Well, the Australia – New Zealand adventure and sleuthing assignment is over. I’m coming home with a boot-full of loot and some interesting information about where to search and what you might find Down Under.
I must admit that I didn’t make an exhaustive search, and just shopped as a busy vacationer might do. BUT, I found wonderful items and learned some things about the former fashion industry in these two beautiful countries. As similar as our countries are, it was fun to discover the style and sizing differences that were unique here.
As small as the populations of these nations are compared to that of the U.S., both had some thriving clothing and fabric manufacturing businesses and industries back in the day. A few of them continue but many are gone for good. However, if you scout around you’re likely to uncover true vintage examples of locally-made garments and accessory items. Of course, the whole gamut of treasure includes things that were brought over from England and other countries, too.
There are many privately-owned shops which carry great finds. I visited a few that I’d researched before and found at least a couple more to include in my book. There are also a ton of familiar op-shops like Salvos (Salvation Army), Vinnies (St. Vincent de Paul) and many more which are dedicated to various charitable organizations. Even with limited time and transportation, it’s not hard to locate quite a few.
Accessories of many kinds (hats, handbags, jewelry), dresses, blouses, coats, lingerie, sleepwear, sweaters, shoes – all were seen. One thing I was told that you won’t find much of are woolens, but I disproved that assumption at least 4 times.
So, for many reasons Australia and New Zealand are highly-recommended countries. I loved it there and can’t say enough good about the wonderful people, fabulous wildlife and beautiful scenery. And, for lovers of the vintage clothing hunt it just goes to show what I always say –
You just never know . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Two days ago I had the privilege of talking with two of the owners of vintage clothing stores in Melbourne who have been doing business for years there. Both of these stores were included in my book’s reference section two years ago, but I hadn’t had the opportunity of meeting these women in person until now.
Nicole Jenkins, owner of CIRCA, is a true ‘grande dame’ of the vintage trade and has written several books. One was awarded a bronze medal by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Trained as a costume designer, she really knows her stuff down to the most technical details. I certainly learned new things during our short visit and her passion for the care and conservation of true vintage fashion items plus her wealth of knowledge earn my respect. She has lovely items for sale, plus a huge inventory behind the scenes – ranging from 1820’s to the present day. Well worth a visit.
“Annie” and her husband have operated RetroStar for eleven years and are real veterans among vintage-hunters. They have a delightful collection of remodeled true vintage and original true vintage, plus a smattering of new merchandise. Jewelry, accessories and clothing of all types – dresses galore. I especially enjoyed their relatively new “Forties/Fifties Room” that is filled with gems from those decades, in beautiful condition. No matter what you’re seeking, there’s sure to be something of interest. They bring in large numbers of “new” items every month. Don’t miss it – lots of fun.
So there – what a treat! Just another of the “perks” of my sleuthing investigations . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit a street market and found a great 1960’s dress that I’ll show on the blog soon. There were a few other treasures there – notably some beautiful old furs with unusual features. I didn’t need to add them to my collection (and, space is an issue when traveling) but I’m always interested in looking at examples of old pieces.
After that, I was privileged to be guided around downtown Melbourne and noticed several vintage-clothing shops. Didn’t have much time to stop, but I did run in to SHAG – one of the stores which is included in my book’s reference section, but which I had not visited personally since it’s my first trip down under.
So much fun to look at what’s on their racks and to meet the salesperson, Leah, to get an update on the business. They now have a website and on-line store, which will be added to their info in the book (a real advantage of using a digital format, rather than print).
I also discovered, sadly, that Anonymous Posh has closed. Sounds like it had a good run, though!
Such fun to poke around or true vintage fashion down here – it is different in interesting ways, but also the same. . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
As I’m getting a sense of the sleuthing in this country, where I’ve never been before, I’m learning a bit about vintage Australian brands and am very impressed with Australia’s network of charity stores.
The Salvation Army (shortened to SALVOS here) and St. Vincent de Paul (VINNIE’S) are VERY visible here. Both are leaders in providing assistance to the poor and disaster relief worldwide. I’ve been told that GOODWILL also has stores here, but I haven’t seen any yet.
There are numerous others, which are more local here and serve various causes, including the RED CROSS. Such a positive thing!
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
This sweater just looks plain-old normal, right? This is a back view and take a close look at the neckline for the short back zipper.
That’s one good clue that you’ve found a true vintage piece. There are others, too, of course. You have to be careful of the modern copy-cats.
You’ll find that the fit and construction of these garments is likely better than what you’d buy at retail now. And, of course, it has the unmistakable true vintage “look” that makes it different. I’ll put up another related post in a minute . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Path & more . . . . . . .
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Finding true vintage fashion items is not rocket science. But, it does involve many of bits of knowledge, experience and skill that come together to make you really successful. Each one may seem simple or even boring by itself, but together they make a BIG difference in my overall success. Of course, there are many more details involved with each one, but the basic idea is a good place to start.
FINDERS’ CLUE e26: HERE’S A “DON’T” TIP – DON’T AVOID BUYING TRUE VINTAGE COATS AND SUITS BECAUSE YOU THINK THEY ARE LIMITED IN HOW YOU CAN USE THEM.
So, now we’ve had a year’s worth of beginners’ tips & myth-busting for building your skills as a super sleuth for true vintage fashion. I’ll continue to publish them now and again, and the older posts are still available in the archives. Go forth and discover!
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblir & more
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Simple, slightly-fitted day-dress – casual or business-ready. You choose. Any style this classic and well-made can stand on its own in a variety of settings.
I have seen a lot of this color combo from the mid-1960’s and it always looks smashing with brown or black leather accessories. Bone will do nicely, too.
Jackie-O or classic Ray-Ban shades and a chunky coordinated necklace or scarf and there you go. Too cliche’? Cinch the waist and go Fifties, wear it with thigh-high boots and a biker jacket or, if you must, throw it over a pair of black leggings. Looks nicer on Madge, but she wasn’t with me when I took the photo.
When it comes to fashion, I tend to be a purist but when it comes to disguise . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblir & more . . . . . . ..
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Magicvintagespy 