Tag Archives: true vintage

FINE SILVER PILLBOXES – A COMMON UP-TOWN PURSE ACCESSORY FOR THE MID-CENTURY WOMAN

Just opened another old file that is rarely consulted and found, among others, these two sterling silver pillboxes for m’lady’s handbag. The one on left is older and may be antique. Although the tiny round one is very pretty and has a nice green liner, the other captures my attention more. Looks like it’s been around the block many times and has potentially witnessed a lot of intrigue.

Specifically, it is from Italy. Aside from the pretty metalwork they both have and the ingenious little clasps that are worked into the shape of the boxes without any moving or attached parts to break or be lost, the rectangular box has that beautiful mosaic on top. It is made of tiny, tiny pieces of what might be shell and/or enamel. And, I don’t think that a single one has gone missing in all the years! Maybe it’s even newer than the metal box itself. Hmm . . . . . .Such an innocent-looking design would be a perfect way to pass identification or other permanent information. Must have it examined for possible code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WHEW! FINALLY DONE GOING THROUGH ALL MY TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAGS & PURSE ACCESSORIES

I THINK I’ve got it all done. From the 1930’s through the 1960’s these bags, some handmade (I LOVE hand-tooled leather) and the little accessories that women used to carry were so much fun to sort through again. A fine leather billfold with matching key-case. A tapestry-look eyeglass or cigarette case. A padded silk holder for a few tissues. Little pads for organizing phone numbers (with attached pen) or writing little notes. A plastic rain bonnet folded up in a plastic case and distributed by a local funeral home.

Such a varied assortment of evidence. Imagine all of the suspects and witnesses who may have carried them – lots of stories. But, again, the cases are closed so it’s time to clean out the files. However, there are still so many archived items as well as those currently being investigated. As ever, occasionally something “new” turns up. So, stay tuned for further intel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1940’S VELVETEEN PENCIL DRESS

Though it’s an iconic mid-1940’s style, the dress looks a little plain, eh? But, it’s got beautiful tailoring and a couple of really neat 1940’s style features that aren’t often found anymore. One is a true 1940’s Talon metal zipper. The second is zipper vents at the wrists. Skinny sleeves like these required it for easy dressing and the intended slim, slim fit.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVITAGESPY.COM

KENNEDY-ERA COCKTAIL FROCK #2

Nothing to write home about style-wise. Obviously, this one was made just a bit later with a higher hemline. It’s still got a maker’s label, but just not a well-known one. Same type of fabric as the one from Saks and fully-lined, too, so there’s no skimping on the basic quality elements.

However, the neckline treatment is the real star feature. Done as a thick band of bugle-beading to look like a ribbon collar – it’s far from the more boring sequins and embroidery used on the version shown yesterday. Never seen this before or since . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

KENNEDY ERA LITTLE BLACK COCKTAIL DRESS #1

This baby has a good pedigree – Saks Fifth Avenue. Made from, what else? – rayon crepe. The stand collar was super-popular at that time, with the expected fancy trim. This dress is, of course, fully-lined and well-cut. The style is nothing revolutionary, but you can’t beat this kind of quality.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE CLOSET CLEAN-OUT! STARTING WITH THE 1950’S

So, I dug out some more things to vett and chose 3 dresses to sell online. I’ve shown them all to you a few years ago, but I know that many haven’t seen them and some won’t remember! As always, hate to part with my beauties but I haven’t worn this one in a while. It’s a really sweet little number in rayon with that lovely sheer mesh bodice that was popular post-WWII.

And, of course, the velvet ribbon trim and little flowers with rhinestone centers. Boy, they sure loved to decorate frocks during that early mid-century time. No maker’s label, so it was probably a union-made piece, but the size tag tells me that it’s a Junior size aimed at the teen and young women’s markets. It’s LBD time in this series. Next I’ll show you a couple of cocktail frocks from the early Sixties . . . . . . . . . . .. . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

IN THE BACK OF MY CLOSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’ve had this one for a long time – really cute Swirl wrap dress from the early 1960’s. Had relegated it to the back of the closet because of a little minor damage and almost forgotten about it. The bandana ties on the shoulders are not original – I put them there to disguise a little color fade. Cute, no? Now that the hot weather is really upon us, I’ll be wearing it again. The wrap tie makes a good fit without fussy buttons or the need of a zipper. Just one button at the back of the neck. Swirl made nice casual dresses and I’ve got another one, plus a home-sewn version. These were very popular!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TO MY FOLLOWERS: A LITTLE HISTORY AND A LOT OF GRATITUDE

TRUE VINTAGE CASUAL SWEATERS FROM THE FIFTIES – A CUTE PAIR OF TWINS FOR THE SWEATER GIRLS

IMG_0927     Not your typical “twin-set” – I found this pair of ’50’s cuties together – they probably belonged to the same woman.  They’re identical excepting for the color.  Very becoming to both Madge and Stella, don’t you think?  If you zoom in, you can see the decorative studs on the front of each one.

Of the softest angora blend – rollover neckline, 3/4 sleeves and decorated with button accents on the front – these look great with black cigarette pants or a coordinating skirt.  Perfect for a casual Fifties or early Sixties cocktail hour.  Belly up to the Tiki bar!

True vintage sweaters in perfect condition are always a rare find!  Just another day in the life of the magicvintagespy . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MY FAVORITE 1940’S – EARLY FIFTIES PLATFORM SLING-BACK’S IN SUEDE

IMG_0858

I have so many pairs of shoes that I absolutely love, but these are truly favorites.  So versatile, so comfortable and so “Forties”.

All-leather construction, of course, and well-made.  I even wore them one day walking in a parade on city pavement for a couple of hours, wearing a true vintage dress.  They stood up beautifully and didn’t hurt my feet!

So, I’ll have these for life.  Lovely to not have to say good-bye to favorites – I can just have them repaired eventually.

Ah, the beauty of true vintage . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

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