Category Archives: ’20’s

TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE SLEEPWEAR FROM PARIS

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FABULOUS RAYON GOWN FROM THE 1920’S – 1940’S

First, let me introduce Giselle, the latest addition to my group of models.  She is from France, possibly via Montreal.  Just look at that attitude!  Although she’s new at this, she was born for it.  Today she is wearing one of my first Paris finds.  I absolutely LOVE discovering true vintage fashion from pre- to post-WWII and what could be better than Paris fashion?

This butter-yellow gown has ruching on the sleeves and bodice, plus bias cutting which makes for the great fit.  The peachy beige lace at the neck is an unusual color combination, and very effective.  Leave it to the French!

Yes, from an out-of-the-way place, but not if you do your homework.  Thanks, Theodora! More on the way . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RARE TRUE VINTAGE GLASS BEAD NECKLACES FROM THE 1920’S

RARE GLASS BEAD NECKLACES FROM THE 1920'S

Staying in the early 20th Century for a brief while, here are two costume bead necklaces from the 1920’s. Longer length, which was popular then, twirling and bouncing down the front of ladies’ Spring frocks.

Although these are certainly not a dime-a-dozen all over the place, fortunately for us they have survived the years better than their clothing counterparts from that day.

Wonderful finds!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TWO LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE 1920’S – 1940’S

TWO LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE 1930'S - 1940'S

These kinds of lingerie items are so special and rare. Dainty, lightweight robes like the one on the left were standard bedroom wear in the ’40’s and before – the thing to wear between rising and dressing.

The contrasting colors of the rayon gown on the left are so unusual and little details like the tiny buttons and shoulder-augmentation make this a distinctive garment – not just something to throw on absentmindedly.  It’s from the late 1930’s to 1940’s.

The gown on the right is even older. It is of white/ivory rayon satin, with side snap or hook closure in a plain sheath style. I’ve paired a  bed jacket with it, made of similar fabric. This could be adapted to a formal dance or wedding gown and would be from the late 1920’s to the 1930’s, similar to a Coco Chanel design of that time (the dress – not the bed jacket).

Anyway, they are wonderful finds and gave me a real thrill to discover them! The fun never ends . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

RARE, RARE ANTIQUE FIND!!! LADIES’ HAND-MADE CAPELET – 100 YEARS OLD??????

RARE, RARE ANTIQUE FIND!!! LADIES' HAND-MADE CAPELET – 100 YEARS OLD??????.

FABULOUS ’20’S,’30’S,’40’S ERA DRESS RE-MAKE – S0000 SEXY!

FABULOUS '20'S,'30'S,'40'S ERA DRESS RE-MAKE – S0000 SEXY!.

A GLIMPSE OF TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE – OOH!

Here’s something unusual . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A GLIMPSE OF TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE - OOH!

This is a pretty tame full slip, made of cotton batiste for wearing under summer clothing in hot weather. There don’t seem to be many of these around, and usually they are not as nicely embellished as this one.

But, just look at that ruching and lace. It’s lovely, sweet and would be so cool. Now, women might wear THIS as a summer dress! There’s also a deep ruffle at the hem.

The length gives it away as a 1940’s to 1950’s style. Because of the label, I’m going to go with the ’50’s.

Of course, on really hot days it’s nice not to be wearing more than one layer. But, if you’ve got a pretty, sheer dress on in the bright sun, well, it’s up to you but I’ll wear the slip.

Cotton, naturally, is better than nylon (can you imagine!?) when it’s 95 degrees in the shade. I’m…

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AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS IN THE TRUE VINTAGE WORLD

file0001209214386 ebook cover #1 (1)Two days ago I had the privilege of talking with two of the owners of vintage clothing stores in Melbourne who have been doing business for years there.  Both of these stores were included in my book’s reference section two years ago, but I hadn’t had the opportunity of meeting these women in person until now.

Nicole Jenkins, owner of CIRCA, is a true ‘grande dame’ of the vintage trade and has written several books.  One was awarded a bronze medal by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.  Trained as a costume designer, she really knows her stuff down to the most technical details.  I certainly learned new things during our short visit and her passion for the care and conservation of true vintage fashion items plus her wealth of knowledge earn my respect.  She has lovely items for sale, plus a huge inventory behind the scenes – ranging from 1820’s to the present day.  Well worth a visit.

“Annie” and her husband have operated RetroStar for eleven years and are real veterans among vintage-hunters.  They have a delightful collection of remodeled true vintage and original true vintage, plus a smattering of new merchandise.  Jewelry, accessories and clothing of all types – dresses galore.  I especially enjoyed their relatively new “Forties/Fifties Room” that is filled with gems from those decades, in beautiful condition.  No matter what you’re seeking, there’s sure to be something of interest.  They bring in large numbers of “new” items every month.  Don’t miss it – lots of fun.

So there – what a treat!  Just another of the “perks” of my sleuthing investigations . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

THREE OF MY MOST VINTAGE HAWAIIAN GOWNS

THREE OF MY MOST VINTAGE HAWAIIAN GOWNS.

TRUE VINTAGE 1930’S BONNIE PARKER DRESS FOUND IN AN OLD CUPBOARD

TRUE VINTAGE 1930'S BONNIE PARKER DRESS FOUND IN AN OLD CUPBOARD.

TRUE VINTAGE 1930’S BONNIE PARKER DRESS FOUND IN AN OLD CUPBOARD

TRUE VINTAGE 1930'S BONNIE PARKER DRESS FOUND IN AN OLD CUPBOARD

This dress and its slip were hiding in an old cupboard. It is from the 1930’s (or possibly even the ’20s!). Makes me think of something that Bonnie Parker (of Bonnie and Clyde) would have worn.

The slip is necessary because the dress is crocheted from cotton yarn and is very open-weave. It fits the body so closely that it’s another one that Madge can’t model. She’s getting frustrated with my choices.

The sleeves come about to the elbow and one of the most interesting things about the dress is the belt buckle. I think it is made from celluloid. Could be plastic, might be Bakelite.

Such an unusual find! I was so surprised, but that’s the life of a sleuth – you just never know . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com