This one is made by Brooklin, the same maker of the mink-trimmed cocktail blouse that Stella modeled recently. I love the way the hem is finished, and, though it’s hardly visible, the fabric is embossed with a crocodile pattern!
It’s so rare to find true vintage blouses in wearable condition that I just flip with happiness when I do. This one is very versatile and a lovely, neutral mocha tone.
Doesn’t get much better . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These 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
NEW WAVE 1980’S SHIRT JACKET
This shirt/jacket is an unusual one for me to include in my collection – is it true vitage or not? The A B S clothing company was started in 1982, so it might be 30 years old and animal prints were iconic at that time (again!). If it was made in 1982 or 1983, I’d be willing to call it true vintage and I’ll explain why.
Animal prints have been a significant fashion trend at one time in the 1940’s, mid/late 1950’s, late 1960’s and again in the New Wave early 1980’s, as far as I know. They show up at other times, too, but were a bigger deal in the fashion world at these specific times.
When I saw this item, I immediately thought of the early ’80’s and was also impressed with the quality of the garment. I have since learned that the A B S company is known for making better-quality clothing than most of what we find now. This shirt was also made in the U.S.A., which is unusual (if not unheard of) in modern clothing.
The deciding factors for me were the quality construction – 1. the fabric is heavy, with a nice hand (feel). 2. The pattern is really well-matched at the seams, so that it isn’t broken up across the garment (an important tell-tale sign of high quality). 3. The buttons are very nice black plastic faceted to look like jet beads. 4 .The shirt/jacket has french cuffs with button cuff-links (which, fortunately, were not missing!) Overall, it is a garment of significantly better quality than most. My size – excellent condition.
So, I have included it and described my thinking that justified buying it. Sometimes you can’t be absolutely sure and some knowledge and skills to make smart decisions come in handy. This is a time when price can be the final deciding factor, as well as how much you love it.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
If you can shimmy like your sister Sue, this is the dress for you! It’s my size, but I have to learn how to do it justice on the dance floor. However, it’ll probably make a statement with any kind of dance, excepting ballroom.
Someone made this frock or costume by hand in the 1960’s or 1970’s. Definitely styled to make an impression. If you’ve ever seen someone who can shimmy well, you know what I mean.
What fun! I found another 1960’s version earlier this year – a trend? Who knows. They say that things come in threes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
HAD to pick this up when I found it – a carrying bag for shoes (particularly, dance shoes for ballet, tap, etc.). I had one when taking ballet lessons as a child. Hadn’t thought of it in years – what a blast from the past to see it! I’ll bet that some of you recognize it, too.
Also uncovered some fabulous dresses today and will show them soon . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I LOVE shirtwaist dresses! Madge shows these off very well because they don’t have side closures. The first one here is a mid-century piece with a matching fabric-covered belt. Both are day-dresses but this one is prettier and more dainty.
The second is an ’80’s does ’40’s style. Not the original belt on that one – so I’ll find another or make one with fabric from the hem, if I decide to shorten it. It’s a sportier style, but can be dressed up, too.
I also love the Blues, and there are more to come . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another nod to the 1940’s, 1970’s style. Cool! I’ll have so much fun wearing this one, right away! Lovely knit with covered buttons on the cuffs – although it was a mid-priced item, it’s still been well-made by the fabulous Ladies Garment Workers Union.
Just the right weight for the transitional weather that we’re about to step into and perfect Autumn colors. I’m looking forward to a Labor Day weekend music & beer party in a few days but, I think I’ll wear one of my mid-century Mexican skirts this time – just because. These fabulous jumpsuits only have one little drawback . . . . . . . . . . . . In spite of the similarities with cat burglar leotards, not good for sleuthing in, either . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
This shirt joined my true vintage wardrobe when I was in Australia several years ago. It’s of the most wonderful cotton/cotton-blend fabric! That was my first tip-off to its age. I have another white blouse from the Forties with similar tailoring details, but this one is not quite so old. Although it’s a timeless style, the little clues that it isn’t modern are all over.
With no label, its origin is a mystery. It looks as though it was commercially-made, but not completely. Sometimes custom-made garments from tailoring shops had that look.
Although the answers are elusive, it’s different and I know it. Imagine my delight to discover this hiding among all the ho-hum modern things . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Really pretty outfits, a dress and skirts/blouses. I have combined more modern vintage skirts with sheer true vintage 1950’s blouses. The pink leather peep-toe slingback pumps are ’80’s or early ’90’s does ’40’s – Nina brand. (’90’s – I have a hard time calling that “vintage” , though some people do) since I love the old classics much more. The slips are true vintage and the silk dress is authentic 1940’s or 1930’s, too.
FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 