Author Archives: Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy

A “NEWER” VERSION OF THE CLASSIC CAMEL COAT FROM 1972

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Isn’t she a beauty? Purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chicago. The label says that the camel hair is also blended with cashmere. Classic is always classic and this trench coat styling is always “new”, especially in a very well-made garment. Makes me feel just like Ingrid Bergman in Casa Blanca.

However, wonderful as this coat is I’ll have to show you a real 1940’s version, truly worthy of Ingrid’s character Ilsa and, of course, any Agent such as Moi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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FABULOUS 1960’S 100% CAMEL HAIR COAT

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Well, seems that the warm weather is behind us. Let’s get back into the classic true vintage groove with a cold weather gem. Like a cashmere coat, this camel hair garment is pure luxury. The finest materials, the finest tailoring. Very flattering fitted A-line cut. It’s a find of and for a lifetime and absolutely a keeper. I may go back into the ’70’s tomorrow, though, for a comparison. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Really Popular Late 1970’s 2-piece Style

Skirt and vest things were seen a lot in the late 1970’s. Although this style is classic and turns up regularly, seems as though it had a trend moment at that time. I picked this one up because of it’s quality and pedigree.

Made by Mr. Leonard, a well-known (though now re-owned or out of business) women’s mid-priced clothing maker in Canada. They made a variety of ladies fashions of very good quality and I have run across the label several times.

I admit, it’s not terribly exciting but extremely well-made; 100% cotton, fully-lined vest, comfortable and easy to wear. A clue worth collecting, but subject to the closet-cleaning. See it on eBay. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Pretty 1960’s – ’70’s Party Dress by Miss Elliette of California

I pulled this little beauty out of the archives to decide whether she gets a permanent place in the closet or the chopping block . . . . . . . . . . . ..

The 1970’s was not a banner decade for high quality fashion, in my opinion, but this is a lovely example of the mid-priced garments available then so worth collecting. It’s nicely designed and tailored with gathers at the neckline, knife pleating and piping finish at the neck and wrists; a flattering style with well-done tailoring details and features that were popular in some of the better dresses. Of course, a full matching lining in the body is essential.

Alas, it’s not a perfect fit nor the best color for me so it’s off to eBay. Sometimes, spycraft must be ruthless. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Retro 1930’s Frock that I couldn’t pass up . . . . .

When I spied this dress I was immediately aware of the loyalty to 1930’s style in the fabric and design. Though it’s not true vintage, it was worth collecting. Love the sheer material, the drape and hemline. And, IT FITS ME! Will be seen on the street next summer. The purge does continue. Stay tuned . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Another 1940’s Frock – for an Evening of Cocktails and Dancing

With ruched sleeves and velvet ribbon decoration on black taffeta, the label tells me that it was sold from a ladies-wear shop in Texas, where it was discovered. A pretty dress with lots of room to move, from a time when dressing up for cocktails and dancing to live music was probably more popular than it is today. Everyone was exuberant over the end of the WWII rationing that, for one thing, had made extravagant clothing unavailable. We apparently owe the title of “Cocktail Dress” for early-evening semi-formal frocks to Christian Dior, beginning in the post-war 1940’s when hemlines went down again and showy tailoring details came back.

I’ll need to check on how it fits me to decide it’s fate. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Here’s Another 1940’s Frock, in a Dressier Mood

In a more substantial rayon, this dress would have taken Stella to an important luncheon, dinner date, Club meeting or business appointment. For any event calling for a sophisticated and dignified appearance this garment would have been appropriate. The high neckline, 3/4 sleeves and rhinestone buttons support this demure and elegant presence and the peplum waist keeps it from being too boring. Not exactly my style (a bit too demure) but such a beautiful example of 1940’s couture. I’m on the fence about passing it on.

Stuck in the 1940’s – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Wonderful 1940’s Day Dress in Cold Rayon

One of my most cherished dresses, probably from the post-war period but, possibly, from before the war ramped up in the early 1940’s. My favorite thing regarding this frock is the fabric print with the neckline detail a close second. Very artistic. The cold rayon of that era was so fabulous in it’s soft hand and exquisite drape – such a beautiful fit and supremely comfortable.

It’s always impossible for me not to go into a bliss state when I examine a beautiful garment like this; So much history and outstanding tailoring. There will be more – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL 100% SILK TAILORED WASP WAIST GOWN

Of course, I couldn’t pass up this Asian(?) beauty when I discovered it although I don’t know it’s history. There’s no label and it looks unworn so Where and When did it originate? The zipper gives me my best clue – it’s a Talon, in the style of the 1960’s and 1970’s – but not a definite answer, since this frock was hand-tailored.

The fabric, also, is a clue – pure silk with gold embellishments – which brings to mind others I have seen in garments made by Asian and Middle Eastern tailors; sometimes overseas and sometimes in North America. I love a mystery, but let’s get down to the real brass tacks. What makes this dress so exceptional and worthy of being categorized as True Vintage?

  1. Professional hand-tailoring which includes traditional features such as strap holders for undergarments sewn into the shoulders, other hand-finishing details and a full lining.
  2. True vintage styling most popular in previous decades i.e. wasp waist, ruching and midi length.
  3. The vintage Talon zipper. True, the maker may have saved this from previous times but still noteworthy.

So, there you have the initial conclusions of the investigation. Further clues may be uncovered in the future but this is enough to justify the acquisition. It’s a gorgeous example of tailoring history and garment design. However, the purge continues and it’s not a perfect fit for Moi, so off to the public auction house it has gone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER PERFECT 1940’S JACKET!!

Oh, the tailoring details! Decorative buttons, finished buttonholes, little fabric tabs on cuffs and pockets. To die for. Of course, it’s fully-lined. No label, so I’m not sure if this piece was purchased from a tailor or if the original owner removed the label, which so often happened.

Anyway, I love it to pieces and that’s why I have kept it even though it is a bit too small for me. And, we know what that means . . . . . . . . . . . . yes, the archives must continue to be purged. So, more fun for my loyal followers and more room in the closets for me. Because, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STAY TUNED

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM