Author Archives: Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy

ANOTHER ‘POWER SUIT’ FROM THE 1940’S WITH DYNAMIC STYLING

ANOTHER 'POWER SUIT' FROM THE 1940'S WITH DYNAMIC STYLING

I just love the hugely distinctive tailoring on this jacket!!  The ensemble, of course, is woven of wool.  Big shoulder pads and a belted jacket which leaves the back hanging free.   The belt passes through slits in the waistline of the jacket that allow the back to fall straight. There is decorative button detail at each shoulder-blade area in the back, too.

The jacket, alas, was found without a matching skirt. But, by searching high and low I discovered one almost a perfect match. The original was probably longer than this one is, however.

Although this suit doesn’t have a fur collar, the collar is very high for warmth and a sweater could easily be worn underneath, rather than a blouse.  it could be worn alone, without a coat, on a cool or cold day.  Very practical, standard dressy day-wear for wartime and post-war women.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

VERY CUTE! TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S SPRING DAY DRESS

Source: VERY CUTE! TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S SPRING DAY DRESS

THE FUN NEVER STOPS!

Source: THE FUN NEVER STOPS!

THE FUN NEVER STOPS!

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-11111211111I’m on a roll finding mid-century dresses and there’s more to come, but first –

Let me show you the neatest thing that also revealed itself . . . . . . . . . . .

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COTTON SCARF PRINTED AS A COMMEMORATIVE ITEM FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH II’S CORONATION IN 1953

It’s written in the right-hand lower corner.  Love the kitchy illustrations.  Perfect for my 1950’s home!!  Not to mention the closets . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

PURE CLASSIC! VINTAGE DAY DRESS IN FLORAL COTTON

Source: PURE CLASSIC! VINTAGE DAY DRESS IN FLORAL COTTON

PURE CLASSIC! VINTAGE DAY DRESS IN FLORAL COTTON

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Right on the heels of that daring red frock shown yesterday came this traditional, custom-tailored every-day dress in a beautiful cotton print.  Again, I can’t say exactly how old it is but it was home-sewn in a classic, mid-century style.  The fabric is gorgeous.

Although it’s another perfect fit for me, the style is very plain so I think I’d cinch the waist with a belt to enhance the fit and add a pert little scarf or pearls at the neckline, depending on my mood.  Yes, that would be VERY cliche’ ’50’s but – so what? – also a VERY pretty look. Unless I wanted to go completely kitchy for the fun of it, I’d leave off the hat/gloves -handbag/shoes sets.

Anyway, this dress really makes me hanker for Spring!  Can’t wait to see what turns up next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

MORE “NEW” FINDS! TRUE VINTAGE “TEA” DRESS A’LA SCARLETT O’HARA

Source: MORE “NEW” FINDS! TRUE VINTAGE “TEA” DRESS A’LA SCARLETT O’HARA

MORE “NEW” FINDS! TRUE VINTAGE “TEA” DRESS A’LA SCARLETT O’HARA

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Here’s another mystery dress with regard to dating it exactly.  It’s a tea-length party gown which has done some duty over the years and has a very interesting neckline, made to be worn on or off the shoulder.  The bodice is boned, front and back, and the color is a rip-roarin’ red!  Scarlett would approve.

Always fun, and I know that it’s at least forty years old.  I doubt that it was custom-tailored, but there is no label.  Interesting tailoring details in a seldom-seen style, which fits me to a T!  However, I think I’ll need to invest in a corset for the best fit – I’ve never owned a regular brassiere that would do it justice.

When I get back to Headquarters, however,  I’m sure that Madge will be able to do it justice.  More tomorrow – stay tuned  .. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

BRIGHTLY COLORED MID-CENTURY (’40’S & ’50’S) SUITS WITH LOTS OF DETAIL

Source: BRIGHTLY COLORED MID-CENTURY (’40’S & ’50’S) SUITS WITH LOTS OF DETAIL

BRIGHTLY COLORED MID-CENTURY (’40’S & ’50’S) SUITS WITH LOTS OF DETAIL

BRIGHTLY COLORED MID-CENTURY ('40'S & '50'S) SUITS WITH LOTS OF DETAIL

Showing some reds here together – always a favorite color! The most amazing things about these are the pocket details and, of course, the overall quality cut and styling.

I can always depend on a true vintage suit of my correct size to fit beautifully. Even off-the-rack garments were made to such a higher standard that the things made today can’t compare.

I have hemmed the red skirt on the right (folded up, NOT cut off!) but otherwise haven’t had to do a thing. These babies were well-looked-after by their first owners and I continue by storing them properly, since they are wool.

That’s another topic – SO much vintage clothing was made of wool back in the day. Even lightweight weaves and knits that we could mistake for synthetics are actually wool. The important thing about this is to learn what the fabric is when you buy a vintage garment so that you don’t make mistakes when caring for it.

It’s no fun to throw something in the wash and have it come out as doll clothing or horribly misshapen. Nor do we want to find little moth holes in our favorite blouse, sweater or pants. LOVE delightful surprises, but not those!

Just another little tip from . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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