Tag Archives: U.S. Southwest

LAST MINUTE FINDS! HERE’S A UNIQUE TOOLED LEATHER HANDBAG, HAND-CRAFTED AND SIGNED

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Just when I think I’m thwarted, never fails!  I made a spur of the moment decision to go sleuthing once more and . . . . . Out peeked this lovely older tooled leather purse that I had to have.

The reason for that is the images – acorns and a stag on back – which I haven’t seen in a while.  It’s also very nicely done and has a shape that I particularly like.

The maker lined it in a thin, soft leather – which is unusual – of a greenish color – very unusual. Although some stones are missing from the buckle, I may or may not replace them.  So, a fitting way to be leaving Las Vegas.  My gamble paid off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

CLASSIC VINTAGE WESTERN-WEAR SHIRT FROM THE SEVENTIES

IMG_1484 IMG_1485From one of the best Western-wear dealers in the U.S., a vintage gingham men’s shirt in near-perfect condition.  (Actually, I found another really nice one, too, but way too big for Madge to model).

For casual wear in the U.S. there is nothing more classic than high-quality Western-wear, made in the U.S. to standards of design that have endured for decades.

Especially in the Southwestern states, this kind of shirt dressed up with a silver bolo tie and a nice sport coat can take you almost anywhere. Go with a plain color or a subtle pattern and you CAN go anywhere.  But, be careful about wearing jeans, and super careful about the quality and condition of your boots and hat . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S WESTERN-WEAR LEATHER JACKET FOR FALL

True Vintage Leatherwear

Beautiful true vintage western-wear jacket from the 1950s/early ’60s. Notice the superb workmanship and tailoring (even though it would look best on a size 4 model rather than size 6).

I LOVE the older leather items made in the American west, or in Mexico and Europe.  So beautiful!  Forgive me if your country has made wonderful leather items, too, and I have not mentioned you here.

The materials are of high quality and have enabled it to last for 50 years with very little sign of wear.  Find a jacket of this type and enjoy it for life!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CAN’T BELIEVE IT!! 1970’S WHITE LEATHER FRINGED MOCCASIN BOOTIES

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This is so bizarre – more true vintage white leather shoes with magnificently clean uppers.  Moccasin booties are especially rare and fun to find.

A BIG fad for women in the 1950’s, they were often brought back from vacation as Southwestern U.S. souvenirs.  People have been fascinated with the American West and the Native American culture for decades.

Just the thing to wear with jeans and they were perfect with Native American-made circle skirts and dresses, which were also very popular among more adventurous white American housewives in the Fifties and Sixties.  These were probably made a decade later, but the style is classic.  Also, with the Thunderbird – my personal totem . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELRY IN SILVER AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES

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Although handcrafted jewelry is still being made by indigenous artists in the U.S. and elsewhere, nothing compares to these older pieces.  Those that are truly antique by now are even more wonderful.

I have other, larger things, too, but don’t wear them as often.  These pieces are a combination of family heirlooms and some that I have found.  The design and heavier weight of older pieces makes them extra-special and the quality of the turquoise is superior, also.

Nothing more classic and unique,  any time of the year.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.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

SUCH FUN! TRUE VINTAGE SOUVENIR KITCHEN LINENS

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From the West and Down East – a vacationer’s mid-century mementos of a fun holiday!

Fun cotton linens for the kitchen and dining table were big favorites during the 1950’s and 1960’s.  Many a traveler picked them up as souvenirs, too.  I just love the funky and funny prints!

As always, these items tell a story.  You could have practically driven through California without a map after buying this muslin tablecloth. Although the apron doesn’t have any words, the cute illustrations of pilgrims/immigrants in their native dress and the border designs contain a lot of information about the communities or cultures that they came from.

Also, if you can do a close-up look, you’ll see a small vintage safety pin stuck in the waistband.  I always like to leave things like this in place because that’s just how the cook or housekeeper wore it during her daily routine.

These linens will last forever if they’re looked after well – remove stains quickly and wash gently.  I’ll bet that I can channel some very interesting vibrations with these in my kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

 

LONG-SLEEVED WESTERN-WEAR MEN’S SHIRT FROM THE 1960’S

IMG_1484I’ve been on such a roll finding women’s blouses and shirts these past two months; it’s nice to be able to show a men’s shirt now, and one that’s suitable for the weather.  Classic Western wear styling by a company that specialized in this kind of clothing.

In the western U.S., men wear these shirts and bolo ties to almost every kind of event.  If it’s dressy, the jacket, pants or the fabric will change but a Western shirt can always be a dress-up style.  That’s not quite so true for women, but a Western-style outfit will often be business attire for them, too.

With a well-made version, you can’t go wrong with at least one or two of these garments in your wardrobe.  Some of the true vintage women’s styles have beautiful embroidery, also.

I stay away from modern versions that aren’t so nice.  Some are decorated too much and have lost their classic elegance.  There’s only one way to be sure he’s a real cowboy . . . . . . .. ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE SOUTHWESTERN NATIVE AMERICAN – INSPIRED DRESSES FROM THE 1950’S

From the time when Roy Rogers & Dale Evans were TV celebrities, Happy Trails to you . . . . . .

Magicvintagespy

SOUTHWESTERN NATIVE AMERICAN - INSPIRED DRESSES FROM THE 1950'S

These two dresses are examples of fashions made and sold in the U.S. Southwestern states (Arizona, New Mexico mostly). They are inspired by traditional Native American designs and may have been made by Native Americans.  My warm-weather wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without them.

Outfits like this were especially popular in the 1950’s and early 1960’s. Some from the 1940’s have been seen. Tourists often returned from vacations with one and non-Native people who lived in the region wore them a lot.  It was a real craze for a while.

Ric-rac and braid trim on bright cotton material was popular. The skirts are big and swingy – usually full circle. I have more to show – some have interesting tailoring details on the blouses. Love ’em!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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TRUE VINTAGE SOUTHWESTERN NATIVE AMERICAN – INSPIRED DRESSES FROM THE 1950’S

TRUE VINTAGE SOUTHWESTERN NATIVE AMERICAN – INSPIRED DRESSES FROM THE 1950'S.