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
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
I’m REALLY on the fly now – jetting to Britain tonight but, that didn’t get in the way of an impromptu treasure strike yesterday morning. I’ll do my best to get these finds photographed so that I can show them to you after we return from our cruise of the Baltic countries.
Until then, stay tuned. Not sure what I may continue to come up with along the way – you just never know . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Yes, you did see the one on the left a few days ago, but here’s my photo with both. The vibrant-colored fabric with such a rich hand makes these garments radiant and unique.
Thai silk is like no other. The fabric is so lustrous and with a hand-made texture. The colors are gorgeous, in beautiful combinations.
On top of that, the hand-tailoring of these garments makes them so beautifully detailed and fitted. Both of these dresses would have been custom-made for someone who was vacationing or living in Thailand or China.
And, of course, in classic styles that are as wearable now as they were in the 1960’s . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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Here’s another detour to the days of film noir – lets check out a couple of little black dresses from that time . . . ..
Black crepe with major embellishments. the dress on the left is quite form-fitting, but with no stretch, and has a small side zipper, so you have to wiggle in. It is covered with metal stud decoration.
The frock on the right – also black crepe – is less fitted and easier to get into. Has a huge beaded design on the bodice – looks like a Firebird(?) – I guess we can make it whatever we want . . . . . . . .
These are rare finds, and in excellent condition. A couple of cherished items – like a hundred or so others in my closet . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Sometimes I come across patterns or notions from the true vintage eras that I love. It’s worthwhile to pick them up, and I’ll explain why , , , , ,
Whether you sew or not, if you want to copy or have someone else re-make a true vintage garment, a pattern is a necessity in order to get it right. Unless you are a master at pattern-making yourself, the original cut of the garment will be impossible to recreate and the result will look like retro – not true vintage.
Beyond the qualities of the true vintage fabric and decorations that are used, the identifying factor of a true vintage design is the cut and, therefore, the way that it fits the body. There’s no way to cheat on it and the look of the finished garment is unmistakable.
True vintage notions can make a big difference, too. Buttons, of course, but zippers are probably the most important closure item with regard to getting the fit to be authentic. Nothing will be more correct than a zipper that is like the original in looks and function. And, we know how often one of those might need to be replaced . . . . . . .
So, there’s my little rant on that subject. Of course, there’s lots more to get into if you are a couturier or just an expert needle-worker. But, it’s worth knowing about, and very interesting when you want to get it perfect.
However, nothing is true vintage except real true vintage, no matter how well it has been reproduced. But, if you’re very, very good at faking it, it’ll take a master sleuth to expose you . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
WAR-TIME AND HAPPY DAYS FROCKS – MID-CENTURY MODES . . . . .
I love the colors of these dresses – pink to lavender, with black and white. Both in a similar shirtwaist style, below-the-knee length and made of a substantial cotton. Perfect mid-century style.
The dress on the left has little houses in a novelty print and some interesting tuck and piping details. The fabric is a bit heavier, and I’d wear it into Fall. The one on the right has cute pockets, ric-rac trim and a great plaid. It really says “summer” and farmers’ markets, to me.
Neither one has a label, but I doubt that they were made at home – especially not the left-hand one. Just goes to show, that labels often go by the wayside. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
SENSATIONAL SIXTIES SHEATH STYLE FROCK – TRUE VINTAGE FOR FALL
This pretty dress is in an unusual shade of blue that echoes the hue of yesterday’s shirt. A combo that I always love and don’t come across often enough – blue and brown. It was custom – made, with hand-done crewel embroidery on the front.
The easy sheath style is always perfect, and the short sleeves make it less summery. I love their fluttery cut and the brown lining peeking out. The main material is a sort of hop-sacking weave, which was very popular in the late ’60’s. Just the right weight for going into Fall.
Back metal zipper and fully lined in a lightweight cotton blend material. Flattering but simple. Madge fills it out beautifully, no?
Looks just right for a teacher, or, or, or . . . . . . . . .
I wonder who . . . . . . . . . . . …
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