A perfect little black dress for day – wonderful find! The classic elements – 3/4 sleeves, decorative detail and shantung weave – make it very fun and versatile. A best of the best everyday garment to discover.
Always an adventure!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fun and interesting mid-century and antique table and bed linens often show up during my investigations. The prints are humorous, colorful and pretty. Modern copycats can’t come close! If there is handwork like embroidery or lace, it’s beautiful. I collect them, too. The mending and stain removal that is sometimes required is no big deal and anything with too much damage can be made into pillow covers and cloth napkins. I love using these things at home in my kitchen and bedroom, but there’s more . . . . . . . . . . .
Big pieces of fabric are also wonderful made into clothing and accessories. Trim can sometimes be added to other garments or a big piece of crocheted or tatted lace makes a beautiful dress or blouse. Can’t you just imagine this cloth made into a summer dress, skirt or blouse, maybe with a matching handbag? Can’t wait to use this cute tablecloth!
Potential vintage fashion treasures abound everywhere! Use your imagination and you never know what you may uncover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It’s a plain,white oxford shirt so I won’t bore you with the photo. The label is worth the whole find and all the details from the 1950’s to early 1960’s – – – – – –
there’s a cellophane collar prop still in place, a paper tag hanging from a button, a paper square in the pocket that was placed there by the final inspector, and an inventory stamp near the hem. An interesting thing about the fabric (besides being Sanforized) is that the weave gives it stretch, without any of our modern spandex. An extra tag sewn at the neck advertises this.
The sleeves will be too long for me so, of course, I’ll end up selling it but the best thing is the way that the story still unfolds. From what I can resource so far, this may have been a British brand. A find like this is always worth picking up just for the fun!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Those of you who have been with me for a while might remember a few years ago when I discovered my first 1950’s romper and was so blown away by the rarity of it. Well, now that I’ve come across a second one, well – you can imagine. . . . . . . .
Pure cotton, easy-on and off with button shoulders, elastic waistline and (the best thing!) a snap crotch. Potty breaks are no sweat here! It’s also, again, in my size. This one specifies a 1950’s size 12. That’s me!
So, couldn’t be better. A nice, classic gingham check that will go with everything and just the cutest fit. Can’t wait for the Memorial Day parties and 4th of July. I never know what to expect when I embark on an investigation, so keep my mind open and anticipation high because you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Wowee – I’m over-the-moon again. My latest nearly-greatest find will be posted tomorrow. Stay tuned . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Despite the flash glare, the color of this evening jacket is elegant black black. There were several companies and up-scale department store brands who made high quality clothing in dense wool knit in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s and here is one example.
Some have survived so well because of their quality and because owners looked after them. I have a few garments of this type, but not a black jacket so was thrilled to discover this one. Nothing could be more classic, versatile and wearable for evening. As always, I look forward to photographing my latest discoveries on the models back at Headquarters so that they are properly displayed.
More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although I have so many pretty true vintage lingerie slips, when I find one this nice I always pick it up. It will be just perfect under the dress I found a couple of days ago (look back on the blog) – right length and color. The best thing about this one, though, is the design.
I love it when lace is sandwiched between layers of sheer fabric. So subtle and beautiful, but also protected so it will wear well. The picture doesn’t do it justice – you really have to see these garments up close to appreciate them.
Light and pretty – fortunately they don’t take up much space to store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The first thing I uncovered on a recent sleuthing adventure! This dress is made of a glorious glossy fabric which may be a polished cotton. I just love the finishes put on many of the old textiles that far excel anything that is sold today in the mainstream market.
With cap sleeve styling, wasp waist, full skirt and, of course, excellent tailoring which includes a hem width of several inches, some lucky girl looked stunning. The ladies garment workers union label testifies to the care and expertise of these tailors half a century ago.
When I spied this one, I could hardly wait to see what else the day’s expedition might uncover. The treasure hunt continued, and you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This happens to me a lot – finding styles and garments from the same era one after another, with lots of similarities. Sometimes those similarities are also quite rare! Here we have another sheath design in a Junior size, with chiffon drapes from the waist. I’ve seen these drapes before from that time period, but from the neckline on Misses size dresses. However, the similarities end there . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
this one is not in black crepe. It is lined lace with gathers at the waistline and chiffon around the neckline. More demure and a tad more sophisticated. Still a cocktail/dinner frock and in perfect condition! Also in my size. I wonder what’s next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Two beautiful hand-crocheted or knitted shawls for party-wear or any festive occasion. In neutral pastel shades with metallic yarn accents.
Items like this were especially popular in the years moving from the 1950’s to the 1960’s. Many women made these garments at home. Nothing dresses up a little black dress in such a feminine and beguiling way as a needlework accessory.
If you like doing handiwork, look for old pattern and instruction books from the ’50’s and ’60’s. Although many types of scarves and shawls are sold now, nothing compares to a handmade item in a soft, genuine wool yarn.
And, if you can find a true vintage shawl – go for it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 