This really neat find comes out of the “I Love Lucy” era. The skirt is somewhat wider than it shows, but not a circle skirt – a bit more refined and subdued dressy shirtwaist style.
Whether it was commercially made or home-made, many of the tailoring details have been done by hand. The application of the trim in front is an intriguing conundrum – done partly by hand and partly by machine, in a mysterious manner that defies imagination.
The fabric is a rayon weave with a bit of gloss and body, rather than a fluid drape. It’s so interesting to explore the different fabric materials, weaves and finishes – especially from the era from pre- to post-WWII. Every era has it’s fabulous fabrics, but that time seems to have a lot of them.
I’ve really been on a roll here, and it continues. Keeping my spyglass on the trail . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Red, red, red! I’ve found several outstanding red items in the past little while – getting me in a Christmas mood a little early. This beautiful sweater was hand-knitted at a time when lots of women were still doing needlework on a regular basis.
In the favorite yarn of the time – mohair – maybe with some angora blended in. Every girl had to have a mohair sweater, usually knitted by herself, mom or grandmother. In this case the knitter put her own name at the neckline. I think that a few were commercially made, but I’ve rarely seen that.
The buttons are even cute – red plastic, with sailboats stamped on the front. The nautical theme has always been classic and popular for Spring and maybe says something about the person who wore this.
Anyway, I know I’ll be snuggling in it when I’m in the December holiday mood and right on through February . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I love, love, love this one! Custom-tailored (probably at home), it’s got ’40’s design details and, of course, shoulder pads. Stella will absolutely flip!!!!!
The fabric is a kind of poly-type synthetic in a flower print. Signs are that it was made some time in the midst of WWII. Just a fun and practical frock to wear while she was carrying on with the day-to-day.
Best of all, it fits . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Another “new” find. That’s all you’ll be seeing for quite a while now!
This hat looks like a spring/summer model in pink and grey. I can’t say exactly how old it is, as the milliner may still be in business. But, it’s seen some wear (the veiling has some tears inside) and it was made to the standards of older hats with a liner, grosgrain ribbon inner band and little loops to catch pins in order to anchor the hat to your hair. The ornament would be worn in back.
The fabric feels like a rayon/poly-type blend and the veiling is very nice. My guess is that it’s “relatively new” (like within 10 – 20 – 30 years ago), but made with materials that are specially produced for “hatters” and that probably won’t make them mad unless they sniff too much adhesive.
Constructed to the traditional standards, for women who continue to prefer a hat for occasions such as church, weddings, funerals and such. I’m happy to see that, although not quite as wonderful as older, true vintage hats almost always are, it’s certainly a cut above what is usually made now. It’s only small, individually-owned shops that are run by someone who loves the art of millinery which produce hats of this caliber today.
Hope you all had a wonderful Halloween – my favorite holiday of the year . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This dress has a huge skirt that flows to mid-calf. The fabric feels like whipping cream pouring through your fingers. True vintage synthetics from the Forties are just indescribable – you have to see and feel them for yourself.
This day dress was custom-tailored at home, I would guess. The time frame is late 1940’s to early 1950’s. It will look so great on Stella.
It’s been a while since I discovered a true vintage frock from the Forties. This week I’ve found two! This is SO much fun!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
