Category Archives: buy

PRETTY IN THE BLUES: A TRUE VINTAGE COTTON HOUSE-DRESS FROM THE FIFTIES, WITH MORE TAILORING TRICKS

IMG_1754IMG_1749Another beautifully-soft cotton print day-time house dress with fun, plastic sculptured buttons.  This one wasn’t made with a belt, but I think I’ll add one. The most interesting thing about this frock is that, like yesterday’s, it tells another story. . . . . . . . .

I don’t know if the seamstress ran out of fabric when cutting her last piece, or whether this was a repair or alteration made later to widen the shoulders in back but these extra pieces of another material were put in very expertly.  When I see the patching and stitching and creative add-ons that mid-century seamstresses used to do at home, it really amazes me!

Little details like this make a find even better, as far as I’m concerned.  And, it’s in an unusual color palette – this kind of all-blue print is not common, so it’s a good addition to my wardrobe and more fun to wear.  Wow, I’m on a roll – love these!!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

OUT-OF-SEASON TRUE VINTAGE FINDS – I’VE GOT SEVERAL!

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-1111121Yes, I’ve recently uncovered about half a dozen Spring and Summer items that didn’t slow me down a bit just because they are out-of-season right now, and I’ll be showing them to you over the next few days.  Who knows where I’ll be when it’s actually the time to be wearing them!

FINDER’S TIP:  DO YOU IGNORE OUT-OF-SEASON ITEMS WHEN YOU’RE ON THE HUNT?  TSK,TSK AND SHAME-SHAME!  YOU’LL NEVER BE A SUCCESSFUL SLEUTH IF YOU THINK THAT WAY.  “WHENEVER”, “WHEREVER”, “WHATEVER”  AND “HOWEVER” ARE SOME OF THE BEST GUIDING PRINCIPLES WHEN YOU’RE SCOUTING FOR CLUES . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

HOME-SEWN VINTAGE SUNDRESS WITH SURPRISING “MYSTERY” TAILORING

IMG_1748This frock just looked like a plain, old cotton sundress – rather inexpertly made – and I almost passed it by.  The fabric felt kind of stretchy.  OK, right – lots of today’s fabric feels kind of stretchy because it has Spandex built in  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

But, the fabric also told me that it wasn’t recently made.  When I looked more closely, it became apparent that the entire dress had been cut on the bias!

Take that, Spandex!!  The tailoring trick for adding some give, drape and a fabulous, molded fit that was so popular in the 1930’s was used by this seamstress to make her summer frock unique.  And, it will probably look killer on! Can’t wait to try that . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

YESTERDAY! TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MINK PILLBOX HAT

IMG_1751Although it’s never, to me, the right thing to support a market for fur, I will continue to cherish these old vintage (50 – 60+ years) pieces of past-time high fashion.  When humanity didn’t know any better, a touch of mink was the ultimate in luxury and chic for a middle-class gal.

This pillbox style is awfully cute with the topknot.  It’s fun to find a true vintage fur that is still in good condition and, since it was so well-made and looked-after, will last for many more years.  I’ll show you two more recent finds in a few days.

However, the faux furs made now are so authentic and affordable that there is no justification for buying any kind of modern animal fur.  As beautiful as furs can be, they’re more beautiful on the animals and the fur trade should be just as dead as the poor creatures that it has killed.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

A REALLY NEAT CLASSIC 1950’S HOUSE DRESS FIND!

IMG_1735I just love the fun cotton prints on so many mid-century house dresses. The sleeve cuffs are fun, too.  Can’t wait for warmer weather!

Although the original belt is missing, it will look nice  with a black one or, maybe, there’ll be extra fabric in a hem or side seam to make a matching replacement. This is a great find, in such good condition.

Mid-century women wore these so much, every day, that it’s always a treat to find one that didn’t wear out!  Back to the future again . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S HAND-MADE CLASSIC LEATHER SLINGBACK PUMPS

IMG_1717What a great color to find!  Deep charcoal gray, in a very classic style.  They’re a perfect companion for most Fall and Winter vintage (or modern, if I must) skirts, casual dresses, suits and slacks.  The best thing, of course, is the construction.

Not only do they have a leather upper, which can still be found these days, but they have a full leather sole.  So, I can keep them forever and have them repaired when necessary.  Try that with a cheap synthetic sole – no way.

Another of my favorite features in true vintage shoes are the leather insoles. And, if they’re printed in gold with the brand name that’s the very best!  Amazingly, I often find that the gold lettering has stayed on really well, even when the shoes had been worn quite a bit.  These show only light wear, with no need for repairs for a long time.  The hardware on the straps, too, is top quality and won’t ever break.

It’s so much fun finding things that won’t call for any special occasion to wear, and  the mid-heels can do anything!  These pumps will become part of my everyday closet.  Love being transported in time on a daily basis . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

SURPRISE 1950’S SLEEPWEAR FIND!! LIKE-NEW TRUE VINTAGE PAJAMA SET

IMG_1733Another big thrill for me – finding this RARE pajama set with both pieces, and in virtually perfect condition!  Made by Barbizon, of delicious cotton batiste with smocking and lace. The pants button closed and are not elasticized – I love that.  Such a cute and comfy summer pj’s set.

Similar to the other clothing items that I like best, these are classic in design. The things that really set them apart are the superior tailoring details and the exceptional quality of fabric.  Pajamas like these last forever if they are washed gently and are extremely comfortable.

Found these just last week, but I discovered another sleepwear treasure yesterday – so stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S COCKTAIL DRESS – TRIMMED IN MARABOU FEATHERS

IMG_1743Here’s my neat-o find from yesterday.  This is the best photo I could get, so hang with my description.

A classic wool crepe cocktail frock in an unusual style.  Cocktails? Dinner? Theater?  I guess it could be designed for any of these.  Usually dresses of this sort are sleeveless and at least a little bit revealing, but this one is completely different.

Styled as a back-zip sheath with a bateau neckline – very conservative – but revved up by the sleeves.  They are the best part of all:   3/4 length, with a slit in front up to the elbow joint, and trimmed all around with marabou.  They would call for long, beautiful gloves and/or a diamond bracelet or watch because that’s where the attention is focused.

Fully lined in a soft, woven material – this dress is made to be worn during colder weather when the sleeves and wool content would feel welcome.  It’s really nice to have a party or dress-up piece like that instead of having to resort to wearing dress pants or a long skirt and sweater during winter weather.

So I find, again, that there can always be something interesting hiding around every corner . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ANOTHER WONDERFUL SURPRISE FIND TODAY, FROM THE FIFTIES

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-1111121Again, something unusual that tickles my fancy!  I think it tickled the original owner, too, and maybe her date . . .

I’ll show you tomorrow . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE DRESSY DAY DRESS FROM THE EARLY 1950’S

IMG_1731This really neat find comes out of the “I Love Lucy” era.  The skirt is somewhat wider than it shows, but not a circle skirt – a bit more refined and subdued dressy shirtwaist style.

Whether it was commercially made or home-made, many of the tailoring details have been done by hand.  The application of the trim in front is an intriguing conundrum – done partly by hand and partly by machine, in a mysterious manner that defies imagination.

The fabric is a rayon weave with a bit of gloss and body, rather than a fluid drape. It’s so interesting to explore the different fabric materials, weaves and finishes – especially from the era from pre- to post-WWII.  Every era has it’s fabulous fabrics, but that time seems to have a lot of them.

I’ve really been on a roll here, and it continues.  Keeping my spyglass on the trail  . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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