Author Archives: Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy

MAJOR REVIEW OF THE OUTERWEAR ARCHIVE FILES

Today I’m right in the middle of a big vetting of the archive files from sweaters to fur coats. This morning I parted with a beautiful 1960’s sweater, which was wrenching. But, there eventually comes a time when all the intelligence must go public and the vault must be reorganized and cleaned. You’ll be seeing more of this class of intel over the next few days, with more bits and pieces to come later. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LET’S EXTEND OUR VISIT TO THE WARTIME 1940’S – WITH A SWING COAT

This is a real-deal wartime garment, illustrating some of the rationing which was taking place in the early to mid-1940’s. Shorter length, fabric that is a mystery rather than pure wool and no metal used for buttons or buckles. In fact, no buttons or buckles at all. Made by a Garment Workers Union without a brand name, this coat was made to satisfy the needs and tastes of women while citizens of the U.S. and others across the world were all making do with restricted availability of materials needed to support the war effort.

Garment designers and workers did their tailoring best with great success. As always, our ability to rise to the occasion with ingenuity produced a garment that served the need in iconic style. What you don’t see in these photos is some interesting seaming on the shoulders and a beautiful silky lining. Another fave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FAVORITE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S WARTIME OR POST-WAR SHOES

The pair on top, with the vamp decoration, alas was too small for me. But, this second pair goes so well with my wartime and mid-century day and house dresses. I love wearing them all the time. Even love the brand name: Vitality!

So cute. Both these pairs are examples of economical footwear of the time with leather or composite soles and man-made uppers. In spite of the cheaper construction, however, they last and last – unlike many products for sale today. Hope we’re going back in that direction. Too much cheap clothing and accessories in the landfills.

No doom & gloom here. Things look good from behind-the-scenes. Happy Holidays and looking forward to a fabulous 2023!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

THIS IS A FABULOUS TAILORED MEN’S JACKET FROM THE MID-CENTURY

Though I certainly couldn’t wear it, how could I pass up this beautiful, iconic men’s outerwear when I discovered it? It’s not vegan, with a shell made from wool and leather but, for it’s time, it’s a wonderful garment worth saving. A casual style with impeccable tailoring. So 1950’s – early 1960’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1940’S VELVETEEN PENCIL DRESS

Though it’s an iconic mid-1940’s style, the dress looks a little plain, eh? But, it’s got beautiful tailoring and a couple of really neat 1940’s style features that aren’t often found anymore. One is a true 1940’s Talon metal zipper. The second is zipper vents at the wrists. Skinny sleeves like these required it for easy dressing and the intended slim, slim fit.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVITAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL 1950’S COCKTAIL FROCK

Yes, it’s a wiggle dress again. Despite the killer silhouette, it looks very demure until you see the back, where it plunges to the waist. The tailoring features are the most notable to me – the fabric is wool as I may never have felt before. It is woven and opaque, but so lightweight that it feels almost as soft and silky as tissue paper. There are also gussets sewn in at the armholes, which is a relatively rare 1950’s construction detail.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

100% SILK KENNEDY-ERA WIGGLE COCKTAIL DRESS

This dress is so beautifully-designed. Look at those tailoring details! Gorgeous silk satin fabric. Superior quality overall. Might have been from Montreal (maybe originally from France), which may explain it! It’s dynamite on just the right figure, as many wiggle-dresses were from about 1952 – 1962.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

EARLY 1950’S MAXI FLARE DANCE DRESS

What a great find! This dress makes me think of the ones the dancers wear in performances of West Side Story. Too bad it’s a size too small for me. So, it goes up on eBay. Maybe someone will want to make a splash at the Prom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MID-CENTURY LILLI ANN – PARIS – WINTER COAT

Beautifully-designed and made winter coat from the late 1950’s – early 1960’s. The fur trim at hemline was an iconic style element at that particular time. In this case, it appears to be mink. The labels indicate that the coat was sold and, possibly, made in San Francisco but probably incorporated design elements from Europe as well as European fabric. This company had an interesting history which is reflected in the reliably great quality of the garments.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

POST-WAR TAILORED JACKET IN WINTER WHITE

If you look very closely you can see the many design details included in this lovely garment. The only feature you may not see in this photograph are fabric tabs with buttons at each hip, just behind the pockets. They’re just for style – no function at all – but that’s usually what fashion is all about. If you find a garment that looks absolutely great, with every detail enhancing the fit and the utility as well, that’s gravy and BUY IT!

That’s not to dis this jacket at all. Lightweight wool with a full lining. The pockets are real and there’s even a hanging loop at the back of the neckline. Did I mention that it’s in pristine shape?

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM