Category Archives: at-home

NEW FIND! FUN SLINKY KNIT MOD 1960’s PATIO DAY DRESS BY ALLEGRO

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Came across this one yesterday and it’s the first I’ve had with this kind of T-back neckline.  Time to dig out the specialty bra.

The things I love best about it are the sunny-fun art print and that wonderful heavy, slinky fabric that was available for a few years.  It’s so delicious on the body and drapes so beautifully.  No, it can’t compare to the gorgeous jersey-knit fabrics from the 1940’s but it is identifiable as part of the family.

So, although it’s kind of a poor cousin, it’s also a very fun find.   This is because its pedigree out-ranks the quality of most all the casual poly clothing that has drowned us in the marketplace since the early 1960’s, with the value and workmanship moving farther down the scale every year.  There’s an embroidered cloth tag from a recognized maker, elegant styling and beautiful material – clues that come to light when you snoop carefully. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF A GORGEOUS LINGERIE NEGLIGEE’ FROM THE 1950’S

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Lingerie nightgowns before 1960 – ’65 were every bit as beautiful as the slips made during the mid-century.  Just look at this pretty lace and wonderful fit.

It’s no wonder that so much of film noir shows actresses in their lingerie – we don’t see so much of that now – it’s either dressed or nude because the wonderful in-between garments are gone.  At-home life used to be a lot more interesting . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BABY-DOLL BRIDAL GOWN & PEIGNOIR SET FROM THE KENNEDY ERA

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Pretty lingerie doesn’t get much better than this – at least not in the mid-priced range. Back in the day, almost any woman could afford to dress herself in this one.  No, it’s not silk or designer-wear, but it’s lovely – by the MOVIE STAR company.

Pretty soon it’ll be time to wear nighties like this, whether you’re a bride or not.  Can’t wait!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A VERY SWEET TRUE VINTAGE NIGHTGOWN & ROBE SET FROM THE 1960’S

A VERY SWEET TRUE VINTAGE NIGHTGOWN & ROBE SET FROM THE 1960'S

This is a really nice little nightwear combo.  The early ’60’s is just about the last time we’ll find the truly beautiful things.  With the exception of some exclusive designer or handmade item, the trims are not nearly as lovely as during the ’50’s and before and the quality of the nylon or silk is noticeably inferior when you get into the mid ’60s and ’70’s.

As I’ve said before, in my opinion you can’t improve much on 1930’s, 1940’s and 1950’s lingerie/sleepwear when it comes to overall quality and luxurious beauty.  The fabrics from that time and the craftsmanship of the trimming detail is the best!

This is not a va-va-va-voom ensemble, but it is lovely and, if you wish it to be, very sexy in its own way.  The embroidery trim is done well and the buttons are the nice, sturdy and well-formed little pearlized ones that I always love on true vintage nightwear and sweaters.

Sorry I can’t tell you the maker as I write this, that is, if the tag is still in – since many of the similar items I find no longer have theirs.  Sometimes it’s easy to trace their identity despite that – when you’ve been in this racket for a while you know ’em by sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BACK TO BEDDIE – BYE IN PRETTY 1960’S GOWNS AND PEGNOIRS

BACK TO BEDDIE - BYE IN PRETTY 1960'S GOWNS AND PEGNOIRS

Here we have examples of the better nylon and trim quality from the mid – 60’s. These were not high-end items by the standards of that time, but their quality makes them like high-end now.

Learn the look and feel of these, and you’ll never want to go back to modern fabric again unless, possibly, an excellent silk.  There’s just no comparison.

We all deserve good quality AND value.  Our grandparents and great-grandparents managed to create goods of that type in a much less “modern” and “prosperous” era. Don’t believe for a moment that it couldn’t be done now.

But, I’m still not sure that I’d like them any better than true vintage.  The superb cuts and design would be challenging to match.  The fascination and intrigue that accompany these styles can’t be re-manufactured . . . . . .
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MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SUPER-UNUSUAL LINGERIE BED CAPE FROM THE 1950’S OR BEFORE

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More mid-century lingerie – this one from the Post-war era in run-proof nylon tricot.  By Rogers, it is a quality item and I don’t think I’ve EVER seen this style before!  It has no sleeves, and is made to wear as a cape over the shoulders which ties at the neckline.

What a pretty way to spend a while over coffee in the morning, or reading in bed when there’s a chill in the air?

Pale pink color (the whole thing is prettier in reality than in this photo) and delicate accordian pleating  with a ruffle at the neck and wrist areas.  Perfect condition, and in my size.  What could be better?  It’s definitely a keeper.  Wonder who wore this beauty in 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL VAL MODE RETRO 1940’S PEIGNOIR

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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

I’VE DUG UP TREASURE AGAIN -FABULOUS, FANTASTIC FIFTIES FABRIC!

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What wonderful things I’m discovering!  Just LOVE the old kitchy motifs here.  Although there’s probably enough material to make a simple dress, the fabric is more the weight for upholstery so I’ll save it for sofa pillows or to cover a chair.

Such fun!!!!!!!!!!!!  And, rare as can be . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER RARE FIND – MEN’S MID-CENTURY LEISURE CARDIGAN SWEATER IN WOOL AND SUEDE LEATHER

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Fabulous condition, too!  It needs a button, but I can do that.  I may even have a matching one in my stash.  So fun to find one of these in great shape.

This type of sweater was such a common and vital part of a man’s wardrobe before 1965. After that, styles changed and these weren’t seen as often.  The classic golf sweater carried on the design, but is of a completely different genre.

College boys, Dad and Grandpa used to sport around in these cardigans during Happy Days and Mad Men times.  Sometimes they’d be worn with a casual shirt and tie.  Great- and great-great granddads had their versions, too.  I don’t find one very often but, when you’re sleuthing, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER POST WAR DAY FROCK FROM THE 1940’S – WOWEE!

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The most interesting fabric, fun buttons and near-perfect condition.  This is a great example of an everyday dress for a woman after WWII.

Very nicely tailored, despite it’s modest category.  Grandma was happy to have better clothing to wear again after all the wartime deprivations.  We’re just getting started – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM