What a pretty frock! Although it was retro when it was made 30 – 45 years ago, it’s true vintage now and gorgeous. So glad that summer is far from over – I’ll really enjoy wearing it.
I’ve discovered a treasure trove of dresses and clutch purses lately, so stay tuned . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Flygirls by Black Flys – love that Eighties vibe that zoomed back to the 1940’s again. It seems like the early 1970’s does Forties thing was early Forties puffed shoulders, cute collars, jumpsuits, platform shoes and, maybe, little shoulder pads. The early – mid 1980’s does Forties was WWII and post-war BIG shoulders, peplum waists, shirt-dresses, platform shoes, pencil skirts in longer lengths and some accessories like large paste and rhinestone brooches.
So, these New Wave glasses remind me of that time when sunglasses were first being worn by regular folks and considered fashionable. Usually they were made from one of the first plastics that were being invented around the time of the two World Wars and becoming more and more popular.
Of course, the case is pure 1960’s – early Seventies flower-power retro that I found. It’s great for these glasses because it is hard (very protective), coordinates color-wise and fits the glasses well. It’s so important to protect your true vintage items from damage – they’re irreplaceable pieces of fashion history and such wonderful parts of a wardrobe!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just picked these up as curiosity items, in the case of the boots, and fashion finds in the case of the wedgie sandals. Great additions to my collection!
Let’s start with the boots. They look like Sixties style(?) and have old metal Robin zippers up the side. Made for super-practicality, as most fashion rain-wear was back in the day, they are one-piece rubber construction. Not meant to wear in your garden like English Wellies, these were street-wear for very wet (or snowy) days. Waterproof below the zippers. I just love these everyday examples of true vintage products’ sensible value. Nothing frivolous or impractical here, but with a nod to fashion, as well.
Next we go on to a 1980’s brand that I collect whenever I find them – Penaljo made some wonderful 1940’s – 1950’s retro sandals and I show my latest find (the grey ones) along with some I already had (the green and cork pair). Just love these for summer – so wartime/I Love Lucy. ADORE wedge heels – very cute with shirtwaist and sun-dresses, capri’ pants or skirts. Leather construction with good attention to detail. Worth picking up. So, we’re on a roll. Stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Made in the U.S. by The American Shirt Dress company, this is not an unusual find – I come across these dresses now and again. They are faithfully-made to the basic design of true vintage shirt dresses from the wartime and post-war days, so they are not a bad buy, but the tailoring is not anything to write home about. The reason I picked this one up is because of the fabric.
Although it’s a cotton/poly blend, the finish is marled and glossy like many fabrics in the Forties and early Fifties were. It’s fun to see what can be done with standard materials when a specialized weave or finish is applied. This gives it an extra ‘elan which most retro fashions don’t have.
So, I’ll enjoy running around in this one on an everyday basis – just like my female relatives from generations back used to do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It’s hard to imagine that true vintage garments (over 30 years old) could also be retro, but it’s true from the 1970’s onward when clothing makers started to reproduce 1940’s and 1950’s styles for the general market. That’s just about when the superb tailoring of the mid-century and before came to an end, so many of these items are not very nice. But, there are sill well-made examples worth picking up from the Seventies – Eighties time.
In this case, a coat dress and tuxedo-style jacket caught my eye. No labels remaining, but the shoulder pads and cut make the fit flattering. Both are fully-lined and elegantly styled. There will be times when they will come in handy or be fun to wear.
I don’t purchase these often, but, when you know what you’re seeing it’s sometimes a good buy that will be easy to say good-bye to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The pencil skirt on the left is my favorite, authentic from the 1950’s by a California company called Lorrie Deb. The skirt on the right is 1980’s does 1940’s from Holt Renfrew – a Canadian high-end retailer. It’s also a classic style and both fit me to die for.
Nothing is more classic, chic and elegant than black crepe. It’s also extremely versatile. So many ways to wear it, to so many places. From cocktail parties to dinner to cotillion dances to funerals and beyond, it can’t be beat.
So thrilled to find both of these perfect pieces at one time! I’ve got blouses and jackets that will go with them just beautifully. They’re rare and you can never have too many . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A very fun side-zip-waist poly/synthetic frock that was home-sewn – much of it by hand – in the styling of wartime and postwar day dresses This is a retro re-make from maybe the Sixties up to the Retro years with a ’60’s – early ’70’s Talon zipper.
Love the art print fabric. If not for various signs, I might have taken it for 80 years old. Anyway, it’s a great find with lots of evidence for it’s story. With a nice black belt cinched at the waist and some ’40’s – ’50’s pumps, I’ll enjoy it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
So pretty – with signature 1980’s shoulder pads plus the Edwardian, Victorian elements that designer Jessica McLintock has always loved. Dark green crushed velvet makes this a Fall/Winter dress for a dressy occasion.
Although it’s not way old or classic, I often like to pick up designs by Jessica McLintock that date 1985 or before. They are definitely of an “era” and well-made. This one will be fun to wear.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I love these!! Beautifully-made 1980’s retro ’40’s separates that fit me really well. I’ll swap out the buttons on the blouse for true vintage ones, but otherwise it’s all perfect.
The neatest thing about the skirt is not the flattering gored swing style (though that’s GREAT) – it’s the fabric. This skirt is made of wool gabardine twill. That’s a fabric that was super-popular during the wartime 1940’s and is rarely seen today.
I love finding well-tailored garments that are cut and constructed beautifully from quality materials – much rarer today than back in the day, so I’m thrilled to discovery these!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This frock is a higher-quality garment with better fabric than the striped 1970’s version shown a few days ago. Although I’d hardly call 1980’s-era clothing classic true vintage yet, it’s still a characteristic genre that is worth noting and, sometimes, collecting. Doesn’t sound snooty to say this if you realize how much better-made clothing was before about 1970.
I like this one because of the pretty print and vibrant colors on a nice knit fabric, as well as thoughtful tailoring details. Although it’s hard to see, there are little black jewel-cut buttons above the side-seam pockets on both sides. Nice touch! The shoulders also have a bit of stiffening to add the stronger shoulder line of 1940’s styles – and the midi-length.
This one may not stay with me long, but I do appreciate it for what it is and lots of people love 1980’s designs so, here you are! More fun ones coming up, with additional kitch-value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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