Tag Archives: souvenir

MID-CENTURY COPPER BRACELET TO COMMEMORATE THE NEW QUEEN ELIZABETH II

A sad file to retire, but this case is definitely closed. However, in the early 1950’s costume jewelry made of copper was a big fad so what better material to use for this chunky souvenir bracelet? All around the world, women were admiring the young Elizabeth who had just been coronated. She was a pretty mother of young children with whom it was easy to identify, at least from that aspect of her life. Like with many celebrities, popular fashion trends grew out of her personal style and what the rest of us saw as British culture. It wasn’t just the Brits or citizens of the British Commonwealth who were captured by the royal mania. It has died down over the years but still, take a look at the tabloids stacked up in the grocery check-out lane. Why should we give a hoot? but we do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE TRUE VINTAGE PURSE ACCESSORIES – SOUVENIR HANKIES

Before small packets of tissues became available (and even afterward – humans don’t like change) every woman carried a hankie in her handbag and collected dozens of them over her lifetime. Like ties, many friends and family selected handkerchiefs as a standard gift item for birthdays, Christmas and Mother’s Day, etc. They also became popular souvenirs of places where she’d traveled, as we see above – or someone may have brought them back from a trip as a present. Usually these weren’t used every day and were kept as mementos.

These types, especially, can be powerful clues when working a case. However, there are many categories of handkerchiefs in my archive files so you may be seeing more. Stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFULLY TOOLED LEATHER BAGS FROM MEXICO – CIRCA 1960’S – 1980’S

BEAUTIFULLY TOOLED LEATHER BAGS FROM MEXICO - CIRCA 1960'S - 1980'S

Soft, supple leather inside and out – these bags were made in Mexico and probably picked up by vacationers who used them very little, if at all, after their trip.  Both have vintage hardware, but the designs – especially on the left-hand purse – are more modern.

On the right, we see a traditional floral/cactus pattern similar to those made in the western United States while the left-hand one has a farm worker pictured and, on the back, the Mayan calendar.

What I like best about these handbags, whether made in the ’40’s or the ’80’s is that they are 100% hand-made and usually the workmanship and quality of the leather are excellent.  Plus, they are SO distinctive and unusual . . . . . . . . . . always a priority for me.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MY FAVORITE SILK SOUVENIR SCARF – FROM HAWAII, 1950’S

MY FAVORITE SILK SOUVENIR SCARF - FROM HAWAII, 1950'S

The colorful, naive graphics of true vintage souvenir scarves and hankies are SO much fun!!  It’s wonderful to find one in silk, or any high quality vintage fabric like rayon or fine 100% cotton.

The designs are always so cute and bright.  Not a good disguise, though, unless I’m wanting to look like a tourist . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

UNIQUE TRUE VINTAGE SCARVES ADD UNMISTAKABLE RETRO CHIC

UNIQUE TRUE VINTAGE SCARVES ADD UNMISTAKABLE RETRO CHIC

Here are 3 small scarves from my large collection.  I have selected them to show you for their unusual patterns.  Vintage novelty graphics and florals are lovely and very distinctive.  Always perfect to brighten a jacket pocket, or add a bright touch to your neckline, to a purse handle or your hair.

On the other hand, patterns like the one on top – looks like little postage-stamp drawings – are very unusual and interesting.  Check out the green square on right – see the little ballerinas around the edge?  FUN! I loved discovering this one!!

The fabrics in these scarves are also unique by today’s standards.  The silks are lovely and delicate.  Hems are always hand-stitched.  Rayons and nylons also have a really nice “hand”.  Even the old polyesters are different.

I’ll show more of my favorites in different sizes and styles.  Marlene and Celia are always very happy for another opportunity to model and, I’ll be introducing Daphne . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ALWAYS A WELCOME DISCOVERY – CLASSIC MID-CENTURY TOOLED LEATHER BELT

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I’m including a little close-up photo here of the essential features of these wonderful hand-made belts from the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s.  The best were made by artisans in the Southwest U.S. and Mexico but many home-leatherworkers became quite good at the craft and could rival them, or almost.

Handbags, purses, wallets and belts were the most common items made but once I saw a full set of luggage at an auction.  Almost got it.

The features that distinguish these pieces from newer and less worthy ones are primarily three:  1.  high quality leather  2.  deep carefully-done tooling in traditional designs, with nice finishing and  3.  an adjustable snap-on/off at the buckle end and high quality silver or silver-plate buckle.

Rare enough to be worth pouncing on whenever seen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORE CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAG FINDS

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Of course, the two bags on the right are elegant essentials forever but I’m really thrilled to find the mid-century souvenir summer purse on the left.  So bright and cheerful!  It’s in perfect condition, was handmade in the Philippines, and is of a shape that I’ve never encountered before in a handbag of this type.

So practical and roomy – styled like a classic handbag rather than a beach bag or tote.  I’ll use this for a long time as an everyday summer purse.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET – TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S / EARLY 1970’S HAWAIIAN DREAMS

ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET - SIXTIES / EARLY SEVENTIES HAWAIIAN DREAMS

Here are two more beauties from Hawaii.  The same fabulous construction and fabric, but slightly more modern art prints.  Don’t you love those colors?  Whenever I find one, I grab it!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM