Category Archives: ’20’s

ANOTHER MEGA-FUN SURPRISE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1920’S WINTER COAT

ANOTHER MEGA-FUN SURPRISE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1920'S WINTER COAT

In an out-of-the-way place, this beauty was very patiently waiting to be discovered.  So Downton Abbey, if that’s your cup of tea.  But, I think she wanted to be in films.

Well, she is certainly a star in my closet. There’s no one else like her. The dramatic wrap of her collar and the artistic flare of her sleeves (not to mention that figure!) . . . .

I found a real gem, and in almost perfect condition.  Black wool to mid-calf or ankles. Silky lining. What a way to make an entrance . . . . … .. … .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

SO EXCITING. A RARE, ANTIQUE, HANDMADE DRESS FROM THE 1920’S – EARLY 1930’S

Sheer cotton “lawn”(?) – I don’t know.  A beige color with delicate flower and leaf embroidery on the collar and skirt.  Closes with snaps, hooks & eyes on the left and has partially-gathered sleeves and a two-tier skirt.  Such interesting design details, so different from any styles we usually see, vintage or not.

So delicate.  This will be worn with great care.  The waist isn’t right for most dresses made in the 1920’s so it could, possibly, have been an earlier style made for a teen or someone who was very petite.  But – early 1930’s could be the most accurate.  Must do some more in-depth research.

Anyway, what a treasure!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE TEXTILE FINDS ARE ALWAYS TREASURE

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Fun and interesting mid-century and antique table and bed linens often show up during my investigations.  The prints are humorous, colorful and pretty.  Modern copycats can’t  come close!  If there is handwork like embroidery or lace, it’s beautiful.  I collect them, too.  The mending and stain removal that is sometimes required is no big deal and anything with too much damage can be made into pillow covers and cloth napkins.  I love using these things at home in my kitchen and bedroom, but there’s more . . . . . . . . . . .

Big pieces of fabric are also wonderful made into clothing and accessories.  Trim can sometimes be added to other garments or a big piece of crocheted or tatted lace makes a beautiful dress or blouse. Can’t you just imagine this cloth made into a summer dress, skirt or blouse, maybe with a matching handbag? Can’t wait to use this cute tablecloth!

Potential vintage fashion treasures abound everywhere!  Use your imagination and you never know what you may uncover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

NEW FIND – DEPRESSION ERA HANKIE WITH BEAUTIFUL HAND-MADE APPLIQUE’

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I still come across true vintage handkerchiefs once in a while and always collect them.  This one is not fine linen or even high quality cotton and started it’s life as a commercially-made piece that probably had no decoration excepting the machine-done edging, BUT the delicate applique needlework down in the left-lower corner is the real story.  Some woman who couldn’t afford more expensive linens made a dainty item with her own hands.  It is almost unbelievable with the tiny, tiny stitches and the steps taken to prepare the pieces that were sewn on to make the flower.

Girls used to be taught this kind of hand work in almost every home before WWII time, and many still afterwards.  If not lace-making, tatting or applique’ by the late mid-century, girls at least learned some embroidery, crochet or knitting.  My own grandmothers still knew how to do it.

Even though paper tissues are more convenient now, a fabric handkerchief is very elegant and just the thing when attending a wedding or other private affair.  The decoration on most of them is gorgeous, whether hand-done or by machine.  Even the printed patterns are lovely or at least colorful and amusing.  If you’re into home sewing, I’ve seen these hankies pieced together and turned into pretty pillow tops, table linens and even blouses, skirts or dresses.

So, another little story unfolds for me to share with you. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SURPRISE FIND TODAY – SHIMMY SHAKE FLAPPER STYLE FROCK FROM THE SIXTIES

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If you can shimmy like your sister Sue, this is the dress for you!  It’s my size, but I have to learn how to do it justice on the dance floor.  However, it’ll probably make a statement with any kind of dance, excepting ballroom.

Someone made this frock or costume by hand in the 1960’s or 1970’s.  Definitely styled to make an impression.  If you’ve ever seen someone who can shimmy well, you know what I mean.

What fun!  I found another 1960’s version earlier this year – a trend?  Who knows.  They say that things come in threes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND! A SHIMMY-SHAKE LITTLE BLACK DANCING DRESS FROM THE LATE FIFTIES OR EARLY SIXTIES

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I had one other 1960’s sheath dress with fringe like this several years ago, and it was a surprise.  Looks like a hoochie-coochie 1920’s or ’30’s frock but that kind of fringe is so GREAT for Sixties dancing, too.  I guess some women thought so . . . . . . . . . . .

The interesting thing about this particular one is that the body of the dress is made of a soft fabric that feels like cotton with chenille stripes.  I thought chenille was just for bedspreads, bathrobes and sweaters.  That’s one thing I love about this investigating – you learn something new every day (and get to play dress-up every day, too).

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

THREE OF MY OLDEST TRUE VINTAGE HAWAIIAN GOWNS

THREE OF MY MOST VINTAGE HAWAIIAN GOWNS

From the 1960’s back to, maybe the 1920’s, these three are my oldest vintage examples of Hawaiian gowns.  From the farthest left, to right –

Psychedelic hues and patterns on the far left – not hard to see the late Sixties here.  The center dress is from the 1950’s and is fashioned in the traditional Hawaiian style, with a panel on the back that is almost like a train, without the dragging hem.

On the far right is a mystery dress with a metal side zipper. It has images in the print that are not your standard Hawaiian shirt variety and the fabric is very different –

instead of being the heavy cotton that I’d usually expect, it is a fluid material that I’d guess is rayon. If the label did not indicate that it was made in Hawaii, I’d say it had come from Japan.  The toggle closure at the neck is also something often seen on Chinese and Japanese garments. It’s also got a very 1930’s cut – close to the body.

Hmmm . . . . . . . . . this is REALLY Mata Hari undercover espionage stuff.  I wonder how she wound her way to the place where I discovered her . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FOR WHITE NIGHTS – 1950’S BEADED EVENING SHELL BLOUSE

FOR WHITE NIGHTS - 1950'S BEADED EVENING SHELL BLOUSE

Now that we’re beginning to feel like getting out of sweaters and wool . . . . . . .  Whether you’re clubbing or out for a very elegant dinner, this beautiful beaded shell would steal the show.   Bead decoration was still done beautifully in the late ’50’s- early ’60’s.

Not the same as beading in the 1920’s and earlier, but equally nice. Dance the night away . .. . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE TAP PANTS FROM THE 1920’s, 1930’S, 1940’S AND ?! 1970’S

TRUE VINTAGE TAP PANTS FROM THE 1920's, 1930'S, 1940'S AND ?! 1970'S

To wear with a pretty brassiere or camisole, these were the underpants of the ’20’s, ’30’s and ’40’s.  In the 1970’s they also came back for a while, though not as sumptuous or luxurious as the originals.

Clockwise, 12, 3 and 6 o’clock are the older ones, made of silk with hand-done embroidery and lace.  They also close with buttons on the left side.  At 9 o’clock, the newer pair from the ’70’s is of nylon and has nice lace, with an elastic waistband.  It also has a matching camisole.

Look at those luscious colors!  And, the silk is so smooth and comfy.  In most cases, a garter belt and hose would also be worn with these, since women were usually wearing skirts or dresses, and those were often loose-fitting.  Nothing there to cramp your Charleston, Lindy or Jitterbug style.

You know what I’d rather wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TIMELESS CLASSIC SILK CHEONGSAM SHEATH, FULLY HAND-TAILORED

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Oh, I LOVE this!  Been looking for just the right one for a long time and here it is – in my favorite color (or one of them . . . . . . . . .).

This style dates from the 1920’s in Shanghai, China and the custom-tailoring is so classic and timeless that I can’t date this dress exactly.  It could be true vintage or made recently – but – one rarely sees the pure classic style done so well in recent years.  And, it is 100% embroidered silk, which is also a rarity.  This may not be the case with garments made for  Chinese women, but anything on sale for tourists or the larger market is usually of a lower quality, in my experience.

Anyway, I’m totally thrilled!  So perfect for a cocktail party.  I’ve had this frock in my sights for several years . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM