Although the phrase “made in Japan” used to connote (in Western countries) some cheap trinket back in the WWI, WWII and Post-war days before their technological revolution, Japan is als…
Author Archives: Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
MADE IN JAPAN – LOOK AT THIS FAB COTTON KIMONO!

Although the phrase “made in Japan” used to connote (in Western countries) some cheap trinket back in the WWI, WWII and Post-war days before their technological revolution, Japan is also the country that is known for gorgeous kimonos and traditional garments of the most elaborate embroidered silk.
Another unusual and surprising find. I’m not sure exactly how to date this 100% cotton robe, but it’s beautiful and well-styled in it’s elegant simplicity. The fan motifs are very wonderful and I love the colors (as does Stella – with that auburn hair it’s dynamite on her!).
Definitely a keeper. More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
SO UNUSUAL – 1960’S VELVETEEN MINI MATERNITY DRESS!

What a surprise to come across this custom-tailored frock. It’s got many clues that told me of it’s age and how it came to be, but the styling was the real delight. SO unusual to discover a maternity dress or a “tent dress” from the mid-1960’s.
Tent dresses were all the rage for a while during the Mad Mod Sixties. Fortunately, the style didn’t hang around too long. But, what could be more perfect as a maternity design? This one is meant for fall and winter partying in heavy velveteen. I have to say, it is cute on Stella.
After discovering a treasure like this, I wondered what could be next and it didn’t take long to find out. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
FABULOUS UNUSUAL FIND! MID-1960’S VELVETEEN MATERNITY TENT DRESS
Wowee! Someone custom-tailored this cute mini-dress that falls from above the bust-line and is a really flattering shape for someone whose waistline has temporarily disappeared. It also could hav…
Source: FABULOUS UNUSUAL FIND! MID-1960’S VELVETEEN MATERNITY TENT DRESS
FABULOUS UNUSUAL FIND! MID-1960’S VELVETEEN MATERNITY TENT DRESS

Wowee! Someone custom-tailored this cute mini-dress that falls from above the bust-line and is a really flattering shape for someone whose waistline has temporarily disappeared. It also could have been a “tent” style, which was all the rage about that time. In any case, it’s perfect for Fall no matter how or why she wore it!
All kinds of “new” stuff, including a wonderful hairdo for Stella. She’s psyched! So am I. We’ll be spreading a lot of rockabilly vibes and more. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
NEXT FIND – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S/EARLY 1960’S HAND-MADE HOUSE DRESS

Gingham again – it’s always classic and often found in lots of casual clothing from mid-century. In this example, we have a custom-tailored design – sort of Western-wear, but …
Source: NEXT FIND – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S/EARLY 1960’S HAND-MADE HOUSE DRESS
NEXT FIND – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S/EARLY 1960’S HAND-MADE HOUSE DRESS
Gingham again – it’s always classic and often found in lots of casual clothing from mid-century. 
In this example, we have a custom-tailored design – sort of Western-wear, but just CUTE! Simple shift style, but when I wear it I’ll probably add a belt and cinch the waist. The ruffle at the hem, cross-stitch decoration and interesting elbow-length sleeves all make it unique and would even be a good Halloween costume.
Dresses with these features were popular in mid-century in the United States, when there was a big Western/cowboy craze going on. Ever hear of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans? I’ve learned so much by being interested in true vintage fashion! Happy trails to you, until we meet again. Have fun tonight – arroooooooooooooooooo . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A VERY FUN TRUE VINTAGE DISCOVERY – SUPER SIXTIES SHOES!

These are definitely for Fourth of July! I have a purse from the same era that they’re almost a match for. Also, they’re great nautical colors that are popular in the Spring and Fall…
Source: A VERY FUN TRUE VINTAGE DISCOVERY – SUPER SIXTIES SHOES!
TRUE VINTAGE GINGHAM HOUSE – DRESS FROM 1961, WITH PRETTY VINTAGE LACE

True vintage house-dresses are some of my favorite finds because they are always so cute, easy to wear all year long and each one has different details to discover. Gingham fabric is always top of…
Source: TRUE VINTAGE GINGHAM HOUSE – DRESS FROM 1961, WITH PRETTY VINTAGE LACE
TRUE VINTAGE GINGHAM HOUSE – DRESS FROM 1961, WITH PRETTY VINTAGE LACE
True vintage house-dresses are some of my favorite finds because they are always so cute, easy to wear all year long and each one has different details to discover. Gingham fabric is always top of the list. It’s fun to find so many different colors besides the wonderful, classic red/white and blue/white combos!
The most outstanding feature of this dress is the lace around the collar – it’s just different from anything that is made now.
I really love 100% cotton fabric in blouses and dresses like this, but often find that even the older ones are a cotton-poly blend. Clothing makers were creative with blended and synthetic fabrics in the Forties when some of the usual materials were diverted for use in making things for the WWII effort. In the Fifties they began concentrating on making fabrics easy-care – less or no ironing needed and easier to wash – but I still find wonderful 100% cottons, too.
So, we’ve benefited and lost from these changes in the marketplace over the past few decades. There’s nothing like the true vintage fabrics, no matter what type they are, but I love the innovations that made improvements in them, too. Each decade has it’s own wonderful fabrics!
It’s been so much fun to learn all these things from my experience in the field – always looking forward to the next investigation . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM