HEADING BACK IN TIME AGAIN – ANOTHER RARE FIND IN EUROPE. MID-CENTURY LEATHER HIGH-HEEL PUMPS

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TRUE VINTAGE LEATHER SHOES

If you look closely, you’ll see that these pumps were Made In America.  When was the last time we saw that printed on something?  It’s always the U.S.A. now, and has been since the 1970’s, I think.

These beauties are from way before that time – 1940’s – 1960’s – and have wonderful leather construction.  Although you can’t see it in the photo, the heels are 3″ high and sturdy.

Though found in Ireland (Dublin, to be exact), it goes to show that trade for some goods was going on even back then.  Maybe this pair are from the early mid-century era when Europe suffered more than North America from the effects of war and had to import many goods that otherwise would have been made there.

We’ll never know the exact story of how these slippers danced their way across the Atlantic, but someone loved them well and they found their way to – guess who . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SCORE! SLEUTHING SUCCESS

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-1111121111111 Found two stores in Dublin today.  The first, run by a long-time vintage clothing expert, stocks beautiful true vintage from mid-century and before.  Men’s and women’s!  BETTY BOJANGLES.

The second discovery, right next door, sells excellent quality by the kilo.  I was able to find blouses and shoes while still meeting my standard for fabulous frugality.  THE VINTAGE FACTORY.

The perfect treasure-hunt .  .  .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

 

VINTAGE IN DUBLIN

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-1111121111111 Back to Western Europe and finding many vintage clothing shops here – concentrated in the Temple Bar area.  This won’t be any surprise to Dubliners, but worth a trek to anyone visiting the city.

I scoped out stores that are already listed in the reference section of my book, and was told about more which tend to hide from the mainstream.  A real gem is Jenny Vander, with a 40 – year history and full of beautiful true vintage from mid – century and before.  HUGE collection of costume jewelry!

Most  places stock  little older than the ’70’s or ’80’s, but the hidden gem might be discovered.  Prices are reasonable, but not a real bargain.  For a seasoned investigator, however .  .  .  .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

MY FAVORITE RED TRUE VINTAGE STILETTO HEELS BY THE KINNEY COMPANY

TRUE VINTAGE STILETTO HEELS BY THE KINNEY COMPANY

If you’ve visited my Facebook page or read my book, you will have seen this picture, but I’ve never talked as much about it, so far, as I will here.  Maybe you remember when Kinney shoes had a store in just about every mall or shopping center and then kind of disappeared. Well, these lovelies were made before that time.  I took them to a shoemaker from Poland who had 25 years experience MAKING shoes and now does repair.  He told me that they were 30 – 40 years old.

They have a ’40s – ’50s vibe but were made in the ’70s. The label is of cloth, embedded in the insole. How often do we see that?! As you can imagine, they are very well-made of leather with Vibram soles.

I love this style so much, and the heels are very high. Any kind of peep-toe pump really gets my attention. Couldn’t resist these, and what a fabulous find!   You just never know . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1970S BOHO WESTERN – INSPIRED JEENZ BOOTZ BY CAPEZIO

TRUE VINTAGE 1970S BOHO WESTERN - INSPIRED JEENZ BOOTZ BY CAPEZIO

Samples of two pairs I own, these were made in America by Capezio.  They are styled like authentic Western-wear but with 3″ stiletto heels!  It seems like they were a short-lived fashion moment, more or less. Well-made and nicely detailed, anyway.

Some other company may have made something similar, but these are probably the nicest and are a true late 1970’s fashion moment.  Looked great with jeans.  Just the thing to wear when you’re going out to do the Texas Two-Step. (maybe line-dancing?)

Capezio has been a popular shoe company for many years. The founder started his shop in the late 1880s, specializing in footwear for dancers. They are probably still best known for that.

When I found these, three pairs were together – probably from the same original owner. Bonanza!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

SO SWEET – TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S PUMPS BY MISS AMERICA

SO SWEET - TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S PUMPS BY MISS AMERICA

OK, all you aspiring debutantes out there – here are a pair just for you! So sweet, and proper, and ladylike (but, they’re RED!). VERY 1960’s.

Also quite elegant – wearable with almost everything almost anytime. Shoes like this have always advertised the wearer’s good taste and sophisticated fashion sense.

But, hey, they’re also pretty cute! Imagine finding a 50-year-old pair of shoes in this condition – Fabulous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

AIRY 1960’s TRUE VINTAGE STILETTO PUMPS COVERED IN LACE

AIRY 1960's TRUE VINTAGE STILETTO PUMPS COVERED IN LACE

What could be prettier and more cool-looking over the next few weeks as the temperatures begin to rise?   These were made by Life Stride, the long-time shoe company that, I think, is still in business. They are fabric-covered all over with a peek-a-boo lace upper.

Fortunately, these were made during the time when quality materials and workmanship were still the standard.  I love it that the heels and toes are reinforced and that they are constructed to last!  What could be prettier for spring and summer wear . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE SHOES OF THE 1960’S – IMMORTALIZED AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

SHOES OF THE 1960'S - IMMORTALIZED AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

 

Examples from the decade, preserved and displayed beautifully. Stilettos and little strappy things. Cute, chic and sexy.  In alligator, suede, satin, patent leather – such a fabulous collection!

These are mostly dressier styles on this side of the display case.  You can catch a glimpse of some more everyday heels on the other side.

From Carnaby Street to The Man from Uncle to early James Bond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

UPPING THE GLAM – GORGEOUS DRESSY TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S SHOES AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

GORGEOUS DRESSY 1950'S SHOES AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

More lovelies from the Shoe Museum, Upstairs, 27 Bolivar, Mexico City. These are all dressy styles from the 1950’s decade.  Some would also have come from Spain.

A real variety of beauties here. I would love to have been able to photograph them all and really do recommend a visit to this FREE small museum. Very well done!

Yes, I know that I stress the fact that I publish ONLY my own true vintage wardrobe. It’s true that I don’t OWN these shoes (sob), but I DID FIND & PHOTOGRAPH THEM and felt I must share them with all of you. Please forgive . . . . . .. . when I finish posting this series of pix, it’s not likely to happen often.  I prefer to play for keeps . . . . . . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

MORE CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE EXAMPLES FROM THE FIFTIES AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

MORE CLASSIC EXAMPLES FROM THE FIFTIES AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

From the early to the late 1950’s, this was one of my favorite displays at the museum. I can just imagine Grace Kelly wearing the sling-backs in the movie High Society. I’d put them on in a second  . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exquisitely hand-made of premium leather and man-made materials that last for many, many years.

Classic vamp decorations and toe styles all represented here. Such a delight to see these looking like new!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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