Category Archives: decorated

TRUE VINTAGE TWO-PIECE KNIT DRESS FROM THE LATE ’50’S/EARLY ’60’S – MOD MEETS MAD MEN

TWO-PIECE KNIT MAD MEN DRESS FROM THE LATE '50'S/EARLY '60'S

For dinner or after-work cocktails, this little number would fill the bill.  Pair it with some matching blue pumps and you’d really be swank.

Simple as can be, but with the neckline decoration and the little vents at the waist, it’s very stylish.  And, like a sheath dress, the fit is classic and really flattering.

If you are a DIYer, this style is very simple to sew.  I have another very similar in lightweight soft green wool – made by the grandmother of a friend in mid-century, as a 3-season dressy day dress.

Just the thing to have in your closet for that unexpected invitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

THE SWEETEST MID-CENTURY BABY DRESS – FROM LORD & TAYLOR!

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Talk about RARE!  This one is a real treasure.  Cotton comfort with smocking detail and vintage shell buttons in back.  There’s an embroidered cotton tag inside the neck from the high-end department store retailer Lord & Taylor.

Love finding old things from Saks Fifth Avenue, too.  They’re always nice.  No babies at home for me, but how could I resist?

Several decades ago, little girls (and boys) were routinely dressed in beautifully-made clothing of very high quality – even it it came from a mid-priced store.  Mothers enjoyed dressing themselves and their children nicely and it wasn’t such a competitive brand-driven thing like today.

If I were parenting a child, it would be so much fun to dress him/her in true vintage, along with myself!  Yes, these garments take a little more care, but the rewards . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

BACK TO BEDDIE – BYE IN PRETTY 1960’S GOWNS AND PEGNOIRS

BACK TO BEDDIE - BYE IN PRETTY 1960'S GOWNS AND PEGNOIRS

Here we have examples of the better nylon and trim quality from the mid – 60’s. These were not high-end items by the standards of that time, but their quality makes them like high-end now.

Learn the look and feel of these, and you’ll never want to go back to modern fabric again unless, possibly, an excellent silk.  There’s just no comparison.

We all deserve good quality AND value.  Our grandparents and great-grandparents managed to create goods of that type in a much less “modern” and “prosperous” era. Don’t believe for a moment that it couldn’t be done now.

But, I’m still not sure that I’d like them any better than true vintage.  The superb cuts and design would be challenging to match.  The fascination and intrigue that accompany these styles can’t be re-manufactured . . . . . .
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MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WOW TIMES 3!!! GORGEOUS MID-CENTURY ASIAN JACKET BLOUSE

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What a beautiful find!  Because of the traditional styling I can’t date it exactly, but it’s old. Rayon satin with lovely floral embroidery.  Like the silk Cheongsam dress I found last week, this garment is so gorgeous and timeless – I’ll love wearing it for decades.

There’s another similar one of red silk hanging in my closet.  It looks wonderful with dressy black crepe pants,  a skirt or dress for cocktails or a special dinner party.

It’s off to the cleaners after I check the lining for any messages Mata Hari might have left behind . … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BACK TO TRUE VINTAGE – 1960’S BLACK CREPE COCKTAIL DRESS

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From a New York clothier, this frock with a shimmy-shake beaded bodice is classic 1960’s. The fully-lined black crepe dress with a knee-length hemline was a standard of 1950’s and early 1960’s cocktail party attire.

Fun elements of beading and flirty design were common in the Sixties.  I love finding one of these – so wearable and always playful, while toeing the line with classic couture.  You can wear it (almost) anywhere without raising eyebrows.

And, as always, quality and excellent condition for the past 45 – 50 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

KENNEDY ERA FORMAL GOWN – SO SOPHISTICATED, WITH SURPRISE TAILORING . .. . . . . . . . .

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Brocade and crepe, with a little bow at the back waistline – this frock is so well-made and elegant. Formal dance, Prom, Special Occasion, perfect!  It needs a pressing, but is in great shape.  Remember what I said yesterday about the repeating design elements?  Read on . . . . . . . . .

So beautifully tailored with closures and stitching in all the right places, this gown has a feature that I have never seen.  The sleeves are part of a bolero bodice that is attached and worn inside the dress and supports the sleeves.  That makes it possible to wear this gown as a sleeveless sheath or as pictured here.  The sleeves, as on the dress yesterday, have fabric flowers sewn on.

Wow!  What a gorgeous and surprise design!!  You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FUN FIFTIES FROCK – STRAPLESS CUSTOM-TAILORED SUMMER DRESS

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Pretty easy-wear polished cotton sundress from the early to mid-1950’s, in the New Look style.  Bit of an atomic thing going on with the applique’ design.  Somebody had a lot of fun with this one!

Can’t wait to see it on Stella – it’s a real knockout on a gal with an hourglass figure. Marilyn would have loved it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAGS FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

 

Here is a collection of several vintage handbags for parties and semi-formal to formal occasions. The significant features of these are pave’ rhinestones on clasps, faux pearls, plush velvet, gold-finished leather, double-sided box construction and a telescoping convertible handle.

Though tons of retro-style purses are made now, a true vintage one will have features that put it above the crowd.  Anyone who knows, will realize that you are carrying something special.

These purses are from the Fifties and Sixties. They are simple, but of quality design and construction. A keen eye can spot the difference in materials and style elements.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

BACKROOM FIND – HEAVY NYLON SLIP FROM THE SIXTIES, WITH UNIQUE LACE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAA mini-length lingerie slip.  What caught my eye most, after the usual evidence of age and quality, was the wide and heavy lace band at both top and bottom.

It has embroidery and applique treatments there and will be a pleasure to wear.  Plus, so important to have a variety of lengths, colors and styles in order to have a perfect fit for every dress that might need one.

Often the shorter ones are difficult to find in true vintage examples.  So, I’m thrilled!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

HALLOWEEN’S IN THE BAG – TIME FOR ALL 1950’S HOMEMAKERS TO THINK ABOUT THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS . . .

IMG_0935 IMG_0936Although we do Christmas marketing almost year-round, back in the mid-century time no one thought seriously about Christmas stuff until after the American Thanksgiving in late November.  But, if you’re making lots of your gifts . . . . .

McCalls needlework magazine promoted doing just that – to economize as well as adding a personal touch.  Can you imagine getting all that done ?!

For many of our grandmothers, that was just part of the day-to-day.  And, they did produce beautiful things – from hats, gloves, sweaters, socks and scarves to dolls & their clothing, tablecloths & bedspreads, just to name a few.

I love discovering some special true vintage handmade item that was probably made as a gift or a table decoration for a special family holiday. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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