Category Archives: clothing

1940’S RAYON SWING DRESS FROM PARIS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

JUST MADE FOR SWING DANCING – AND DON’T YOU LOVE THE NOVELTY PRINT?!

This discovery came from a different arrondissement, but still within the city of Paris.  It is another treasure that only Stella can fit into.  I’ll get her to model it after returning to headquarters.  Also will be busy scouting out belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Couldn’t be more pleased, though, to find another wartime rayon frock in a fun, fun print. These are some of my favorite garments.  This one tells the story of WWII as it was custom-tailored and shows the signs of saving on fabric and notions.  The design is very simple with no extra decoration and a very narrow hem allowance, though the tailor did indulge in a big sailor collar with piping.

Such fun to find another rare novelty print – atomic squiggles with goofy birds and other animals.  The color combos are also unique.  Won’t ever find another one like it . .. . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE AT-HOME DRESSING GOWN WRAPPER FROM PARIS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

FRENCH COTTON ROBE IN A NOVELTY PRINT

Originally purchased from a store on the Champs Elysee (the label testifies!), this mid-century wrap has tons of personality!  The colorful motif of rajas, elephants, umbrellas and pennants is humorous like so many of the novelty designs of the early mid-century.  It’s always a real plus to unearth one.

Dresses are always wonderful, but a garment like this one is unique and special.  The open, kimono styling makes me think of lazy days in a Paris apartment with aromas of cooking, the taste of good cheese and wine and the laughter of friends and lovers.  I might even add a snap, hook and a belt and wear it as a dress.

So much fun to find it!  Giselle agrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CASUAL TRUE VINTAGE DAY-DRESS FROM PARIS, FRANCE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

A PRACTICAL BUT CUTE MID-CENTURY COTTON FROCK FOR MAKING THE DAILY RUN TO THE MARKET . .. . . . . . . . .

In the same color(?) palette as yesterday’s dress, this one seems more down-to-earth but still has important elements of style.  It was probably custom-tailored, too.  The buttons are clear plastic with a Deco design.  Like the other it needs a belt, but that’s not a big challenge.

Although knock-your-socks-off styles and fabrics send me over the moon, I never pass up a simple true vintage frock that is well-made.  The material, notions and tailoring are always interesting.  Plus, they usually look really good on, because the cuts tend to be so superior.

Giselle is feeling right at home and we’ll be getting a bit more exotic tomorrow . . … . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

EARLY MID-CENTURY DAY-DRESS OR HOUSE-DRESS FROM PARIS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

LOOSE SHEATH IN CUSTOM-TAILORED SILK

I absolutely love this!  The seamstress was almost finished with it, only needing to remove some basting stitches and do a little final finishing.  It has loops for a belt, and there’s no way to tell if one ever existed.  After a final fitting, I’ll see if and where some extra fabric exists that could make one.

Love the collar, and the pocket trim – the whole vintage styling.  It will be very attractive and comfortable to wear.  With the right finishing, it could be a day-dress or a simple house-dress.  And it’s French!  From Paris!!  What more could I ask . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE SLEEPWEAR FROM PARIS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

FABULOUS RAYON GOWN FROM THE 1920’S – 1940’S

First, let me introduce Giselle, the latest addition to my group of models.  She is from France, possibly via Montreal.  Just look at that attitude!  Although she’s new at this, she was born for it.  Today she is wearing one of my first Paris finds.  I absolutely LOVE discovering true vintage fashion from pre- to post-WWII and what could be better than Paris fashion?

This butter-yellow gown has ruching on the sleeves and bodice, plus bias cutting which makes for the great fit.  The peachy beige lace at the neck is an unusual color combination, and very effective.  Leave it to the French!

Yes, from an out-of-the-way place, but not if you do your homework.  Thanks, Theodora! More on the way . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S/1960’S TANK SWIMSUIT FROM STOCKHOLM

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

MID-CENTURY PRIMITIVE ART PRINT BATHING SUIT

Before leaving the Baltic, I couldn’t believe it! (Oh, yes, I could) . . . . A rare find of this mid-century swimsuit in near-perfect condition.  It’s got that pretty-but-sporty look that was so popular then, in a classic sleek tank style with a mini-skirt effect right at the hips.

Adjustable button straps. molded bra cups and a back metal zipper. Just perfect for one of those tropical island movies of the 1950’s.  And, of course, I carried it away for a mere song.  You just never know  . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

IN THE MEANTIME . . . . . .

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Couldn’t find any record of having shown these to you before, but I’m not sure.  If you’ve seen them, have patience.  I’ll be getting the most recent treasures photographed very soon.

This is the stash that I found just before leaving for the European adventure – mid-century day-dresses, secretary and pretty styles, plus an early 1960’s Wedding gown!

You just never know . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SCORE! SLEUTHING SUCCESS

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-1111121111111 Found two stores in Dublin today.  The first, run by a long-time vintage clothing expert, stocks beautiful true vintage from mid-century and before.  Men’s and women’s!  BETTY BOJANGLES.

The second discovery, right next door, sells excellent quality by the kilo.  I was able to find blouses and shoes while still meeting my standard for fabulous frugality.  THE VINTAGE FACTORY.

The perfect treasure-hunt .  .  .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

 

VINTAGE IN DUBLIN

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-1111121111111 Back to Western Europe and finding many vintage clothing shops here – concentrated in the Temple Bar area.  This won’t be any surprise to Dubliners, but worth a trek to anyone visiting the city.

I scoped out stores that are already listed in the reference section of my book, and was told about more which tend to hide from the mainstream.  A real gem is Jenny Vander, with a 40 – year history and full of beautiful true vintage from mid – century and before.  HUGE collection of costume jewelry!

Most  places stock  little older than the ’70’s or ’80’s, but the hidden gem might be discovered.  Prices are reasonable, but not a real bargain.  For a seasoned investigator, however .  .  .  .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

MID-CENTURY WOMEN HAD FUN MAKING DECORATED SWEATERS & COLLARS

IMG_0930IMG_0931IMG_0932
This was a really big thing in the Forties, Fifties and early Sixties. Hand-decorated clothing, decor and gifts were things that most women did at one time or another. It was more than just a hobby.

During the 1940’s, when so much was rationed and unavailable to buy, it is how women made up for the things they couldn’t get any other way. This was probably true in the Thirties, too, during the Depression.

In the 1950’s, during those Happy Days, it became part of leisure time activity and another expression of women’s love of pretty things and an abundant lifestyle.

These magazines that were given to me really highlight how the handicraft trade was marketed to women aggressively – it was part of women’s role and almost a duty as a homemaker. Take a close look . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM