THE MYSTERIOUS CRAFT OF MANIFESTING TRUE VINTAGE FASHION: FINDERS’ CLUE #23

    FINDING TRUE VINTAGE FASHION ITEMS IS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE, BUT IT DOES REQUIRE KNOWLEDGE, SKILL & EXPERIENCE TO BE REALLY GOOD AT IT.  THESE TIPS MAY SEEM SIMPLE AND EVEN BORING BY THEMSELVES, 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 WHERE TO START. . . . . . .

FINDERS’ CLUE #23:  MOST PROBLEMS WITH OLD CLOTHING AND ACCESSORY ITEMS THAT ARE AGE-RELATED CAN BE SOLVED WITH PATIENCE, SKILL AND EXPERIENCE.

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

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Book:  How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

ALL THE NEWS THAT’S FIT TO PRINT . . . . . . . . . . ..

      First off, thanks everybody for BEST DAILY VIEWS COUNT YESTERDAY!!!  So many cool and interesting people following – it’s so much fun to see your sites, respond to your comments and welcome kindred spirits . . . . .. . . . .

      Mexico is lovely and highly recommended as a trip destination!  People are very gracious and refined.  Never felt threatened in any way, whether in Mexico City, Acapulco or Taxco.  The historical sites are very well-presented and the Museum of Anthropology is world-class.

     No, overall it’s not a vintage-hunter’s paradise but I did discover one large market selling second-hand clothing from the U.S. where you might find a couple of treasures if you have several hours to do a thorough search. At the bus station, I saw a young woman who was dressed in such an artistic way, I knew I had to introduce myself.  Surprise – we share our name!  I knew this was a good sign.  She clued me in to a place to look, where she had found a Pucci tie several weeks before. Thanks, K. Morgana! Later that week, I was able to spend 2 hours and turned up a like-new pair of Dr. Scholl’s original exercise sandals (leather and wood with polyurethane outsoles) in MY SIZE. Still the best. What color? RED!! I’ll show them when we move into summer. . . . . .

Right now, that red means, of course, St. Valentine’s Day and I’ve got a lovely line-up to show this week. . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

ALMOST HOME . . . . . . . . . . .

     Not sure whether I´ll be able to post tomorrow, so I´ll add an extra one today.  Back home in a couple of days, where I´ll resume the MYSTERIOUS CRAFT OF MANIFESTING TRUE VINTAGE FASHION Finders´ Clues and fill you in on the sleuthing details in Mexico.  It´s been a fabulous trip!

Morgana

NOTABLE NOTES RE: SHOES IN MEXICO CITY

     Well, yes, I was properly informed that vintage-hunting here is not particularly fruitful (practically non-existent).  There is a market on the weekends (Lagunillas) that apparently has some flea market characteristics and you MIGHT find something, but don´t hold your breath.  There are also TONS of modern clothing and shoe stores.  Most things are pretty or cute-looking at first glance, but cheaply made.  I wouldn´t bother.

     However, the guidebook we´re using mentioned a shoe museum over an older shoe store at 27 Bolivar Street that is MUST SEE for any vintage-lover or curious fashionista.  No charge, upstairs.  It was established by the store owner and has many display cases of shoes, mostly women´s but some men´s, very nicely displayed.  1800´s – 2000, in lovely condition.  I got a few photos which I may show later, but had to stop because my camera was flashing.

     Also of note, I saw yesterday in the same district (4-5 blocks south of the Zocalo, historical district) another shoe store with an older storefront (many here have been around for decades) with the brand name Bandolino on front, over the display windows.  I have found many shoes by this brand to be of good quality and excellent styling.  I had to look in the window and was not disappointed.  The construction appeared to be a cut above and the styles very classic and chic.  Though modern, many echoed vintage styles and would look good with many true vintage ensembles.  Moderate prices, averaging $80.00 U.S. currency.  I was tempted by a pair of two-tone pumps with half-inch platforms, perforations and a bow on the vamp but I didn´t buy.  I´m so spoiled by the real thing, and much better prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

 

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

Book:  How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1960’S – 1970’S LEATHER SHOES – CUTE & BUSINESS-LIKE, TOO

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S - 1970'S LEATHER SHOES - CUTE & BUSINESS-LIKE, TOO

These pumps are a perfect cross between cute and stylish shoes and sensible footwear for an office or on-your-feet job.  They’d go great with the slacks, skirts or dresses of that mid-century time.

By Air Step, one of the earlier makers of mid-priced shoes and purses that were sold all over the U.S. – almost like chain stores do now, but with a bit more personal feel.  There was a whole basket of them then, some with a little more prestige than others.

I just love finding items that are hardly worn – it tells me such a story about the former owner, who cared for her wardrobe and used it lightly.  Of course, there could be other explanations, but I’ve seen so many examples of this with older items that it seems like the most plausible explanation.  The attitude toward clothing before 1970 was very different than what it is today.

This pair reminds me of the Mod British influence in the late ’60’s, with the short tie vamp and no tongue – it’s just decorative – they slip on.  I also like the combination of smooth and suede leather and always love dark brown.

It’s a good work shoe, too.  Comfortable to stand and walk in. Just right to wear with that pleated skirt or secretary dress . . . . . . . . ..

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

A FUN SOUVENIR SWEATER FROM LAS VEGAS – 1960’S – 1970’S.

A FUN SOUVENIR SWEATER FROM LAS VEGAS – 1960'S – 1970'S..

A FUN TRUE VINTAGE SOUVENIR SWEATER FROM 1960’S LAS VEGAS

A FUN SOUVENIR SWEATER FROM LAS VEGAS - 1960'S - 1970'S.

Someone was tempted to remember their mid-century trip-of-a-lifetime to Las Vegas with a splashy embroidered sweater, before the time of T-shirts being worn every day and taking over as souvenirs of our vacations. Same idea, different era.  What happened in Vegas didn’t always stay there.

The most fun fashions have usually fallen somewhere along the spectrum of bad taste, and this one is no exception – how could you not love it?!  Like almost all souvenir items, it’s not of exceptional quality – but it still has lasted 50 years in good condition.  You won’t find anything exactly like it now.

Knit of acrylic yarn, for purely casual wear – our adventurous gambler maybe wore it to her weekly card games or just to advertise her trip to an “exotic” destination. Going to Vegas used to be a much bigger deal than it is today.  After all, it was Mafia territory, full of high rollers and shady ladies.  Some things never change  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

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

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

A FABULOUS FIND – MOD GEOMETRIC PRINT SIXTIES KNIT TUNIC

A FABULOUS FIND – MOD GEOMETRIC PRINT SIXTIES KNIT TUNIC.

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – ’70’S POLYESTER FUNKY ART PRINT SHIRTS

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S – '70'S POLYESTER SHIRTS.