Although the basic style of this dress is unremarkable, it is so unique! 100% lined silk in a beautiful paisley print. And, very well-tailored. Cool and breezy, yet quite sophisticated. This is no…
Author Archives: Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SILK BUTTON-FRONT FROCK

Although the basic style of this dress is unremarkable, it is so unique! 100% lined silk in a beautiful paisley print. And, very well-tailored.
Cool and breezy, yet quite sophisticated. This is not a run-of-the-mill item.
I’ve never seen another like it.
Aside from its vintage, it doesn’t leave many clues. But, of course I love a mystery . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SPRING HATS
Ain’t no flowers upon these babies! They’re just about as Mod as they come, with stripes of color (although they are floral pastels) and leopard spots. The topper that Celia likes was m…
Source: TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SPRING HATS
TRUE VINTAGE SHOES OF THE 1960’S – IMMORTALIZED AT THE SHOE MUSEUM
Examples from the decade, preserved and displayed beautifully. Stilettos and little strappy things. Cute, chic and sexy. In alligator, suede, satin, patent leather – such a fabulous c…
Source: TRUE VINTAGE SHOES OF THE 1960’S – IMMORTALIZED AT THE SHOE MUSEUM
TRUE VINTAGE SHOES OF THE 1960’S – IMMORTALIZED AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

Examples from the decade, preserved and displayed beautifully. Stilettos and little strappy things. Cute, chic and sexy. In alligator, suede, satin, patent leather – such a fabulous collection!
These are mostly dressier styles on this side of the display case. You can catch a glimpse of some more everyday heels on the other side.
From Carnaby Street to The Man from Uncle to early James Bond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
TRUE VINTAGE CUSTOM-TAILORED THAI SILK SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960’S

I think that someone had this dress specifically made for her while traveling or living in Thailand or China during the 1960’s. That was a common thing to do back then.
Thai silk is so distinctive and beautiful. There’s nothing like the weave and color of these fabrics and they are always smartly designed and carefully constructed by hand. It is one of two that I have discovered – makes me wonder about the woman involved.
Did she have a secret assignment? Was she undercover? Perhaps a great-niece of Mata Hari . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I WAS RIGHT – A PERFECT FIT!!
Back at headquarters, for a short break, and finally able to photograph this most recent discovery. Stella is dainty as a daffodil in her Prom/party frock from the 1950’s. The neckline scar…
Source: I WAS RIGHT – A PERFECT FIT!!
I WAS RIGHT – A PERFECT FIT!!
Back at headquarters, for a short break, and finally able to photograph this most recent discovery. Stella is dainty as a daffodil in her Prom/party frock from the 1950’s. The neckline scarf is the signature feature of this dress. Possibly it was for a bridesmaid or a debutante (of sorts – not lush enough for the Country Club set).
Like many(most?) older garments, it is so interesting and tells a story. The fabrics are not of the highest quality but they are adequate, and this short gown was off-the-rack, though there is no label remaining. Unless . . . . . . . . . .
It just may have been custom-tailored by someone who REALLY knew her(or his) stuff. The skirt has FOUR layers – a circle skirt of lace overlay with a solid yellow acetate(?) liner, a ruffle of tulle netting underneath and a final layer of white stiffening fabric gathered beneath it all. This was the standard construction of dressy special-occasion gowns in the mid-century.
No question that this frock was going somewhere really special. Makes you wonder . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
A FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE LADIES’ HAT – 1940’S / 1950’S
One of my very favorites – this Spring hat is so distinctive and unusual. With classic lines and straightforward coloring, but a surprising and flattering asymmetrical trim. That feature remi…
Source: A FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE LADIES’ HAT – 1940’S / 1950’S
