Category Archives: Australia

MORE AUSSIE FINDS! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – 1970’S GINGHAM DRESSES

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAll three of these frocks were custom-sewn and I think that the top two belonged to the same woman, because they are so similar.  Wasp-waisted or halter style, these gingham dresses have been signs of summer for decades.  I REALLY wish I had Madge and Stella here to show them off properly!

All are very simple, with back zippers and store-bought trims.  The fabric in the yellow and white one is a bit more modern-looking and I would say it was a late-’60’s to early-’70’s creation.  The first two would be a few years older.

As plain as these are, I’d never pass them up.  I still love them because they are so of-that-time and look really good on.  Simple belts add a lot and, of course, you can accessorize . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE SILK FORMAL DRESS OR WEDDING GOWN FOUND IN AUSSIE-LAND

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis frock is another of my stupendous finds in Australia!   Made somewhere between the 1940’s and 1950’s, it’s a gorgeous dress and I suspect that it really is from the Forties.

Looks like it’s hand-tailored, but by someone who was REALLY good.  The collar is reinforced with hidden wire that is soft to wear, but holds the shape and lets you reshape the neckline as needed –  an unusual tailoring feature that emphasizes the irreplaceable value and uniqueness of true vintage clothing and accessories.

It’s a demure style, despite the neckline plunge, and could be full-length on a petite figure.  I wonder if it was made as a wedding gown?   Although some were very fancy, many of that time did not have a lot of frill and fuss and were actually very tailored styles.

No matter what, I’m sure that this gown has at least one fabulous story to tell!  I wonder . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE AUSTRALIAN HANDBAGS – IN BLACK AND WHITE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERALook!  I found another woven metal mesh Glomesh bag – this time a black one.  Photographed on two different backgrounds to enhance the details.  So nice to have two colors.  Also, love this wonderful macrame’ bag in a similar style.

The Glomesh purses were very popular here – a real Australian company. The white bag doesn’t have a brand name inside.  Sixties or early Seventies, both of these purses have survived in great condition.  I will really enjoy using them!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

MYSTERY 2-PIECE SKIRT SUIT FROM AUSTRALIA

IMG_1057     This surprise find from October, 2014 looks a whole lot better on Stella than when I photographed it on a bed in the condo!  I simply cannot date it accurately, though it is true vintage.

Custom-tailored, the padded shoulders and bias-cut skirt panels are a Forties thing, while the bonded knit fabric looks more like Fifties or Sixties (maybe even Seventies) and the buttons are uncertain but the zipper is older.  Could it be Eighties Does Forties using some older notions?

Anyway, it’s a cute little casual suit and will be a LOT of fun to accessorize   It can be frustrating to be stumped, but you know I love a mystery . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

SUPER – FUN LATE SIXTIES DRESS FIND – FROM AUSTRALIA

IMG_1054IMG_1055 Here’s a better look at my street – market find.  When I saw the print and colors on this, I just HAD to have it!  When I touched the slinkiest of slinky nylon/poly/whatever fabric, I was over the moon!

Just a simple shirt style, with an elongated collar, but the open sleeves are a really fun touch.  It will be a very cool Spring statement dress – hard not to get noticed coming down the street in this.

And, so much fun to meet the daughter of the woman who had made it.  Getting family stories along with the great clothing is the best!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S SPECIALTY LINGERIE SLIP – MADE IN BRITAIN, FOUND IN AUSTRALIA

IMG_1076IMG_1077     This undergarment is so unusual – it could be worn as a dress itself, like many beautiful mid-century slips could be – but not because of exquisite decoration.  It  has extremely rare construction and is also made, at least in part, of a rare fabric – Bri-nylon, a nylon blend made in Britain.

The top is sheer lace, but the bottom is substantial and opaque; made to act almost like a girdle under a slinky sheath dress.  Notice the back metal zipper that lets the wearer into the tight-fitting skirt.

A slip like this would be absolutely essential under many a wiggle-dress from back in the day.  I’m so glad to have one now!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

VERY NICE TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S BLOUSE FROM AUSTRALIA

IMG_1067 This is a beautifully-made piece from a smaller, upscale company from the ’50’s and ’60’s “down under” – Hibodress.  It’s been fun doing research on the vintage clothing labels that I encountered there.

The woman who started this business really appreciated smart design and quality construction.  It shows in this garment and made it such a pleasure to own and wear. Kudos to her!

That’s still true today, of course, if you can find clothing of that caliber . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

SHEER 1950’S PARTY DRESS AND SILK SLIP

IMG_1149IMG_1147IMG_1150IMG_1148These pieces were found on opposite sides of the world, several years apart, but they work here.  Mid-century sheer dresses require beautiful, but pretty plain, lingerie slips of the right length to carry them off properly.

From Canada, the lovely peach-colored silk slip can double as a dress.  Bias cut and the slinky, sexy fit points to the 1930’s as it’s era.  Pretty embroidery makes it really special and it has little hardware which make the shoulder straps adjustable..

The sheer party dress, which I found in Australia a few years ago, was probably custom-tailored.  Dropped waist and tea length.  See the photo showing metallic piping that is sewn around each sleeve and the front of the neckline, with a cowl in back. The fabric also has metallic flower and leaf decoration stamped on.  So fabulous to find pieces like this in near-perfect condition!

Picky work to construct this dress, and I’m so astounded by the skill of seamstresses back in the day.  Yes, it was a lot of work, but how fun it would be to have something exactly as you wanted with personalized fit!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY HAPPY DAYS COTTON BLOUSE FOR SUMMER – ONE OF MY FIRST AUSSIE FINDS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA So simple and plain, but it really transports me to photographs of women having fun at the seaside in the Forties, Fifties and early Sixties. And, there’s LOTS of absolutely beautiful seaside in Australia!  Although we’re thinking about Autumn here and getting ready for cooler weather, the Australians are thinking about the blazing heat to come soon “down under”.

This top was custom-tailored in a lovely heavy woven cotton (not knit). Sleeveless, boxy cut, square neck with a little decorative pocket in front.  Just grazing the waistline, to show a little tummy once in a while.

Nothing could be more basic or classic.  Worn with a pair of “capris”, “pedal pushers” or “short shorts” or, even, with a pleated white skirt or a pair of jeans – that’s how it was done back in the day.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEW FIND!! MID-CENTURY LINGERIE WRAPPER FROM WOOLWORTH’S

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This mid-century wrapper, robe, housecoat, house dress was originally sold at Woolworths dime-store chain, probably in the 1960’s, in Great Britain or Australia – though I wasn’t in any of those places when I found it.  FUN!!!  I love, love, love housecoats and this one’s story was intriguing to sort out.

In a long wrap style, it’s definitely not for wearing into town but is very flattering and comfy.  The large size is somewhat forgiving due to the design, so I’ll enjoy it.  The tiny wallpaper print is similar to some of the fabrics shown from the antique quilt I just found and showed a couple of days ago.  However, this material is a cotton/poly blend, so made at a later time when easy-care fabrics were more common than pure cotton.

An interesting find, and one that I’ll wear a lot.  Tomorrow we’ll move ahead in time by another 15 – 20 years to more fun finds that I’ll love wearing . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM