Tag Archives: WWII

RARE MID-CENTURY REPTILE CLUTCH HANDBAG – THIS TIME IN CROCODILE

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Remember the lovely lizard bag?  Well, here’s a sister from the same era, but in croc.  This one may be a bit older, due to the restrictions that were imposed on crocodile leather and other exotic skins after WWII.  As with fur, I’m not a fan of animal skins for our clothing and accessories and won’t buy any new ones;  but the true vintage examples are collectible pieces of fashion history to me.

As is the other one, this one’s a beauty.  It has a full-leather interior and several pockets.  Although there are some apparent discolorations on the outside (they might even be natural to the skin itself), it’s very clean and undamaged inside – always a delight when discovering an old handbag!

So, surprised again!  I always love that, and the surprises keep on coming . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PROBABLY FROM THE 1940’S – A LOVELY HANDBAG IN SILK, BY ROSENFELD

A very pretty fabric handbag in faille on the outside and satin on the inside both, I believe, of silk.  With hardly any wear, the inside is pristine.  I love the kiss clasp inset with black cabochons and the sculptured metal frame.  It’s a very lovely hardware example.

This is a special design by a company which made elegant bags, beginning at least as early as the 1940’s, and probably before.  Someone cherished it in a big way; kept for special outings or occasions.

What next?  You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MY FAVORITE SILK SOUVENIR SCARF – FROM HAWAII, 1950’S

MY FAVORITE SILK SOUVENIR SCARF - FROM HAWAII, 1950'S

The colorful, naive graphics of true vintage souvenir scarves and hankies are SO much fun!!  It’s wonderful to find one in silk, or any high quality vintage fabric like rayon or fine 100% cotton.

The designs are always so cute and bright.  Not a good disguise, though, unless I’m wanting to look like a tourist . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MID-CENTURY FLORAL SCARF: AN ALWAYS-BUY-IT ACCESSORY

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Found this great headscarf, in superb condition.  I always pick these up when I come across them because they are unique.  The floral, geometric or novelty prints are irreplaceable.  What could say “SPRING!” better?

Hand-rolled edges and interesting fabrics make them quality items which obviously stand up well over time (if not silk or fabulous mid-century rayon, they are often made of one of the mystery synthetics of that era as this one probably is).

Nothing sparks up an outfit like one of these attention-grabbing pieces.  Anyone with an “eye” will know that it didn’t come from a mall store or even modern Europe.  But often, it just leaves them perplexed  – “That’s a nice scarf.  Where did you get it?” . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

UNIQUE TRUE VINTAGE SCARVES ADD UNMISTAKABLE RETRO CHIC

UNIQUE TRUE VINTAGE SCARVES ADD UNMISTAKABLE RETRO CHIC

Here are 3 small scarves from my large collection.  I have selected them to show you for their unusual patterns.  Vintage novelty graphics and florals are lovely and very distinctive.  Always perfect to brighten a jacket pocket, or add a bright touch to your neckline, to a purse handle or your hair.

On the other hand, patterns like the one on top – looks like little postage-stamp drawings – are very unusual and interesting.  Check out the green square on right – see the little ballerinas around the edge?  FUN! I loved discovering this one!!

The fabrics in these scarves are also unique by today’s standards.  The silks are lovely and delicate.  Hems are always hand-stitched.  Rayons and nylons also have a really nice “hand”.  Even the old polyesters are different.

I’ll show more of my favorites in different sizes and styles.  Marlene and Celia are always very happy for another opportunity to model and, I’ll be introducing Daphne . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEST TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SUNDAY, DINNER, PARTY, DATE, OCCASION JACKET DRESS

BEST 1950'S SUNDAY, DINNER, PARTY, DATE, OCCASION JACKET DRESS

Beautiful navy and pink combo on this special jacket-dress from the 1940’s.  A real beauty.  Nice drapey crepe in flattering navy and pink hues.

Flower petal collar. Easter splendor.  Come on Springtime! . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ANOTHER SURPRISE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S/’50’S DRESS WITH THE TAGS STILL ON!!

ANOTHER SURPRISE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S/'50'S DRESS WITH THE TAGS STILL ON!!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE surprises like this!! A polished cotton Spring shirtwaist frock from back in the day that’s new to me!

This dress would have been sold in a hometown store or a department store – it was a budget to mid-priced item – but the quality of workmanship would beat most of what is sold today.  That’s not even to consider the fabric – it’s really superior and you won’t find anything like that now!

It was just an everyday day-dress to Rosie the Riveter or Lucy Ricardo, but I think it’s cute with a lot of attitude today. That’s what it’s all about.  Madge thinks it’s pretty swell . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

MY FAVORITE (FOR NOW) 1940’S RAYON DAY DRESS

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A super-startling surprise find!  Beautiful 1940’s fabric, perfect condition and just my size.  Fun floral for spring and my favorite dark, dark navy in the background.  These rare and interesting flaps that fall from the waist at both hips are a style feature I’d never seen before finding this beauty.  They were a common sight on many 1940’s dresses.

It’s a simple, easy pullover style that falls just right because of the cut, the fabulous rayon drape and the shoulder pads.  I think I’ll be wearing this one for at least the next 40 years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PLANNING SOME SPRING CLEANING THIS WEEKEND? DO IT IN TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S STYLE . . . . . . . . . ..

PLANNING SOME SPRING CLEANING THIS WEEKEND? DO IT 1940'S STYLE . . . . . . . . . ..

Some of you may remember that I have several day dresses made in this wrap style, but this one is distinctive.   It was made by (or modeled after one made by) a clothing company in the 1940’s which  sold this style as a house dress.  I have seen a re-print of their newspaper or magazine ad.

Nothing could be simpler or more comfy than this design.  It is practical (see the big pockets) and easy for bending and stretching into those dusty corners and down to those dirty floors.  If you don’t get too dirty, it looks nice enough to make a quick run to the market in.

This was a practical Mother’s Little Helper (before Mrs. Robinson changed the tune on that one completely) and was sold as such.  Who would have known . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S COCKTAIL/DINNER DRESS AND A FAVORITE 1940’S BLOUSE IN EMERALD

Sorry I didn’t get this photo into my St. Patrick’s Day series.  Can you imagine that dress worn under the emerald green satin evening coat I showed then?  Perfect!

Both these garments are in a lightweight fabric.  The blouse is probably a rayon georgette and the dress in a crinkly rayon or poly that is lined with acetate.  Pearl buttons on the blouse and a rhinestone detail on the bow belt of the dress. Stella is wearing my favorite leather Deliso – style pumps from the Eighties.   IMG_0954

The dress has a well-known label of the time which I have shown before – L’Aignon (the spelling might be a bit off).  A bright jewel tone like this and filmy fabric could be worn any time of year, but I like it in Spring or Fall.

These are not new finds – I’ve had them for a while and they are keepers!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY .COM