Here’s a fun find which is different from anything I own (so far). I’d put this on with my black wool sheath and some black leather boots! It’s a perfect partner to the dress shown earlier today.
Can’t say who made it as the label has gone missing, but I suspect that it was a from women’s dress shoppe or a large department store when they used to have specialty departments for millinery, shoes and furs. Ladies enjoyed buying a new hat the same way we focus on shoes today.
As I always say, I never buy modern fur but enjoy the old, old ones while they last.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTGESPY
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Sometimes I come across patterns or notions from the true vintage eras that I love. It’s worthwhile to pick them up, and I’ll explain why , , , , ,
Whether you sew or not, if you want to copy or have someone else re-make a true vintage garment, a pattern is a necessity in order to get it right. Unless you are a master at pattern-making yourself, the original cut of the garment will be impossible to recreate and the result will look like retro – not true vintage.
Beyond the qualities of the true vintage fabric and decorations that are used, the identifying factor of a true vintage design is the cut and, therefore, the way that it fits the body. There’s no way to cheat on it and the look of the finished garment is unmistakable.
True vintage notions can make a big difference, too. Buttons, of course, but zippers are probably the most important closure item with regard to getting the fit to be authentic. Nothing will be more correct than a zipper that is like the original in looks and function. And, we know how often one of those might need to be replaced . . . . . . .
So, there’s my little rant on that subject. Of course, there’s lots more to get into if you are a couturier or just an expert needle-worker. But, it’s worth knowing about, and very interesting when you want to get it perfect.
However, nothing is true vintage except real true vintage, no matter how well it has been reproduced. But, if you’re very, very good at faking it, it’ll take a master sleuth to expose you . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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The cut and design of this frock, as unremarkable as it looks (especially in this picture), told me immediately from when and what it was! It’s a soft wool knit from the late 1960’s.
Beautiful fabric! And, like the wool dress from a couple of days ago, no itch factor here. Of course, I’ll still enjoy a gorgeous lingerie slip underneath on a cold, wintery day. The crocheted trim breaks up the plain lines and the fit is lovely.
So glad that I’ve discovered so many in-season items recently that are appropriate for this cold that most of us are experiencing now. For those of you who are not, I’ve still got several summery finds coming up, too.
Later today, I’ll post a little rant about design with pictures of the true vintage tailoring tools I recently found and how they’re a help to sewing and altering, if that’s something you like to do. If not, it’s still good to know some of the things that make the difference between real deal vintage and the copy-cat retro fashions. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I’ve been on such a roll finding women’s blouses and shirts these past two months; it’s nice to be able to show a men’s shirt now, and one that’s suitable for the weather. Classic Western wear styling by a company that specialized in this kind of clothing.In the western U.S., men wear these shirts and bolo ties to almost every kind of event. If it’s dressy, the jacket, pants or the fabric will change but a Western shirt can always be a dress-up style. That’s not quite so true for women, but a Western-style outfit will often be business attire for them, too.
With a well-made version, you can’t go wrong with at least one or two of these garments in your wardrobe. Some of the true vintage women’s styles have beautiful embroidery, also.
I stay away from modern versions that aren’t so nice. Some are decorated too much and have lost their classic elegance. There’s only one way to be sure he’s a real cowboy . . . . . . .. ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Ho, hum. Traditional, classic, conservative . Yes, there’s a time and place for the secretary dress last shown, but then what if you put this underneath?! . . . . . . . . . . . .I was truly tickled pink to find this! I have several true vintage slips now with the crystal-pleated flounce at the hem, but not a black one!! All the colors, plus basic white and beige are wonderful, but black lingerie is ESSENTIAL!
These Forties/Fifties slips are truly beautiful and usually just the right lengths to wear with styles from the same era. In some cases, they are absolutely necessary in order to make a dress fit and feel the way that it was intended to.
So, when you’re all conservative and straight-laced for the office or whatever, you don’t have to step out of your true vintage mood or give up luxury and quality in order to have a little secret fun . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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