Category Archives: casual

ANOTHER FIND! FROM COCKTAILS YESTERDAY TO SHOPPING AND HOUSEKEEPING

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Another mid-century style – this time from the mid-late Sixties –  but in a most casual house dress.  Sorry it’s a bit out of focus – I love this print and always enjoy red.  It’s in a half-size 14, which was  vintage language for Plus-size but it’s really not BIG at all.

The half-sizes were cut bigger in the bust and pretty straight through the waist (I’ve pinned this one in the back) but the shoulders are small, so I can wear it fine with a belt.  It was apparently belted originally because there are signs of belt loops.

I love the embroidered tag sewn in the neckline, the pointed collar and pearlized buttons with stems.  The fabric, again, is a mystery but doesn’t feel like polyester.

A no-nonsense frock that any average homemaker might have worn while going about her daily housekeeping duties.  Just the simplest and easiest thing to wear, and cute to boot!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PURE CLASSIC! VINTAGE DAY DRESS IN FLORAL COTTON

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Right on the heels of that daring red frock shown yesterday came this traditional, custom-tailored every-day dress in a beautiful cotton print.  Again, I can’t say exactly how old it is but it was home-sewn in a classic, mid-century style.  The fabric is gorgeous.

Although it’s another perfect fit for me, the style is very plain so I think I’d cinch the waist with a belt to enhance the fit and add a pert little scarf or pearls at the neckline, depending on my mood.  Yes, that would be VERY cliche’ ’50’s but – so what? – also a VERY pretty look. Unless I wanted to go completely kitchy for the fun of it, I’d leave off the hat/gloves -handbag/shoes sets.

Anyway, this dress really makes me hanker for Spring!  Can’t wait to see what turns up next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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NEW FIND! CUTE LITTLE MOD 1960’S JACKET

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In the midst of my series of mid-century finds, lets take a little break for the latest discovery.   I was out sleuthing the other day when I spied this.  Although it’s not the type of thing I usually get excited about, because so many cheap imitations have been made over the past 10 years or so, I liked the quality of the knit fabric and the fact that it was home-sewn.  So, I picked it up . . . . .

Thinking it would be too small for me and I’d just have to end up selling it or giving it away, I slipped it on and – WHOA! – it fits me perfectly and it’s really cute!  Maybe some teenager made this in Home Economics class back in the 1960’s (when they were still offering that in schools).  Kind of a cross between  a bomber and a bolero style – it’s a simple-sew item that would have been an intermediate pattern for someone learning how to set in sleeves.

Originally, it would have had a matching print skirt or slacks – or maybe a sheath dress in one of the solid colors in the print.  Alas, those pieces are long gone, but I’ll enjoy wearing it with my turquoise jeans or my regular jeans until an alternative comes up.  Won’t be one of my prized true vintage possessions, but it may be a go-to super casual jacket on cool-weather days when I’m just out and about.

A little variety is always the spice . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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EXTREMELY RARE FIND – TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY CUSTOM-TAILORED CHILD’S DRESS

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Old cotton and buttons; hand-stitching – this little frock is probably from the 1950’s or 1960’s.  Can you imagine a little girl’s everyday dress surviving till today??????  Read on . . . . . . . . . . . .

Once in a while, in an unusual venue, I’ll see something out of the ordinary – like a piece that is very antique or something made for a child. Although children’s clothing is not my usual focus, I’ll take a second look.

Well, this was another Wowee, look at THAT! moment so, of course, I had to bring it home.  What a relic so well-preserved, with the added bonus of having been hand-made.  Several things about the construction are unusual.

In these situations, it’s common to see something that was made for a special occasion – that is, dressy clothing or christening gowns, etc. that are often preserved after one or two wearings; maybe baby shoes that are tough enough to stand up over time (no pun intended).

BUT, not everyday items!!  These usually have gone by the wayside decades ago because of the normal wear-and-tear a child puts on their clothing, not to mention outgrowing it and passing it on or Mom turning it into a dishrag.

So, I feel like a museum curator with a new discovery laid before me.  The mystery goes on . .. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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SUCH FUN! TRUE VINTAGE SOUVENIR KITCHEN LINENS

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From the West and Down East – a vacationer’s mid-century mementos of a fun holiday!

Fun cotton linens for the kitchen and dining table were big favorites during the 1950’s and 1960’s.  Many a traveler picked them up as souvenirs, too.  I just love the funky and funny prints!

As always, these items tell a story.  You could have practically driven through California without a map after buying this muslin tablecloth. Although the apron doesn’t have any words, the cute illustrations of pilgrims/immigrants in their native dress and the border designs contain a lot of information about the communities or cultures that they came from.

Also, if you can do a close-up look, you’ll see a small vintage safety pin stuck in the waistband.  I always like to leave things like this in place because that’s just how the cook or housekeeper wore it during her daily routine.

These linens will last forever if they’re looked after well – remove stains quickly and wash gently.  I’ll bet that I can channel some very interesting vibrations with these in my kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER DISCOVERY – TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSE BY LADY MANHATTAN

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What a fabulous maker’s label!  I just love old Lady Manhattan blouses.  This one is from the  early 1970’s or, possibly, the late 1960’s.  The first thing that caught my eye was the print – then the styling.  There are a few more clues that are the real truth revealing it’s era.

Although this one is casual, it still demonstrates the the classic elegance that was typical of this brand.  Lady Manhattan always made lovely women’s blouses and was still  in the marketplace doing women’s clothing into the Eighties, but I  prefer their mid-century creations.  Too bad Madge isn’t here to model – it’s just about her size.

What a treat!  I come across these only once in a while, so I’m really thrilled.  But then,  everything I find is an uncommon treasure, so it’s rare or more rare and I get the thrill bumps a lot.

Hope you had a fabulous time on New Year’s Eve and are well-recovered by now.  More tomorrow . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER NEW FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S HOSTESS ROBE

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Oh, I love these heavy nylon lounging robes from the Sixties!  And, what better color?  I’m in heaven.

The great things about these, after the fabulous fabric, is the easy zip-front styling and the gorgeous trim they often used.  In this case, it’s beautiful embroidered ribbon with gold thread.  Nothing says casual at-home elegance any better.

As you can see, these housecoats, when made as well as this one, can last forever and look just as beautiful every year.  They’re also multiple-use garments – from covering up after a bath, to lounging at home to entertaining at a casual party.

Very festive – just right for the Holidays.  Being an undercover artist requires impeccable timing . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY COTTON FROCK

A bit off-season, for sure, but who cares!  This pretty frock has many hand-tailored details, though I suspect that it was commercially-made, in Fifties or very early Sixties.

I’m having so much fun!  Who can resist a swingy, light-hearted dress like this?  Cool and comfortable on the hottest days of summer.  Great for leisure or work.  There’s nothing like being cool as a cucumber even in the tightest situations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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SLEEK TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES HOUSECOAT

P1010004.JPGI love robes like this so much!  The cool, heavy nylon and pretty embroidered ribbon trim is so stylish and luxurious.  It just says “quality” all over, and it’s RED!!!!!

It’s an easy zip-up front.  Modern ladies of the mid-late 1960’s loved wearing these for leisure and as hostess gowns.  A little bit of at-home elegance . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE ’70’S DOES ’40’S SUNDRESS FROM WEST GERMANY

IMG_1759This fabulous 100% cotton dress was made in West Germany, obviously   before 1989 and maybe many years before that.  Yes, it’s another new find that’s out-of-season right now in North America and most of Europe, but I love, love, love this anyway and couldn’t wait to show it!

Forties style is so wonderful.  I love the cut-in shoulders that give a halter neckline feel without the bare upper back.  It’s one of my favorite styles and I’ve been so fortunate lately to find some true vintage Forties, too. Shirtwaist ease is always great – red and white polka dots – a nipped-in waist and midi hemline ………… Fashion heaven!!

Plus, it’s got that true vintage West German quality of workmanship and materials that make it a really good investment, no matter what.  It’s in perfect condition and will continue to last.  What could be better? . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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