This super-fun summer version of the classic Weejuns is still true vintage but a more recent incarnation – made in the 1980’s or 1990’s, sometime before 1993. As we would expect, they are completely of leather excepting for some parts of the insoles. So, that means that they can be repaired forever when some wear appears.
Completely classic. How could I resist?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Naturally, I collect true vintage pearl necklaces, real or faux, but in this case my attention is on the rhinestone clasp. The finish on the beads is worn in places, so they aren’t keepers, but the closure can easily be used on another necklace. That will add a perfect Fifties finish to any costume jewelry neck-wear. Worth having!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This custom-tailored dress is really special for several reasons. The style and color are not unusual – a shaped sheath with back metal zipper in a lovely olive (not as grayish as the photo seems). BUT, the fabric (probably a rayon or blend) has interesting slubs and visible weave throughout. The most fascinating part, though is the cummerbund . . . . . .
it is not a machine-made trim that came from a sewing store. The treatment at the waist is completely hand-crocheted in fine thread and then was attached to the dress, probably while the person worked. It’s backed with cheesecloth to protect the attachment. Very carefully done – no wonder it has lasted so long.
One of the most fun aspects of my sleuthing is the original and astounding details found in many of the garments and accessories that I uncover. Love delightful surprises!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
All those keywords in the title say it – just look at this frock All the elements of mid-Sixties fashion are incorporated in this style, as well as the common mid-century feature of having been home-sewn. What a fun discovery! I’ll really enjoy it come summer.
Again, casual conservative styling in that flattering A-line shape. Pretty trim detail and a Mod print. So Sixties! Just the kind of simple dress that so many women made when first learning to sew, though this one displays some skill by the well-done attachment of the neckline trim.
Back to the future again – and we’ll stay there for a while . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This Kennedy era, Mad Men sportswear ensemble was custom-tailored for fun in the sun, conservative-style. High waist Bermuda shorts with a tunic top is dressy – casual and more versatile than a one-piece romper playsuit. Kind of Preppy, without being too stuffy.
It’s always fun to see the vintage brand metal zippers plus the hand-tailored details. As much as I love the most casual play-suits, it’s always good to have separates which can be worn so many ways and in interesting combinations.
This is just one of the hand-made garments that I just found – more to come . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I have found lots of lingerie slips lately but haven’t published them because, though beautiful, they were not the most interesting or fine examples of vintage underclothes. In this case, you should see these pretty features.
Pretty pastels are always a favorite. Bright pastels, red and black are major favorites but I don’t think I have ever seen a mid-century nylon slip in royal purple!!!!!!!!! Maybe the previous owner dyed it to match a favorite dress?. . . . . . . Could have been, (nylon takes dye really well) but NO – the maker’s tag is attached as originally, with no evidence of exposure to fabric dye.
In the second close-up photo of the pale pink half-slip shows a beautiful applied design on the center front. I LOVE these, and don’t find them often anymore. Details done on lingerie up to the early 1960’s was often absolutely gorgeous.
Finally, on the oldest piece in this photo I’ve pictured the seaming detail that carefully shapes the bodice. Most items sold today are almost a one-size-fits-all construction, within a broad category such as S, M or L and don’t fit really well. This sacrifices a lot of their purpose (after all, these are supposed to be FOUNDATION GARMENTS which used to be designed to give support to and accentuate the fit of the clothing worn on top).
So, that’s a little session about the neat features of true vintage lingerie slips. I’m always on the look-out for them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Wouldn’t normally wear these together, but it was convenient to photograph them that way and the look surprisingly good. I’d just been dreaming about finding some wide-leg, high waist pants and more blouses . . . . . . . . . .
Love these! They both fit me really well and I’m already enjoying wearing them. The pants are Bobbie Brooks (always a reliable vintage find) and the blouse is by Mardi Modes New York. How cool is that?! A really neat feather print on the shirt, and nice colors. I wouldn’t wear the neckline in a frilly bow, but prefer a high-neck tie effect. The pants are just super-flattering and, with a navy and ivory coloring, are great with my pea jacket find.
So, it keeps going on and on. What next? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
It’s not as fine as a couple others I have, but just as wonderful with the big shoulders, pockets, arm slits and silky lining. Very good condition, too – just a little wear to the fur along the seams here and there. I’ll be able to wear it more casually than I would my others.
Some woman who didn’t have the money then for a more expensive fur enjoyed the glamour of that time in spite of the Depression and looming war. By a furrier in Winnipeg, the animals whose pelts were taken would have been trapped in the midst of Canada’s woodland and prairie country and might have represented the livelihood of some rural family. As much as I reject the modern fur trade, the hardships of those times were real.
As it is, I can enjoy this antique piece, too, and wear it until it’s done. Today, faux fur pieces have become so sophisticated and beautifully-made that there’s no reason to support the fur trade. Cherish the old furs for their bygone charisma and say good-bye forever to animal cruelty.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although very similar, I might place this dress as having been made a little earlier than the one shown yesterday – looks late 1940’s to me. It might or might not have been worn with a crinoline underneath. Like the other, it’s completely hand-made and this one has the tailor’s label sewn into the neckline.
One of the best things about this gown is the fabric – a plush, heavy velvet that feels like old rayon. Love the sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves that, to my taste, are done a bit more artfully than those on yesterday’s dress. I think it’s mostly a style change that took place over a couple of years around the turn of the ’40’s to ’50’s decade.
Anyway, who wouldn’t love it! I so wonder what events these dresses were made for and where they went. That part of the mystery is as yet unsolved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This gown is hand-tailored with extreme attention to detail. It would be worn with a crinoline for a full, bell-shape. Because of the styling, I would guess that it was made in the early 1950’s but, possibly, as early as the late 1940’s. A special occasion dress, of course, and there’s hardly any evidence of wear. Maybe it was even made for a Prom or Homecoming dance back in the day.
Women were so happy to dress in longer skirts, sumptuous fabrics and new styles after the austerity of the war years.
I’ll be showing a sister gown tomorrow – very similar style and probably made a few years earlier. What fabulous discoveries!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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