Author Archives: Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy

BACK TO MY FAVORITE TURQUOISE COLOR – A BEAUTIFUL SILK SHEATH BY A WELL-KNOWN 1950’S MAKER

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From the late 1950’s to the early 1960’s, this find was a Wowee! smile-maker.  A silk sheath with lovely tailoring, a full lining and killer fit and in perfect condition.  Obviously, someone loved it and, why not?!

It’s by Lilli Diamond of California – a design that Jackie Kennedy and her fashion-maven predecessors would have worn with elegance and sophistication, though it’s almost a wiggle-dress (maybe it is).  I love cap sleeves and sheath styles.  Can’t wait to try this on Stella – it’s made for her . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960s METALLIC SAPPHIRE BLUE STILETTO PUMPS

A relatively rare find, early ’60s pumps a lot like the ones my grandmother wore in 1963. I was surprised to see the metallic finish, but these are definitely true vintage. I’m not sure…

Source: TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960s METALLIC SAPPHIRE BLUE STILETTO PUMPS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960s METALLIC SAPPHIRE BLUE STILETTO PUMPS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960s METALLIC SAPPHIRE BLUE STILETTO PUMPS

A relatively rare find, early ’60s pumps a lot like the ones my grandmother wore in 1963. I was surprised to see the metallic finish, but these are definitely true vintage. I’m not sure if they are patent leather or not – the soles are man-made but the insoles are part leather. Just enough of the markings are left, as well as the appearance overall, to show that they are at least 50 years old, though in excellent condition!

They are almost a perfect color match for the dress which I just posted, and would look very good with it. They were another surprise find, which completely delighted me.

As always, you just never know . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’s – EARLY 1960S SAPPHIRE BLUE TAFFETA PARTY FROCK FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Isn’t this an absolutely stunning color? Combine that with the sophisticated tailoring, elegant simplicity and gorgeous fit and we have an incomparable dress that rivals anything available to…

Source: TRUE VINTAGE 1950’s – EARLY 1960S SAPPHIRE BLUE TAFFETA PARTY FROCK FOR THE HOLIDAYS

BACK TO THE 1960’s – FINAL NEW ZEALAND TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSE FIND

This great example of Sixties tailoring jumped out at me!  Wow – finding true vintage blouses in beautiful condition is so wonderful and relatively rare.  Like slacks, they get a lot of wear …

Source: BACK TO THE 1960’s – FINAL NEW ZEALAND TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSE FIND

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’s – EARLY 1960S SAPPHIRE BLUE TAFFETA PARTY FROCK FOR THE HOLIDAYS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960S SAPPHIRE BLUE TAFFETA PARTY FROCK

Isn’t this an absolutely stunning color? Combine that with the sophisticated tailoring, elegant simplicity and gorgeous fit and we have an incomparable dress that rivals anything available today. In my opinion, it wins hands-down on quality and unique design.

Heavy taffeta like this almost has a presence of its own when the wearer walks into a room. In spite of the color, this is not a flashy dress but it will draw many eyes to it.

Although it has no maker’s label inside, I am sure that it was made by a clothing company rather than by an individual seamstress. The tailoring details are complex in the bodice and achieves the excellent and eye-catching fit.

Where would you wear this?  – a party, dance, dinner, special event – it would even make a great part of a bridal group. Jewelry?  – rhinestones, pearls, the real thing.  Nothing too flashy or “too much”, but this dress can support something outstanding!

Shoes? I favor a pair in the same color, with your jewelry accents taking the attention. At another time, in another place I found a pair from the same era that coordinates perfectly – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

BACK TO THE 1960’s – FINAL NEW ZEALAND TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSE FIND

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis great example of Sixties tailoring jumped out at me!  Wow – finding true vintage blouses in beautiful condition is so wonderful and relatively rare.  Like slacks, they get a lot of wear and sometimes don’t survive.  So glad this one did!

In this case, the fabric is a beautiful rayon or similar material woven in a vibrant stripe. Fitted silhouette, double-button cuffs, gathered shoulder seams and a different collar shape are some of the true vintage tailoring details here.  Unfortunately, the label is gone but that’s a common issue that I can accept.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ICONIC TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S MINK-TRIMMED BLOUSE – ANOTHER TREASURE FOUND NEW ZEALAND

Another rare find!  This one was not a high-end item when it was made, but it is an iconic piece with mink-trimmed sleeves.  I have a few of these garments with sleeves like this but don’t fi…

Source: ICONIC TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S MINK-TRIMMED BLOUSE – ANOTHER TREASURE FOUND NEW ZEALAND

ORIGINAL 1944 WEDDING GOWN, MODELED BY THE BRIDE

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I regret that WordPress or Microsoft did not correct the orientation of this photo, but we are grateful for what they do –

Here is the lovely bride in her gown (and high heels).  In 1944 it was a rare blessing to be able to find a wedding dress to purchase since wartime rationing and restrictions were so stringent – especially in Britain, where the wedding took place.

Look at that train!  In satin (probably rayon), with puffed sleeves (no pads) and points at the wrists (love those!).  What a beautiful, figure-hugging fit this fabric provides.  I was able to see the original photographs of her in it, with a LONG veil, borrowed from an in-law but no flower bouquet because they couldn’t be bought then.  Her attendants carried lilacs from a neighbor’s garden and she carried a prayer book (like Grace Kelly 11 years later).  The groom was also extremely handsome in his army uniform.

What a treat!  Can’t go into the story of her betrothal and marriage, but it is fascinating and she is writing a memoir.  At 94, she enjoys a good party and has worn the dress on occasion, just for fun.  May we all be so blessed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE FASHION FINDS FROM NEW ZEALAND!! RARE MID-CENTURY BLOUSE

 I made several major discoveries when I was in New Zealand and several of them were blouses or shirts.  A VERY RARE thing to find these in great condition. This one is a heavy, glossy synthtic mat…

Source: TRUE VINTAGE FASHION FINDS FROM NEW ZEALAND!! RARE MID-CENTURY BLOUSE