Don’t worry – no tasteless polyester “glamour”- trash nor any reason to call out the vice squad. No . . . . . . . tomorrow you’ll begin to see the most interesting of my collection of tap pants, slips and half-slips – all made in the 1930’s – early 1960’s of silk, acetate, rayon and top-quality nylon. Though most of these can double as dresses and skirts now, the BEST is when they’re tucked under suit or dress – especially when . . . .. Baby, it’s cold outside . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
We’re going to be viewing a LOT of winter ensemble items in the next couple of weeks. I have so many! I’ll show the most interesting ones and be talking a lot about the design features.
This pair, which I’ve just recently decided should be worn together, are fun because of their colors. The jacket is open front with 3/4 sleeves. A “tweed” of emerald and pine green, turquoise and cobalt blue on black – with a cobalt lining.
The skirt is a lined wool with little pleats around the hem, which flip when you walk. My favorite part! Also, can’t beat the turquoise color! I’d love it with a sweater (and the bullet bra? Oh, dear . . . . . .. . .. ..)
Anyway, a couple of favorite separates that have so many possibilities and lots of personality on their own!
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
The forties and early fifties are favorite fashion eras of mine and the suits from that time are delectable!
You can’t beat 1940 – 1960 for lovely tailoring and flattering fit when it comes to women’s suits. This photo is a bit dark, but I hope that you can see the detailing on the jacket. So many garments from that time have these beautiful elements, and I’m sure that this one was an off-the-rack choice.
I’d love to be able to go to a nearby shop or department store and know that I could always find lovely, well-made clothing in a moderate price range, with careful assistance from the staff. Our grandmothers, at least in North America and Europe, usually could.
Of course, in cultures where expert tailor shops abounded, such as in parts of eastern Asia, gorgeous custom-made clothing was the norm and, maybe, still is.
Ah, what luxury.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Finding true vintage fashion items is not rocket science, BUT it does involve many bits and pieces of skill, knowledge and experience to be really good at it. By themselves, these tips may seem obvious or boring, but they’ve made a big difference in my level of success. Of course, there are many more details involved with each one, but the basic idea is where to start . . . . . . .
FINDERS’ CLUE #18: IF YOU HEAR SOMEONE MENTION A PLACE, CHECK IT OUT YOURSELF NO MATTER HOW SKEPTICAL YOU MAY BE.
Because, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . ..
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog” Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Another beautiful, heavy nylon sleep ensemble with delicate embroidery trim. What attracted me most was the color combination – pink with taupe beige decoration – a great color combination for me.
If you haven’t “had your colors done”, do it! This process became popular in the ’90’s and was all the rage for a while. It’s a system that educates you about the colors which are most flattering to you, personally, and IT WORKS!
Makes all the difference between wearing things that make you look sick, OK, good or FABULOUS. Even if you think you know what looks good on you, you’ll learn a lot, correct some mistakes and understand your skin color better.
There are several versions of this tutorial around, I think, and I’m not sure how good they all are. My advice is to get an old copy of the book “Color Me Beautiful”, which explains the whole process and lets you do it yourself. At least, that’s what I did.
Why am I talking about this in a blog about vintage clothing? Because knowing your colors well is one of the skills that make you an ace shopper. You’ll avoid mistakes and save money, which is part of what my “instruction” is all about.
Just another one of my little secrets . . . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
These pumps are a perfect cross between cute and stylish shoes and sensible footwear for an office or on-your-feet job. They’d go great with the slacks, skirts or dresses of that mid-century time.
By Air Step, one of the earlier makers of mid-priced shoes and purses that were sold all over the U.S. – almost like chain stores do now, but with a bit more personal feel. There was a whole basket of them then, some with a little more prestige than others.
I just love finding items that are hardly worn – it tells me such a story about the former owner, who cared for her wardrobe and used it lightly. Of course, there could be other explanations, but I’ve seen so many examples of this with older items that it seems like the most plausible explanation. The attitude toward clothing before 1970 was very different than what it is today.
This pair reminds me of the Mod British influence in the late ’60’s, with the short tie vamp and no tongue – it’s just decorative – they slip on. I also like the combination of smooth and suede leather and always love dark brown.
It’s a good work shoe, too. Comfortable to stand and walk in. Just right to wear with that pleated skirt or secretary dress . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Say what?! That thing looks pretty ordinary to me . . . . .. but, it’s extraordinary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Yes, it has very subtle, inconspicuous looks. “Who, me? I’m just a nice, well-made sweater like a million others . . . . . ..” But, this guy is one in a million!
If just being from the 1960’s, superbly made and like new is not enough, this is Mr. PURITAN AQUAknit himself!
100% lambswool that can be machine washed and dried – says so on the label!!
Well, if this Mr. P. A.q. has gone through the wash even once, then I’d say Bully Idea! But, we don’t know for sure if he has – I kind of think not. Could be why we don’t tend to see a lot of these – OR maybe they were just so good that they eventually wore out from so much use, OR they are still lurking in closets . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. you really just never know . . . . . .
Anyway, this one is prime and was such fun to discover, with all his secrets . . . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
A 1970’s icon, the Izod “alligator” golf cardigan sweater. Also in acrylic knit and in generally better taste than the souvenir sweater of yesterday.
However, ’70’s is what it is and will never occupy a big part of my true vintage closet. That said, these sweaters are favorites and the alligator logo makes them special.
I also have a v-neck style in turquoise. A bit preppy, but the “country club” look has been around for a while in varying forms. And. a great cardigan mixes in nicely with certain other vintage pieces.
I shouldn’t be a vintage snob. This is a super sweater and, as I’ve said, has its iconic status. Izod has been a quality maker and is a good brand to keep an eye open for when looking for 1970’s treasures.
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagspy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Magicvintagespy 