department store, where her father was a buyer, and may have come from Europe.  The rayon dress is not a high-end item, but is an iconic design of the time and elegant in it’s simplicity.  An unusual feature is the antique ivory color, which is original.  The full-length veil of fine netting with embroidery flows from a delicate headband decorated with dried flowers and vines.

The gown was stored away after the wedding and cherished by the family for many years.  Now, I will continue to care for it with the love and respect it deserves.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE FROCK AND MATCHING JACKET FROM THE EARLY 1960’S

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Found yesterday!  A beautiful cotton sundress with matching bolero jacket.  These lady-like dresses were popular in the early 1960’s for everyday wear.  Perfect for a day at the county fair.

Another reason for the good condition is the quality of the fabric and the workmanship.  A maker’s tag is still at the neckline and indicates that it was from an upscale mid-priced clothing line.

It’s another rare find.  I’m always so thrilled with the lovely tailoring details on these older dresses.  As usual, someone cherished this one and took excellent care – there’s hardly a bit of wear.  Just another day in the life of . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S ITALIAN KIDSUEDE PUMPS

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1960’S KENNEDY ERA HEELS

Well, as of yesterday I’ve gone back to Europe again, but only in terms of the origin of some of my most recent finds.  Nothing (much) is better than Italian leather and these early 1960’s shoes are no exception.  Kid-suede and reptile with leather soles – ummmm. . . .

Excepting for the need for new heel caps (a minor detail), they are in beautiful condition.  100% leather construction is a major plus and means, that with good care, these mid-heel pumps can last a lifetime.

Nothing more classic, nothing more high-quality and nothing more iconic early – Sixties than these . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

GOOD-BYE TO EUROPE WITH A TRUE VINTAGE 1980’S NEW WAVE BLOUSE

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1980’S NEW WAVE BLOUSE

This is the last of the blouses that I picked up in Dublin, for two reasons.  First is the New Wave design, which was a fun and rather avante garde style element of the early 1980’s, even in some mainstream clothing.  Second is the brand name – Shapely.  That company made some nice pieces in the 1980’s, so I often pick them up when I find them.

Otherwise, it’s not a remarkable garment, as most things made from that time on have not been.  Tomorrow we’ll head back to the 1960’s, 1950’s and 1940’s again – much more interesting territory for a true vintage hunter . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM