Category Archives: clothing

1970’S COTTON SKIRT AND VEST BY MISTER LEONARD

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Just found this casual but classic 100% cotton plaid set in a beloved style from the mid-Seventies.  Mister Leonard was a popular Canadian clothing label started in 1965, making sportswear that sold in several major department stores.  It prospered until the late 1980’s and finally closed in 1999, due to market pressures and the declining health of it’s founder.

For Summer and into Fall, nothing could be more comfortable and cute than an ensemble like this, which could be worn everyday at home or tricked up a bit for work. Pure cotton clothing is always desirable, but the quality of this fabric sets it apart as well as tailoring details which are uncommon today.

Just my size, too!  Here’s another keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER 1960’S MINI CULOTTE!

No rain in the forecast, but the Magicvintagespy is getting DRENCHED!  The unique true vintage finds keep on coming.  This cute culotte is not as MOD as the yellow print one I found last week, but it’s also got a metal zipper – this time center back – and an interesting front design.  Unfortunately, the maker’s label and other tags are gone.  Don’t think it was custom-made.

Nothing could be more convenient than this style for ease of wearing, sports and versatility when shorts aren’t the thing but a skirt or dress is just too much.  A real blast from the past .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER CLASSIC FORTIES FROCK, IN BLACK CREPE

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When it rains, it pours.  I’d like a better picture, but it’s that black thing again and the fact that it’s really too big for Stella, who might show it off a little better.  Midi-length, with dolman sleeves, faux pocket detail and elegant stitching on the upper bodice.  Looks like something Joan Crawford would have worn.  Just my style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ANOTHER CUSTODIAL DUTY – A 1950’S PARTY GOWN FROM THE FAMILY

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When post-war era women finally have to/decide to move out of their homes, it’s not unusual that they have saved some of their most precious, favorite dresses over the decades.  Of course, it then becomes DECISION TIME.  Well, lucky me!

I was elected as most suited to look after this pink princess, left over from the early 1950’s.  With sequins and netting, it’s got the requisite poufy skirt and strappy top.  I may, with permission, enter it in a show this fall but I’ll probably be looking for the best new owner sometime next year.  I’ll be sorry to part with her, but she is an honored guest until then . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGSPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

STILL IN DISCOVERY MODE – SOMEONE CUSTOM-TAILORED THIS CUTE LITTLE BOLERO JACKET ABOUT 60 YEARS AGO

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All hand-made – it’s a classic style which we still see, but the fit and style are different in the way that only true vintage designs can be.  It hits just above the waist and belongs over a plain, black or white dress.  I probably have one or two that will fill the bill . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER RARE DISCOVERY – JUST FOUND THIS MEN’S MID-CENTURY ALL-WEATHER JACKET

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What could be more classic than this?  Made by a company called Peters; they produced this basic style for several decades.  We can still find some companies making similar ones, but I always like the REAL true vintage.  Just saw a classic film last night, made in 1950, where many young men were wearing “this” jacket!

Dacron easy-care water-repellent – nothing is more smart and practical than a well-made jacket like this.  And, it’s in almost perfect condition (they stood up well!).  In spite of that, they’re not easy to find because they were usually worn, and worn, and worn – and eventually gave up the ghost.  Someone took very good care of this one, just for me . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

FABULOUS 1940’S DAY DRESS – ANOTHER FIND FROM THE WARTIME YEARS

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Love this frock!  They had such fun print designs then.  This one’s a bit atomic – hope they’re not supposed to be bombs.  The wide collar, sleeve cuffs, fabric-covered buttons and bronze color give unusual touches to this example.  The original belt would probably have been covered with the same material as the dress.

It’s got some stain damage down near the hem from bleach or a storage spill, but I don’t care.  Those kinds of accidents were so common in mid-century laundry rooms and have, unhappily, occurred also to many garments that were stored in basements along with chemicals and cans of paint.  As much as I love finding items that are in pristine condition, sometimes the little dings and dirt add a certain je ne sais quoi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY’

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE FUN TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAGS DISCOVERED

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Garay, made in Hong Kong, Lumured – famous names from the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s. Classic as they come, and in wonderful condition.  I’ll be keeping these for a while.

Never can have too many – especially in navy (not as many around as in black) and white (not as many in pristine condition).  The woven wicker bags are sturdier and more abundant, but finding one that’s undamaged and  has great Lucite trim is another plus. The vinyl interior is very plain, but is a great foundation for a beautiful cloth lining, which I’ll probably make and attach myself (pretty simple).  Remnant pieces of vintage fabric or old scarves and hankies are perfect for the job!

I’m still working through the most recent finds, but I’m sure there will be more.  Maybe tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

1980’S HILO HATTIE HAWAIIAN SHIFT DRESS – I BOUGHT THIS FOR THE PEDIGREE AND THE FABRIC

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Nothing special about this dress, excepting that this maker is a respected label when it comes to more recently-made Hawaiian vintage.  However, the fabric is really nice – a rayon with a good hand, lovely colors and a great print.  Since it’s too big for me, I think I’ll be making some curtains for my bathroom with it!

There are lots of reasons to love true vintage clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER MOD 1960’S MINI-DRESS DISCOVERED!

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Cute, cute, cute and so exactly of that time!  Almost every schoolgirl, college coed and the occasional hip mama was wearing little day-dresses like this one.  I’m no certified clothing historian, but if you look back in the old magazines and vintage TV and movies, you’ll see that this is true.

This example may even have been sewn at home.  The shirt-dress pattern is very simple and well within the skills of a girl or woman who had learned to sew in Home Economics class (yes, they used to teach that to all the girls) or was taught by her mother.  Almost every girl/woman did some sewing of at least a dress or two, and many, many made almost their whole wardrobes that way.  If you weren’t a tailor, then coats and most jackets would have been above your skills, but most other garments were possible with a pattern, buttons, etc., and some fabric from a store downtown.

So, I’m all over the map with the things turning up lately and that is one of the best parts of the fun!  Wonder what will show up next – I haven’t even shown you everything “new” yet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM