Tag Archives: women´s

STUNNING TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SHOES AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

STUNNING TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S SHOES AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

Here’s another great collection of sling-backs & pumps.from the shoe museum in Mexico City. Look at the decoration on the vamps and the peep-toes. LOVE peep-toes!

Can you imagine owning beautiful designer styles like this, in 100% leather construction, done by hand?  Heaven!  Used to be, shoes like that were available in most shoe stores.  Now they’re all made of ticky-tacky and they all look just the same.

’40’s shoes are some of my very favorites, and such a pleasure to see so many examples in such beautiful condition.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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HOW TO SEW WITH TRUE VINTAGE STYLE

Sometimes I come across patterns or notions from the true vintage eras that I love.  It’s worthwhile to pick them up, and I’ll explain why , , , , ,

Whether you sew or not, if you want to copy or have someone else re-make a true vintage garment,  a pattern is a necessity in order to get it right.  Unless you are a master at pattern-making yourself, the original cut of the garment will be impossible to recreate and the result will look like retro – not true vintage.

Beyond the qualities of the true vintage fabric and decorations that are used, the identifying factor of a true vintage design is the cut and, therefore, the way that it fits the body.  There’s no way to cheat on it and the look of the finished garment is unmistakable.

True vintage notions can make a big difference, too.  Buttons, of course, but zippers are probably the most important closure item with regard to getting the fit to be authentic.  Nothing will be more correct than a zipper that is like the original in looks and function.  And, we know how often one of those might need to be replaced . . . . . . .

So, there’s my little rant on that subject.  Of course, there’s lots more to get into if you are a couturier or just an expert needle-worker.  But, it’s worth knowing about, and very interesting when you want to get it perfect.

However, nothing is true vintage except real true vintage, no matter how well it has been reproduced.  But, if you’re very, very good at faking it, it’ll take a master sleuth to expose you . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE EARLY MID-CENTURY NIGHTGOWN – SEXY, SIMPLE ELEGANCE

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Don´t know for sure if this gown is from the Forties or Fifties, but I´ll bet on the early 1950´s.  This sweeping, silky style is so gorgeous on!  No frills and fussy details, just the most wonderful nylon that feels fabulous.

You might remember the gown I discovered a year or two ago which has a similar treatment of the front straps.  I just love this – no hardware or bulky seams.  Looks like origami.

Palest pink is always flattering and perfect for lingerie or sleepwear.  I´ll enjoy this one so much . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

WONDERFUL TRUE VINTAGE 1950´S BLOUSE AND SHIRT – A DELICIOUS NEW FIND!

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COULD IT REALLY BE PIMA COTTON?

When I saw these beautiful colors, classic styles and FELT the scrumptious fabric, I was over the moon.  As I always tell you,  true vintage blouses and shirts are a pure gold find.  And, mid-century designs are my favorite!

The cap sleeve blouse was custom-tailored, like so many mid-century garments.  I love that style and the print is fun.  Also in my beloved turquoise.

Surprise – the red shirt is actually a boys´, but just the right size for me, with a classic wallpaper print.  I love the small wing collar and the slanted front pocket.  Made in California – I couldn´t be happier with the color, too.

Another, and maybe the BEST thing about these shirts is the material.  I said that it feels fantastic and that is an understatement.  In a substantial cotton, which might have been Pima cotton since that was so popular and one of the best available in the 1950´s.  So, it might have come from Pima County in New Mexico!  If you have ever felt one of these old cottons – especially after they have been washed and used for a while – you´ll remember that it feels just like you´ve gone to Heaven.

So, for the second (or third, or fourth) time this trip, I felt like I´d won the jackpot when I spotted these babies.  It`s worth every bit of shoe leather and the trenchcoats that I have to replace . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY DANCING SANDALS – MY MOST FABULOUS NEW SHOE FIND, STRAIGHT FROM THE STARLIGHT BALLROOM . . . . . . .

A LITTLE FOX-TROT, ANYONE?

A LITTLE FOX-TROT, ANYONE?  

Can you believe these perforated leather peep-toe sling-back sandals – made for dancing the night away in the early 1950´s (or, maybe, before) . . . . . .

Tale a look at the heels with the cut-out design!!!  They are just the coolest thing.  Very Peggy Lee, Benny Goodman and all that.

Completely hand-made, I´m sure.  All leather, with a swanky brand name printed in gold.  That´s the kind of quality and style that our grandmothers and great-grandmothers took for granted and had at their fingertips in any mid-priced department store.

Sometimes I´m a little bit envious of them, but then, why should I be? . . . . . . .  Stay tuned for more evidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1970´S PRAIRIE DRESS – WITH ALL THE FRILLS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis is the sweetest thing from that era, and very well-made, in a peachy-pink tone.  It´s all lined, in beautiful sheer fabric, covered with lace and details.

Not sure if this might have been a Prom dress years ago, or just for a special occasion.  It´s a possibility for street wear now.

So iconic of that time, I just had to pick it up – like another that will be shown in a day or two . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1960´S BLOUSES ON THE RUNWAY THIS WEEK – NEW TREASURES

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I couldn´t believe my good fortune last week – half a dozen blouses, as well as shoes and dresses.  These are somewhat rare finds, so I always do a happy dance!

Yes, they look very unremarkable in the photos, but I think you trust my snooping skills well enough to follow along while I explain what is so cool about them.

The blouse on the left is in a wonderful, semi-sheer and shimmery mid-century synthetic fabric that is just so pretty.  It also has darts at the shoulders, front and back, that not only make the fit special but also are pretty details that can be seen.  The little Peter Pan collar is very feminine and early ´60´s all the way!

On the right, a Levis shirt is just special in it´s casual sort of way for the fit and the ´60´s sportswear flavor that it will add to my high-waist blue jeans – a favorite everyday look when I´m at home.

Although you might think that “I could go to Walmart and buy shirts like that any time . . . .”, no, no, no.  These jumped out at me from the midst of a crowded rack and they´ll do the same when I wear them.  People who pay attention to fashion – even in a casual sort of way – can usually spot it when they see someone wearing something a little bit different, even if they don´t know why . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SHIRTWAIST DRESS BY HENRY LEE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWell, this computer has distorted my image a bit, but use your mind´s eye.  I haven´t run across a dress of this style for some time, so I was excited to see it.  It`s also a name brand that I have discovered before, so it was double fun!

Midi-length shirtwaist style with round, faceted black plastic buttons that look like jet.  The print is black on red and it´s made of a swishy synthetic fabric.  Designed with a classic tie at the neckline – very traditional, but smart.  No shoulder pads this time.

I always enjoy finding this style, which has been popular since the 1930´s and keeps showing up in new incarnations each decade.  It was a lovely surprise when I was scouting in new territory.  As always, you just never know . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGSPY.COM

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