LATE 1970s TRUE VINTAGE BOHO TOP

LATE 1970s TRUE VINTAGE BOHO TOP

i bought this little blouse in about 1977. It is by a company called Nirvana (not the same as the stores that have been around lately or the music group of the same name). Made in India, of cotton. Again, it looks a lot like stuff sold today. The only differences are that the cotton fabric is nicer and the embroidery design is done better than what I usually see now. The stitching is also better – one reason why I still have it after 36 years!

Although it would look better on my mannequin, Madge, there is no special fit. The shoulder straps are adjustable and the waist is a drawstring tie. Mostly, it’s very typical of the time it was made – the sort of thing that everybody wore in the summer.

Most of my true vintage is older than this and has much more interesting style, which is very different from today (excepting for the copycats, if you don’t look too closely). But, I thought I’d go ahead and share these to show you that the differences between true vintage and modern are still there, but are harder to spot after the 1960s.

ARE YOU FRUSTRATED BY: YOU JUST NEVER KNOW. . . . . . . . . .?!!!

The magic of vintage-spying for me is the unplanned surprises, the phenomenal discoveries and the fabulous savings that I encounter all the time.  I have built a great wardrobe that lets me mix and match in a really unique and personal way, as well as looking elegant, striking and appropriate in vintage clothing almost anywhere. (I MIGHT buy something at retail when I am invited to visit with Queen Elizabeth).

But, . . . .  I know that there are times when you have a specific kind of vintage item in mind or a special outfit to put together in a hurry and that requires a very focused shopping strategy.  I haven’t talked about that when showing off my closet, because I find most of my wardrobe by using my skills and experience and I own clothing that will work almost anytime.

 When I do want to find a specific thing, I know of lots of stores and on-line boutiques that specialize in vintage clothing . I can visit them because I have done so before or I have talked with them and I know that they have quality merchandise and know their business really well.  I don’t have a degree in costume design (though my sister does).  My confidence comes from lots of time spent looking and learning.  I always say “You just never know . . .” because that is my everyday experience and it is SO FUN!  I always find the most wonderful true vintage stuff.

So, don’t be frustrated.  I used to be sometimes, too.  It IS out there, and it’s waiting. You really just never know . . . . . . .

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s COAT & DRESS ENSEMBLE BY A CHICAGO DESIGNER

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s COAT & DRESS ENSEMBLE BY A CHICAGO DESIGNER.

REMEMBER – THIS BLOG PUBLISHES PICTURES OF ONLY ONE VINTAGE-HUNTER’S CLOSET: MINE!

This is the plunder of my years as the Magicvintagespy, from my own closets.  There are no photos from web archives, magazines, etc.  Many other people do that beautifully.

 Here, I want to show you what’s out there ….. just around the corner, waiting for you . . . . .   Although I’ve found some great things years ago, most of what I have and you will see has been discovered very recently and everything is a surprise!

Keep your mind open about what you may find rather than looking only for the faddish styles.  It’s the best way to be unique, and you just never know . . . . . .

 

 

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy

Blog: Magicvintagespy.com Google+, Facebook.com, Twitter & Pinterest

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

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s – ’50s LIGHTWEIGHT KNIT SWEATER OR BLOUSE

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s – '50s LIGHTWEIGHT KNIT SWEATER OR BLOUSE.

UNEXPECTED TRIP TO TOWN YESTERDAY – FOUND MORE SURPRISES!

It just goes to show that opportunity is always knocking!  I had a couple of hours while my husband ran other errands and found a great 1970s dress and some lingerie pieces from the ’50s – ’60s.  Bought one slip and passed on the other – the decision was easy.  Will be taking photos of the new discoveries this week so that they can be shared soon.

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1950’S – 1960s WOMEN’S CLASSIC LEATHER JACKET

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s WOMEN'S CLASSIC LEATHER JACKET.

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s WOMEN’S CLASSIC LEATHER JACKET

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s WOMEN'S CLASSIC LEATHER JACKET

This fine leather jacket is from the early 1960s. It is fully lined with a glossy acetate satin material. The tailoring is impeccable, made of high quality leather that lasts for decades. There is only one thing that is not original and that is the buttons. When I found it, one of its leather-covered buttons was missing, so I substituted vintage plastic buttons. Some other style, perhaps of wood or braided leather might look nice, too. That’s one reason that I keep a collection of vintage buttons at home.

What can I say – this classic style goes almost everywhere, with almost everything, at almost any time of year. I have several styles that I’ve found in my hunting expeditions and I love every one.

Use some leather conditioner once a year and basic good care (you know, hang it up properly and wipe off any spills right away) and it’ll be passed on to your grandchildren, or, whomever . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
Google+, Facebook.com, Twitter & Pinterest
Amazon.com

TWO TRUE VINTAGE PURSES FOR SPRING BY MORRIS MOSCOWITZ & ANDE’

TWO TRUE VINTAGE PURSES FOR SPRING BY MORRIS MOSCOWITZ & ANDE'.

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE SWING COAT FOR SPRING, FROM THE LATE 1940s TO EARLY 1950S.

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE SWING COAT FOR SPRING, FROM THE LATE 1940s TO EARLY 1950S..