If I do say so myself, this season of investigations has been great so far and looks fabulous ahead. Finds continue to turn up at my usual $1 – $5 per. Though I did spend a little more in mysterious South America, all were incredible bargains.
With some of the gorgeous garments I’ve uncovered recently, I’m just as much in search of venues to wear them as the clothing and accessories themselves! Stay tuned, because the fun and excitement keep on coming and – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This style is a very elegant, body-skimming sheath design with back zip and a low plunge behind. Notice the chiffon drape which hangs from the waist, and the simple embroidery on the bodice.
Although the interior size tag reads 8, an attached paper tag dangling from a side-seam give the sizing as 7/8, meaning that this was a Junior size frock rather than Misses, with a youthful cut. LOVE IT when original sales tags are present and testify to a garment that has never been worn!!
Knee-length to moderate-mini, depending on the wearer’s height, and with a 3″ hem allowance. Perfect. Just my size! Never fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I just loved the mid-century post-war vibe of this shirt as soon as I saw it. The cotton fabric is in a print very faithful to that time-frame, and some of the design details are, too. But, there’s evidence of a label which doesn’t look like it was an old one (?). All I have to go by is the remnant left when it was cut out. I’m not often stumped – but it gets trickier . . . . . . . . .
Somewhere along the line this shirt was altered and re-styled, probably to make it smaller. I love the piping accents that may have been added. The front probably used to button, but was closed to make a pull-over style. At the end of the day, I can’t definitely say what the true age of this garment is or be really clear be clear about it’s history.
However, it’s very fun and fits me! What could be better? I’ll choose to believe that it’s 55 years old and enjoy. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although this top was made only 20 years ago and wouldn’t be true vintage in my book, it’s got the good retro design and quality construction that made it worth picking up. It’s also a soft wool, with the back neckline zipper which was so popular several decades ago.
I like the design and even the color, which is actually a dark navy but it’s made for a larger gal than I so will probably find another home some day. This blast from the past will last some girl for several decades more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’m showing these dresses together because they have so much in common. The biggest similarity is the heavy-weight knit fabric that was so characteristic of clothing made between 1973 and 1976, more or less. It is beautiful, sheds wrinkles and drapes like a dream.
These examples are not high-end, but are very well-tailored. Neither has a label, so I’m not sure if they might have been custom-made. In any case, the original owner of the red one altered the hemline at some point. Both still have about 3″ of hem allowance (such a luxury!).
I haven’t tried them on yet, but predict that they will fit me and will be very flattering. Well-made garments of quality fabric and good design usually are – another reason why I adore true vintage fashion!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Again, my good fortune kicked in with this find. Gowns of this genre in almost perfect condition are rare discoveries. The only flaws are a few small tears at the bottom of the netting skirt (it is so hard to keep heels from catching there) and some shoulder strap repair needed. One could hardly expect the original owner to make it through a night of dancing and partying without suffering a casualty or two (even in 1955). She did very well!
Very easy to fix or disguise, and the dress is otherwise beautiful. Makes me wonder where it was worn and what the evening was like. A tailor or experienced seamstress can easily make a new strap from original material in the skirt and no one will notice the little tears near my ankles so, party on!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
