MY FIRST EUROPEAN FIND – BEAUTIFUL MID-CENTURY COSTUME JEWELRY

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BEAUTIFUL TOPAZ(?) LAVALIER AND FILIGREE RHINESTONE BRACELET

These are the two items which I found in England, during our first week. The necklace is from the 1950’s or before, and the bracelet 1960’s.  Use a detail examination of the metalwork – it’s gorgeous.  Yes, they show some wear, but that’s often a plus and no problem on a bargain like this.

It’s possible that the stone in the necklace is a real topaz – I’ll need to have that checked. The bracelet is unquestionably totally faux, but very pretty and has a safety chain.  That’s a feature I LOVE on bracelets and is almost impossible to find on any modern piece.  Such a sensible and elegant-looking addition . . . . .

Although these pieces are not a set, I will wear them together and was so happy to find a pair that coordinate so nicely.  The elegant jewelry finds continue tomorrow, in a new country . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CLASSIC, ULTRA-FLATTERING TRUE VINTAGE LESLIE FAY DAY- DRESS – 1960’S

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This is one of my favorite LBD’s for day. The cut and quality are SO good and it is ultra-flattering.

The fabric is lovely and the hardware on the belt is, too. It’s a basic style, but so chic and elegant. These features make all the difference between looking ordinary or sophisticated and well off.

So many true vintage pieces have these advantages. What’s not to love?!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MOD AND ELEGANT IN BLACK AND WHITE – TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SHEATH DRESS

IMG_08611960’s mod styling in a classic sheath with back zip. Fully lined. Notice the white bands at the neckline and armholes.

Elegance and cool comfort – doesn’t get better than this!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY OFF-WHITE SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS – AND A SHOE SUGGESTION

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A very pretty frock from the late 1950’s – early 1960’s.  I found this several years ago at an out-of-the-way sale.

Basically, it is a sheath with added tailoring details.  Metal zipper up the back and an attached bolero jacket, with big buttons in back.  The cummerbund waistband closes in back with hooks and eyes.

Very, very refined and elegant.  The mid-heel leather pumps are of the same era and make a perfect complement.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE. MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL, ELEGANT AND CHIC TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SUMMER DRESS

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Gorgeous, gorgeous easy dress that is so sophisticated and well-tailored. This  mid – century  frock would get you on the best-dressed list in a heartbeat!  It’s been in my wardrobe for a while and it’s gonna stay there!

I uncovered some fabulous finds this past weekend and have seen some wonderful true vintage items in the shops that I’ve visited.  As I get myself together after the trip, I’ll be cluing you in . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN,  THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

 

A DELIGHTFULLY PRETTY LITTLE YELLOW SUNDRESS – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S

A DELIGHTFULLY PRETTY LITTLE YELLOW SUNDRESS - TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S

This gorgeous little number says summer all over.  It is the brightest yellow, with little embroidered flowers all over the bodice, each with a pearl center.

If that isn’t enough, around the hem are larger flowers, all embroidered in the same bright yellow thread.   fit, as you can see, speaks for itself . . .

The label is long gone, but I am sure that it was commercially-made.  There are too many professional details.  Fully lined, of a really nice woven fabric with a bit of texture – metal zip up the back.

Although this is not a formal dress, it is quite refined and could go into the evening very confidently.  In the heat of the summer, it could go shopping, lunching, to dinner and dancing without missing a beat.

Natalie Wood would have loved it.  “I feel pretty, oh so pretty . . . .”.  Almost as if it found its way from her closet into mine . . . . . . .. . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

BACK TO THE EARLY SIXTIES – TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S SWIM TRUNKS

BACK TO THE EARLY SIXTIES - TRUE VINTAGE MEN'S SWIM TRUNKS

Gearing up for summer with a pair of true vintage men’s swim briefs.  I think this is a really flattering length – not too short nor too long.

Simple construction with a button at the waist.  These were  a hand-me-down from a family member and I’m so glad to have them in my collection!

Just think of all those vintage beach photos with surfboards and old movies and TV shows – didn’t the guys look so much more hot?

  • I’ve just discovered a women’s suit of the same era in Sweden!  So much to catch you up on, but the sightseeing demands and dodginess of Internet may delay the communique’s in full at least until I’m back at temporary Headquarters.  However,  I’ll do my best to keep you informed from the field.  Stay tuned  . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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

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

WOWEE! A FUN AND RARE FIND – 1960’S WAITRESS UNIFORM

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It was really fun to come across this find!  A poly-nylon women’s uniform – probably from a diner waitress or other food worker in the 1960’s.  Could even be from the 1950’s – must research the maker’s label.

The blue is really nice, and the fact that it is in such perfect condition!  Also love the cute scalloping on the collar.

Really makes me wonder where this was worn and about all the stories it must have to tell.  If only she’d carried a secret tape recorder . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

WOVEN SUMMER – WEIGHT VERSION OF THE CLASSIC COWBOY HAT – MADE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA BY SMITHBILT

WOVEN SUMMER - WEIGHT VERSION OF THE CLASSIC COWBOY HAT - MADE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA BY SMITHBILT

Just as classic as the wool felt version, this beautiful Smithbilt hat is also of the highest quality.   Not sure when it was made – these enduring styles and handmade constructions are almost ageless.

Contrasting two-tone woven-in design & leather bands inside and out.  The weaving is tight and even.   This hat will also last forever (almost) if it’s taken care of.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S STILETTO PUMPS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1950'S - EARLY 1960'S STILETTO PUMPS

Here’s a pair of shoes that I might wear with the dresses I’ve shown recently.  These needle-toe patent leather pumps are characteristic of late ’50’s to early ’60’s styles. The placement and shape of the heel is also characteristic.

I love the little cut-outs on the vamp.  Many shoes of that era had great details.

One of the things I like best are the company names stamped on the insoles.  The script is usually so interesting.  Although these are cracked inside, the outers are in great shape.

I’ve had new heel caps put on, but otherwise they will last for decades more.  The color is funky but fun, too!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGSPY.COM

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