A fitted (the best) Western-style shirt in cotton blend with a floral wallpaper stripe and a true vintage paisley scarf, maybe both from “Monkey Ward” (see the shirt label and investigate the nickname online – fun). Again in my size, though the blouse size must have been for a girl at that time.
Unusual finds per their fabulous condition. I’ll enjoy wearing them – very much perfect examples of the fashion era when they were made.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, it’s a standard cotton cowboy shirt with snap closures. An embroidered patch on the back indicates that it was worn by a rodeo showman. It’s not that old – 1970’s – 1990’s probably, but the real treasure is the brand label. Again, look it up on Wikipedia – very interesting history.
Of course, I look mostly for garments and accessories that I’ll add to my own wardrobe but this field of espionage is so fascinating that I sometimes take a little detour. I wonder what may show up next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gingham again – it’s always classic and often found in lots of casual clothing from mid-century. 
In this example, we have a custom-tailored design – sort of Western-wear, but just CUTE! Simple shift style, but when I wear it I’ll probably add a belt and cinch the waist. The ruffle at the hem, cross-stitch decoration and interesting elbow-length sleeves all make it unique and would even be a good Halloween costume.
Dresses with these features were popular in mid-century in the United States, when there was a big Western/cowboy craze going on. Ever hear of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans? I’ve learned so much by being interested in true vintage fashion! Happy trails to you, until we meet again. Have fun tonight – arroooooooooooooooooo . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
From 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
Wool felt with leather interior and exterior hatbands – it’s a quality item that was sold by a western-wear dealer in Denver, Colorado. This one could be several decades old or just a couple – that’s how durable and stylish true vintage apparel is!
When it’s taken care of, it lasts and lasts and never goes out of fashion.
What could be better than that? Tomorrow we’ll see . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This jacket was a great find! It wasn’t really high-end in it’s time, but it is nicely made and in excellent vintage condition.
Western-wear is classic and always comes back into fashion, but . . . . the true vintage pieces are, I find, the best when it comes to styling and workmanship.
I was so fortunate to discover this one, which even had some additional matching fringe with it – just in case. Although it is intact as is, having extra original fabric or buttons, etc. is such a blessing, and rare!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Today, on a more-or-less routine survey, I had wonderful good fortune. I’m just about to re-examine and photograph my newest acquisitions and get them ready to post on the blog. Because I have already scheduled postings for the next three days, expect to begin seeing these on Sunday, Nov. 13.
Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
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
Magicvintagespy 