Author Archives: Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy

BEAUTIFUL TAILORED DRESS – VINTAGE ELEGANCE

Though this frock is so classic that it could be from many different decades, I’m placing it in the late 1960’s for several reasons. The finishing is very professional but I believe that it was custom-made, which has been rare for a long time. The fabric is a loose weave which was popular in the late Sixties. Fully-lined and substantial, it’s really a 3-season dress rather than just for summer, as the style might suggest. I have hardly ever seen a well done custom-tailored dress that dates later than the 1970’s. Also, the hooks at the neckline have gotten a little rusty . .. . . .

I’ll love this dress forever. It will probably last that long. It’s such a pleasure to wear something that has been beautifully-made. Tomorrow we’ll really get over the line into 1970 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A REALLY NEAT AND SEXY 1960’S HOUSE DRESS

A REALLY NEAT AND SEXY 1960’S HOUSE DRESS

While we’re still in kind of a hippie – dippie mood, here’s the wonderful wrapper house dress I found, in a great psychedelic print. The first thing I noticed after my eyes told me that this garment was true vintage was the feel of the fabric. It is so silky and glossy that you just want to have it next to your skin and to run your hands over it. Add that to the figure-hugging fit and we’ve got a real sultry thing going on.

With all the seaming and piecing involved here, it’s hard to imagine that the dress was handmade but that may be true. It closes with great big metal snaps in order to fit close to the body and preserve modesty. I just love it and will wear it around home as one of those really convenient outfits that can also go out for running errands anytime.

We’re just about out of the Sixties now – just one more frock before strolling into the Seventies. Stay tuned . … . . . . . . .. . . … .. .. . . . . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A “SUMMER OF LOVE” “PRAIRIE DRESS” FROM THE LATE SIXTIES OR EARLY SEVENTIES

A “SUMMER OF LOVE” “PRAIRIE DRESS” FROM THE LATE SIXTIES OR EARLY SEVENTIES

Stella definitely had to change her hairdo for this one, and it couldn’t be more perfect for her! I love the way this dress fits – much better on Stel than on a hanger, as I’d had to show it to you before. Very, very cute and so iconic from that turn-of-the-decade time between the 1960’s and 1970’s.

Dresses of this type were almost always made of woven cotton, as is this one, though some began to appear in the early ’70’s with polyester content. Mix and match patterns plus lots of color were common all the way through about 1965 – 1975. Makes me want to put on a big sun hat, stick some flowers in my hair and wander around . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A PUCCI PATTERNED KNIT TOP! IS IT THE REAL THING?????

A PUCCI PATTERNED KNIT TOP! IS IT THE REAL THING?????

Could this be a real Emilio Pucci design from the 1960’s, when they were mega-Mod and popular? It’s not signed anywhere and there are no labels, but I will always dream. This knit is very well-made with a beautiful fit and the design looks authentic (to my eye). At least, it may be a wonderful fake from Italy, where knit clothing has been exceptionally constructed for decades.

What a fab find!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ELEGANT MID-CENTURY GROOMING ACCESSORIES TRAVEL KIT

ELEGANT MID-CENTURY GROOMING ACCESSORIES TRAVEL KIT

Given my failure to press or steam the clothing I’ve been posting recently, you might think that grooming is not a top priority. But, no matter how pressed for time I may be, the products I use every day are important and I love having beautiful and well-organized ways to carry them with me when I leave Headquarters. Since this is the last of the items in this set with a metal zipper, it seemed like a good time to show it to you.

Made of leather in East Germany, the mirror and the stainless steel container lids are shiny and clean despite the odd reflections captured in this picture. The kit could be for a man or woman, as the tools are all basic. Everything is made to a high standard of quality, as is customary with German-made tools and steel products. The little 7″ toothbrush holder would hardly fit a modern toothbrush, excepting perhaps for a child’s, but can still be very convenient for other items. The most delightful thing about this packet is the compactness, efficient design and quality of the materials. Very rare to see anything like it now . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER HOME-SEWN DAY DRESS FROM THE MID 1960’S – LOVE THIS FABRIC!