Category Archives: applique’

BEAUTIFUL VAL MODE RETRO 1940’S PEIGNOIR

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

There are already at least a couple of dressing gowns  in my collection that date from the 1930’s – 1940’s and are made in a similar style.  So, although this was was made 30 to 40 years later and the fabric isn’t as nice, it’s pretty true to the design.

I’ll sometimes pick up retro items made by famous vintage makers because they do a pretty good job.  This one still qualifies as “true vintage” because of being at least 30 years old, but the real 1940’s would always be my favorite!

Anyway, a pretty find and worth adding to my treasures.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FUN FIFTIES FROCK – STRAPLESS CUSTOM-TAILORED SUMMER DRESS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Pretty easy-wear polished cotton sundress from the early to mid-1950’s, in the New Look style.  Bit of an atomic thing going on with the applique’ design.  Somebody had a lot of fun with this one!

Can’t wait to see it on Stella – it’s a real knockout on a gal with an hourglass figure. Marilyn would have loved it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S AUSTRALIAN LINGERIE BED JACKETS – SO FRILLY & FEMININE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAIt seems that the Australian women really loved these beautiful lingerie items.  I’ve found many in North America, but not as often as when I traveled there.  These are some of the prettiest ones I’ve seen, of those made after the 1940’s.  Nothing can beat the silk ones from before 1950!

Aside from the size differences between our two continents, there are some slight design features that are different, too. The Aussie versions seem to always be of two layers, or lined!

Perhaps this is because they have been imported from England (or the designs have), where cozier items would be more popular due to the dampness there.  It’s a bit of a mystery, and part of what makes these investigations so fun and so interesting . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

BACKROOM FIND – HEAVY NYLON SLIP FROM THE SIXTIES, WITH UNIQUE LACE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAA mini-length lingerie slip.  What caught my eye most, after the usual evidence of age and quality, was the wide and heavy lace band at both top and bottom.

It has embroidery and applique treatments there and will be a pleasure to wear.  Plus, so important to have a variety of lengths, colors and styles in order to have a perfect fit for every dress that might need one.

Often the shorter ones are difficult to find in true vintage examples.  So, I’m thrilled!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

VINTAGE MODEL’S COAT JUST FOUND – I LOVE THESE!

img_2354I’ve always loved the garments made by this company, SWIRL, and this one is no exception.  It may not be as old as some of the ones I own, but still has the ’60’s – ’70’s applique’ and the great styling.

Like some other things (the dresses I just came up with . . . . .), you can never have too many . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE FRENCH NIGHTGOWN – ALMOST A HUNDRED YEARS OLD

Just had to re-photograph this lovely rayon gown from Paris in order to show it off properly.  I’ll do a couple more with my recent wedding gown finds.

It’s from somewhere between 1920 and 1945.  Haven’t had time to research more extensively.  Love the old-style ruching and lace – so beautiful and rare.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE – NYLON SLIPS FROM THE 1950s & 1960s

BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE - NYLON SLIPS FROM THE 1950s & 1960s

Here’s a small portion of true vintage slips from my collection. These are, for the most part, less fancy than my others that are also older. Regardless, they are lovely and of very high quality. The heavy nylon that they’re made of feels like nothing you’ll find being sold today.

Slips and other undergarments were a really important foundation for vintage clothing, as they can be today if you know how to use them. A well-fitting slip can make all the difference in how a dress looks on the body. Bras and girdles in the past were essential in order for many dresses, etc. to fit properly.

Nylon takes on color very easily, so it can be dyed. The slip on the left was probably tie-dyed in the 60s. The black slip has simple, very elegant small embroidery on the bodice, which is covered by a sheer layer of fabric. The red slip is made almost like a dress with a plain red lining and overall lace on top, a side zipper and hem slit. I showed it a few days ago.  The two white slips show a variation in length (very important) and plain & fancy details. It’s nice to have beautiful decorated ones and also plain ones, to wear under sheer dresses.

I could drift around the house in one of these gorgeous slips all day, and night. So comfortable, so glamorous, full of mystery. What might I be wearing under that simple-looking dress tomorrow? You’ll just never know . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

STUNNING TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SHOES AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

STUNNING TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S SHOES AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

Here’s another great collection of sling-backs & pumps.from the shoe museum in Mexico City. Look at the decoration on the vamps and the peep-toes. LOVE peep-toes!

Can you imagine owning beautiful designer styles like this, in 100% leather construction, done by hand?  Heaven!  Used to be, shoes like that were available in most shoe stores.  Now they’re all made of ticky-tacky and they all look just the same.

’40’s shoes are some of my very favorites, and such a pleasure to see so many examples in such beautiful condition.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

PRETTY 1950’S NYLON HALF-SLIPS IN PINKS AND BEIGES

PRETTY 1950'S NYLON HALF-SLIPS IN PINKS AND BEIGES

Slightly longer lengths for wearing with your lovely post-war and Kennedy era Spring dresses, which usually come to the knee or slightly below. These have the same beautiful quality that make them such a joy to wear!

Substantial creamy nylon in beautiful colors with gorgeous detailing – some hand-worked . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

I’VE GOT THE DOWNRIGHT GORGEOUS BLUES: TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – 1960’S LINGERIE NYLON SLIPS

I'VE GOT THE DOWNRIGHT GORGEOUS BLUES - TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S LINGERIE NYLON SLIPS

These slips, on top of the beautiful colors, have some of the nicest lace and embroidery decoration!  They’re very similar in the construction techniques, but each one is unique.

The 1950’s were so big on vivid colored lingerie and, of course, the nylon had a wonderful “hand”. The one on the far left, especially, could almost double as a dress.  In the early 1960’s some variation in length became more available, which will work under shorter styles.

They make dressing such a pleasure and sleuthing always an adventure . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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