Now that we’re beginning to feel like getting out of sweaters and wool . . . . . . . Whether you’re clubbing or out for a very elegant dinner, this beautiful beaded shell would steal the show. Bead decoration was still done beautifully in the late ’50’s- early ’60’s.
Not the same as beading in the 1920’s and earlier, but equally nice. Dance the night away . .. . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
True vintage from the 1950’s, this one was not made for a lunch date at the local diner. We’re in to Spring-weight fabric here, but black and white is always season-less (or is it dark navy? It’s close . . . .)
Just look at the beautiful drape on the bodice, and the sweet cap sleeves. The jacket, again, has 3/4 sleeves to show off the elegant gloves and fine bracelet or watch.
Another of those outstanding ensembles which can take you almost anywhere . .. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is a real pure silk, fully-lined knock-your-socks-off wiggle dress. I’ve been encountering a lot of those lately. Naturally, the fit is a bit snug behind.
In addition, it’s beautifully-tailored, with all the elegant and sophisticated touches that would be expected in a higher-end well-made garment. However, I don’t think that this was clothing only for the elite. Many of our mothers and grandmothers might have had one like it hanging at the back of their closets.
So, it’s just been one delight after another, as usual. I’m still not done showing things that were found during the past few months when my models were nowhere in sight so, stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s that gorgeous presto-change-o formal that I found a few months ago, showing properly on Stella. Demure and elegant with elbow-length sleeves, thanks to the removable camisole – sleeveless, svelte and sexy without it.
As I said when I first showed in on a hanger, I’ve never seen a style like this one before. True vintage couture styling is often so clever and beautifully-made while being very versatile. Two dresses in one, without going anywhere near the bargain basement!
Such magic can be created with a simple needle, thread and a bolt of fabric. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It’s pretty gaudy, but somebody loved it back in the day! It can be worn off the shoulder, peasant-style, too. There’s nothing expensive about it, with simple workmanship and “cheap” fabrics so it makes me wonder if this was a wartime frock. If not, it was post-war early Fifties.
Anyway, it’s fun and the second dress I’ve come across in the past couple of years in this style. Must have been at the back of someone’s closet or basement for a long, long time – just safeguarding those special memories of a dance or party date. Hmmm, you just never know. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Though it’s not by a high-end designer, it would have been right for Jackie Kennedy. This lovely wool suit was just the thing in 1962. So well-made, with all the little tailoring details that are so important.
One of my favorite things about it is that the mink collar is lightly stitched on, so that it can be easily removed. It’s nice to have that choice.
Not my color, unfortunately, so I recently put it on eBay but I have two other colors very similar which I can wear. It’s fun to see how all of them are as alike as colored Easter eggs, yet each one is different . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
So innocent and sweet! Fashions from the late Sixties and early Seventies were really into retro styles, from Edwardian, Victorian, Prairie to 1940’s. They’re fun and pretty, but sometimes too many buttons on long cuffs or front and back closures. Just like the real women of those times had to contend with.
Anyway, for a blast from the past it’s worth it when I find an example from that time that’s so perfect. This one was maybe worn once and then was treasured and preserved for decades. How could I resist?
Possibly this was custom-made though, if so, someone spent a lot of time on the ruffles, extra lining and putting in the little loops for each cuff button. However, at that time there were still lots of women and girls who did that kind of needlework happily and had the skills to create something as nice as would come from a store (even nicer than the things that come from stores today, sadly).
But, regardless, this is a HAPPY DRESS and maybe someone will enjoy it for Prom again. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
True vintage late 1960’s 100% leather hand-made stiletto heels. What shoes should be!!! Black patent leather with fabric bow decoration.
These were originally sold at a well-known mid-western department store. They were made to last, and they have. Small metal taps at the toes to prevent wear. The soles have not been repaired, but they can be forever as needed. That’s the beauty of these beautiful vintage items.
More on the way – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is a rare blouse, in a silky rayon fabric. If it weren’t for being a war-time garment, I might think it was a silk/rayon blend but, since the war effort used silk for other purposes, it was rare to find it in any clothing (or hosiery!). Rayon was King, and it’s a fabulous fabric. I just LOVE 1940’s and ’50’s blouses!
This one I’ve had for a while. It is finished at the hem to be worn un-tucked. Rather big for me, so I wear it as a tunic style. About 2 sizes smaller, it would be beautiful under a suit, no? Great design over a skirt, however, and dynamite with slacks.
The beautiful coffee-colored embroidery is what also “makes” it. Mocha-colored items are a bit unusual, and a nice year-round color. Neutrals are just about the most elegant, and versatile, of all hues.
It’s the gorgeous details and workmanship on this shirt that really cause it to stand out. Back in the day, this kind of craftsmanship was “de rigour” and now we really have to search to find it – and usually only in true vintage garments like this one . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It’s always a treat when these turn up – looks like 1960’s in both cases, but they’re a bit of a mystery. The best thing about them is the quality and construction. Of course, this type of photo doesn’t do them justice.
The blouse on the left is very casual and basic, but the fabric is really nice. It’s some kind of a blend of cotton and rayon. Feels smooth to touch and has a gloss, and I love the colors and the plaid, too. Both have rounded wing collars, though the style on the right is much more sophisticated.
The blouse on the right is a star. Not only is it made from a REALLY nice rayon fabric, but the tailoring is wonderful! The buttons are all fabric-covered. The retro-1940’s style is pretty with light shoulder padding and puffed sleeves. What I like best is that it is FITTED!!!!!!!!! Can’t believe it – it’s so rare to find a nicely fitted blouse or shirt because they just don’t make them now. Spandex added to fabric molds to the body pretty well, but is a cheaper-looking alternative and can’t compare to a blouse with fitted seaming that is done properly. The look is completely different, and much more elegant.
So . . . . . . . . . . . . . what’s next? . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 