Though I’m not a big fan of mid-quality repro fashion, I couldn’t pass up this frock when I saw it last winter. It’s about 40 years old now, so it qualifies as bonafide true vintage (sort of). The huge shoulder pads, draped peplum waist and the roll-able elbow length sleeves caught my attention. It’s faithful enough to 1940’s tailoring styles to make a good costume for theater or Halloween (Yes! It’s coming!!). I’m a sucker for vintage fashion fun, I confess.

Anyway, now that I could pull it out of storage it’s on eBay with 5 similar ’40’s – themed dresses. Can’t wear them all so this is a good time of year to let them go. Stay tuned for authentic true vintage posts!

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy

Blog: Magicvintagespy.com

What a fun, kitschy find! Some guy (or his girl) thought this would be a great souvenir of his trip to the Canary Islands. It’s high-quality silk and looks as though it’s never been worn. Not surprising!

However, now that we’re not so buttoned-down in this new century, I’d wear it often if I were a man. A combination of quality and kitsch-appeal is the best of both worlds.

Now that I’m back at Headquarters for a while, there will be a few “new” things to post. I’m also doing some eBay clean-up so oldies but goodies are coming out of the closets, too. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Look what just popped up when I was out and about recently – wasn’t investigating, but clues tend to appear when an agent is near. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dating from somewhere in the late 1930’s to the mid-1950’s, these accessories might have been used for an everyday or a dressy occasion. At a time when nice pearl necklaces were routinely worn by smartly dressed women whenever they went downtown and leather pocket accessories were carried by men and women alike, well-made and stylish items like these were common.

These “pearls” aren’t the real deal, but it always pays to notice because you just never know. I’ve discovered both real pearls and well-done imitations in unlikely places. This strand is heavy (as it should be, because real pearls are), with an iridescent pinky-beige finish that is pretty and looks very natural. There are only a few small scratches on some of the pearls near the clasp – natural wear after being worn for decades. Excellent for it’s age! The clasp is a fishhook push type in sculpted silver-tone metal set with a rhinestone that looks very diamond-like, which makes this necklace a good imposter that would fool many an admiring eye. The only feature which would improve the deception would be knots between the gems.

The tiny leather coin purse with a spring closure is deep black, rather than gray. These are very clever and are opened by putting pressure on the sides and snap closed again when you let go. It could have been a man’s or a woman’s and is made of fine, soft leather which I’ve seen several times in vintage men’s wallets and usually marked as “Moroccan Leather”. Worthy of any gentleman or lady. The spring closure comes from the mid-1950’s and before, in my experience. Very useful finds, and fun!

So, just a little update and reminder that it pays to “keep your eyes peeled”, because you just never know . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A slinky peplum dress by Just In Thyme Ltd., a popular retro brand in the Eighties that is apparently still in production. I love this dress because it’s got the shoulder pads, 3/4 sleeves, peplum waist and midi-length while also having a slinky, fitted cut. So many of the mid-priced Eighties does Forties dresses were horribly frumpy-looking. Oh, yes, I have discovered quite a few which were not, but it’s always great to see another one!

This frock will look fabulous on Stella’s tall size 2 model’s figure (for those of you who haven’t followed me, Stella is my wonderful vintage mannequin – a 1950’s to early 1960’s size 10). A bit too big for me, but all the fun was in the find. When I eventually get it on Stella, I’ll re-post. In the meantime, there are always new investigations and more clues uncovered. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. .. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

The beat goes on! Love, love, love these Eisenhauer/Kennedy – era cotton gloves that every woman wanted to wear whenever going to town. A fussy, troublesome accessory in some ways, yes, but so much a part of that time. Like hats were, there were times and places where a lady wouldn’t want to be caught dead not wearing them.

What makes these so fun and special is the decoration. In place of being printed on the fabric, you can see that each little polka-dot has been appliqued’ (stitched on) by hand. Hard to know whether they were sold this way since no label or brand name is present, as would usually be the case with best-quality makers; this leads me to wonder if the gloves were a more modestly-priced (though nicely-made) brand that a thrifty and crafty gal bought and used her skills to decorate by herself!

So many women, during this mid-century time, made their fashions and accessories at home for fun and frugality. This included costume jewelry. DIY at-home kits were very popular and were advertised in women’s magazines and in the women’s-interest pages of newspapers.

Of course, I couldn’t pass these up even with all the wrist-length gloves I have and have had. They’re unique, THEY FIT ME, and are great clues! Although they were uncovered in an unrelated location from the formal dresses shown recently, they’re artifacts from the same time. Essential evidence for the files. The case continues so, stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

As you know, retro fashions are not my focus but I couldn’t pass this one up. Very well reproduced as to style and well-made. Initially, I thought I might pass it on but I love the fit on Stella (and, surprisingly, on me!). It’s a rayon frock with the appropriate slinkiness while being good for day. I love the way the pleats in front give the skirt a nice flounce, so appropriate to that Thirties vibe. I’m going to put some little shoulder pads in it for myself and will enjoy it a lot!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Over the past 4 weeks since my last post, I’ve been preparing for another extended overseas investigation. Although several clues have been encountered in the meantime, it has been unrealistic to broadcast them until I return to Headquarters in early November. So, stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Have a phantasmic Halloween, a Phenomenal Election Day and a beautiful Thanksgiving.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM