Tag Archives: women’s

FABULOUS SURPRISE FIND – REEDCRAFT LEATHER PURSE FROM THE 1920’S – 1930’S

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What a rare and wonderful discovery!  In excellent condition – perhaps never used.  Only some minor discolorations from age or storage and almost 100 years old.

These handbags have beautifully finished leather and fun hardware touches.  A tri-color Bakelite or celluloid clasp ornament and even a little coin purse stashed inside.  When you think that this was at the beginning of the Great Depression with war looming in Europe, it puts a different slant on this pretty product.  The company was formed in 1928, just a year before the stock market crash.

Despite it all, people did find ways to enjoy life in the 1930’s – some of the most fun and outrageously glamorous movies were made during that time, some of the most luxurious and over-the-top fashion plus beautiful Art Deco furniture, architecture and ornamentation.

“Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..”

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LOVE FINDING TRUE VINTAGE JACKETS WITH STYLE!

What a find! Made in 1940’s/1950’s style, this jacket was custom-tailored by someone with expert skills. Some of my favorite colors – deep plum and teal green. Nice tailoring with patch pockets and those wonderful buttoned tabs at the cuffs. Fully lined, and with modest shoulder padding – my favorite!

At first, I thought it might have truly been a 1950’s coat but on closer examination, I decided that it is probably a retro version made in the 1970’s or 1980’s (but I could be wrong about that). Both of those decades had a 1940’s revival period. So fun and it fits, so I’ll wear it a lot when the weather is cooler. For now, it must be stored to protect the fabric which is a wool blend.

I did find a couple of blouses made in the ’60’s or ’70’s, but they’re not distinctive enough to show in a post. I’ll just enjoy wearing them. So, that’s it for my most recent haul but I’ll be back at it in a few days and my handbag reprise continues for some time. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S MORRIS MOSCOWITZ TAPESTRY HANDBAG

IMG_1063IMG_1162IMG_1064 So nice to encounter this one!  Morris Moscowitz mid-century purses are always fun, good quality items – and some of them are really exceptional.  I own examples from the 1940’s through the 1960’s or 1970’s.

This one has leather trim, nice hardware and little feet to stand upon, plus an attached coin purse.

In such good condition, too!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ONE OF A KIND FIND. ICONIC STYLE THAT HAD A MINUTE IN 1964.

ONE OF A KIND FIND. ICONIC STYLE THAT HAD A MINUTE IN 1964.

This frock is a home-tailored version of Mary Quant’s Tent Dress which she introduced in 1964. It was an immediate hit because it fit every body, was SOOO comfortable and easy to wear and also was a radical fashion departure from the more structured, prissy day and evening dresses up until that time. The closest women had come so far was the summer shift dress that was only acceptable in the most casual settings.

I didn’t think I’d probably keep it at first. Waist-defining styles are usually my preference but then I tried it on. Mega cute!! It’s a little bit mini on me, which makes it just perfect. Just love the aqua color, with a printed repeating pattern of interlocking flowers in pale yellow for just the right amount of contrast. The vintage nylon zip and hook and eye at the neckline are the only hardware needed. Probably won’t even require a slip.

Such a fab find. Although there were similar versions over the following years, I’ll probably never encounter another one as faithful to the original authentic style. But then, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1960’S SUMMER HANDBAG BY ANDE’

1960’S SUMMER HANDBAG BY ANDE’

IMG_1061  IMG_1062 Finding true vintage handbags in almost-new condition is always a treat.  When summer’s almost over this year, the old-fashioned rule of “Don’t Wear White Wardrobe Items After Labor Day” is also dead and gone!

Ande’ was another company that made popularly-priced purses in the mid-century era. Usually small, and more often made of vinyl, but always cute, sturdy and stylish.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SLEEK AND SHAPELY. A CUSTOM-TAILORED FIT AND FLARE FROCK, 1960’S

FUN 1950’S – ’60’S HANDBAGS

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Needlepoint totes and sassy little clutch purses were very popular in the late 1950’s – mid-1960’s.  I’m tickled to find these great examples that will be so practical and fun to carry!  Love the touch of asymmetry in the designs of both.

Although modern shoulder straps can make today’s monster purses quite handy when only a large handbag will do, I often prefer the design of older ones – and they’re better-made, too, unless you want to pay hundreds of dollars (and even then, it’s no guarantee – shame, shame on modern makers).

Anyway, these pretties got tucked into my closet and will come out soon – so perfect for the season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND! 1960’S – ’70’S TRUE VINTAGE SUNDRESS

This is the first item I discovered on Wednesday. It’s not the best of the 3 dresses, but I love it and will start here. There’s no label, and only a manufacturer’s tag in the side seam. A budget-priced item, it was originally unlined but the previous owner put in a perfect lining adapted from a vintage lingerie slip. Now it’s not see-through in any way and hangs better. See what a little ingenuity can do?

The colors and chevron stripes were what caught my eye to begin with. The lightweight fabric, easy fit and pull-over style make it a perfect summer frock or swimsuit cover-up. I’ll get a lot of use out of this one. Stay tuned for the rest of the line-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM