Category Archives: bathing suit

WE’RE GOING TO A MID-CENTURY RESORT! LET’S CONTINUE PACKING TRUE VINTAGE SPORTY STUFF

Okay. A couple days ago she packed her swimsuit for the pool and the beach, short shorts and cute top and a skort for casual day play and sightseeing. Good start. Today she’ll concentrate on more sporty day outfits that will take advantage of the tennis court and boardwalk as well as lots of other fun activities.

Can’t forget her 1950’s play-suit! Love the funky drums motif and the cropped top. Very original. This one isn’t a romper – it will even let her go downtown after the badminton game. Can’t forget the matching Keds. When it’s time to go to the dining room, a simple wrap skirt from the ’60’s/’70’s is very appropriate and her cute handbag goes well with all outfits so far!! The white sleeveless top that she packed already is perfect with it. That’s the secret of great packing – mix and match. Oh, yeah – GOT to take her roller skates !!!!! Yes, they’re heavy but gotta have them.

All right. That’s enough for today. Packing always makes her tired with so many decisions and it’s easy to forget something important if she doesn’t take her time. Good choices so far, but there’s still more to do over the next few days. Stay tuned . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FEBRUARY GET-AWAY . . . . LET’S GO TO THE SEASIDE – IN TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY STYLE!

Enough of the freezing temperatures and snow! Our mid-century gal is more than ready for at least 2 weeks at the shore, somewhere with warmth and sun. Plans are almost made but, Jeepers, – it’s time to pack!!

Okay. First thing on the list has to be her swimsuit. It’s too early for an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny bikini, but this cute two-piece will still have the guys looking. Made by Lantz, with a metal zipper in the back of the bottoms – to nip the waist just right. Next, some cotton short shorts by Bobbie Brooks, of course, and a cute white blouse to wear with. Maybe a divided skirt, too, when a little modesty is necessary (we didn’t call them skorts back in the day). Oh, gosh, she’d better pick one of those jackets I showed yesterday, too.

Well, that’s a good start, but she’s just getting going. This packing preparation will take at least two suitcases and probably several days. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BACK TO THE FIFTIES! OR, A BEACH BLANKET BINGO BIKINI

BACK TO THE FIFTIES! OR, A BEACH BLANKET BINGO BIKINI

Although this bathing suit would be perfect for Annette Funiccello in 1961, it comes from the mid 1950’s.  By Lanz (remember the red Jingle Bells dress I showed in December, also by this company?), with a metal zipper in the middle back of the bottoms(!).  Boy, was I thrilled to find this one!!!

A froth of pastel gingham ruffles, it couldn’t be sweeter.  Seems that it would also enhance your measurements a bit! Anyhow, it is sturdy enough for playing volleyball, too, or maybe even a little jog (those ’50’s bra-tops are STURDY!)

So, even at the YMCA, there might be a chance to show off this one.  Summer’s definitely here and you just never know . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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1950’s PIN-UP SWIMSUIT FOR A VALENTINE’S DAY PHOTO

1950's PIN-UP SWIMSUIT FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY PHOTO

Bored in Miami?   Snowbound in your photography studio?  How about livening things up with a little vintage cheesecake?

Look at those cups on this classic ’50’s Jantzen maillot!  If you didn’t have the figure, these suits would do their best to give it to you.

I’ll bet you can think of all sorts of ways to pose in this bubblegum pink cutie, and with all the necessary accessories.

Snowstorms –  That’s why your mother wanted you to learn how to play by yourself.

Valentine’s Day –  That’s why it’s good to know how to play nice with others . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE TANK BATHING SUIT – 1940’S – 1950’S

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE TANK BATHING SUIT - 1940'S - 1950'S

This suit has two layers.  The way they used to do the little briefs or shorts underneath was such a figure-enhancer for most women.

Almost like a tankini, but all in one piece.  Look at those great design details, too. You won’t see that on modern suits, nor the exceptional construction.  Black & white makes another appearance for Spring and Summer, as always.

Just right for sitting beside the pool, under a big sun-hat, with a Mai-Tai . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A TRUE VINTAGE DO-IT-YOURSELF WARDROBE PLAN FOR YOUR 1956 OCEAN CRUISE

IMG_0970 IMG_0971 IMG_0969 IMG_0968 IMG_0967 IMG_0965 IMG_0964Can you imagine?!   You’re planning to set sail in a few weeks.  Why not spend that time knitting and crocheting your entire wardrobe for the trip?   Sound like a good idea?   Think of the money you’ll save!   Imagine the compliments and envious looks when other women see your gorgeous, custom-made outfits.  Just pull out the instructions in your latest issue of the McCall’s needlework magazine.

Such ambition those mid-century women had!  My pillbox is off to them . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S/1960’S TANK SWIMSUIT FROM STOCKHOLM

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

MID-CENTURY PRIMITIVE ART PRINT BATHING SUIT

Before leaving the Baltic, I couldn’t believe it! (Oh, yes, I could) . . . . A rare find of this mid-century swimsuit in near-perfect condition.  It’s got that pretty-but-sporty look that was so popular then, in a classic sleek tank style with a mini-skirt effect right at the hips.

Adjustable button straps. molded bra cups and a back metal zipper. Just perfect for one of those tropical island movies of the 1950’s.  And, of course, I carried it away for a mere song.  You just never know  . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BACK TO THE EARLY SIXTIES – TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S SWIM TRUNKS

BACK TO THE EARLY SIXTIES - TRUE VINTAGE MEN'S SWIM TRUNKS

Gearing up for summer with a pair of true vintage men’s swim briefs.  I think this is a really flattering length – not too short nor too long.

Simple construction with a button at the waist.  These were  a hand-me-down from a family member and I’m so glad to have them in my collection!

Just think of all those vintage beach photos with surfboards and old movies and TV shows – didn’t the guys look so much more hot?

  • I’ve just discovered a women’s suit of the same era in Sweden!  So much to catch you up on, but the sightseeing demands and dodginess of Internet may delay the communique’s in full at least until I’m back at temporary Headquarters.  However,  I’ll do my best to keep you informed from the field.  Stay tuned  . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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

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

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE TANK BATHING SUIT – 1940’S – 1950’S

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE TANK BATHING SUIT – 1940'S – 1950'S.

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE TANK BATHING SUIT – 1940’S – 1950’S

Here’s a little black & white series while I get my newest finds organized . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE TANK BATHING SUIT - 1940'S - 1950'S

Like the last suit posted, this one has two layers. The way they used to do the little brief or shorts underneath was such a figure-enhancer for most women.

Almost like a tankini, but all in one piece. Look at those great design details, too. You won’t see that on modern suits, nor the exceptional construction.  Black & white makes another appearance for Spring and Summer, as always.

Just right for sitting beside the pool, under a big sun-hat, with a Mai-Tai . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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