Although it looks beige in the photo, this outfit is actually a lovely pink color, in a dressy fabric with matte and silvery metallic shine finishes together. The dress is an elegant sleeveless sheath with an ornamental notched neckline. Both the dress and coat are fully lined.
The best of dressy styles from that era – beautifully-tailored and in virtually perfect condition. What a find!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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It is SO unusual to find a pair of true vintage pajamas with both pieces intact, let alone dating before the 1970’s! I had to use a little of my special sleuthing know-how to do it, but they were hiding in plain sight.
This pair is by Shadow/Line and is made of fine vintage nylon, with netting, lace and embroidery at the neckline and on the front pocket. In a beautiful deep coral pink, which is also an unusual color to find. Yes, there are always fun surprises around the corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This dress is another keeper! I wish Stella were here to model it for you – it’s so beautiful. So chic and elegant, of 100% silk with a floral jacquard design, with all the fine details that would be expected from an expert tailor. This dress was made in the late 1950’s – early 1960’s by a tailoring firm especially for a higher-end shop in the Bahamas.
Excepting for the missing original belt and a few stitches in the hem which need to be repaired, it is in perfect condition. A dress of this type would have been especially prized by it’s mid-century owner, and protected from damage. That’s why it’s still possible, if you are lucky, blessed and skilled, to discover these frocks today.
I’m also fortunate to be of a size that was more or less average at that time, so I can wear many of my finds without alterations. However, an expert cleaning service will have skilled seam-sters who can work wonders when necessary, so carry on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY’
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In a ’50’s to early ’60’s style, but with mid-1960’s-type fabric this dress illustrates the creative power that home-sewers in the mid-century had over their wardrobes. The size, style and fabric were completely at their discretion and genre’s could be combined in any way.
This example was made for a teen or a petite woman (the photo is somewhat foreshortened, too, so it’s not quite as short-waisted as it looks), probably as a dressy day or party dress. It’s a simple style in cotton blend with a zip back and elasticized sleeves but shows evidence of extra care and skill in the insertion of piping detail at the waist and flounce on the skirt. There are also strap-keepers sewn in at the shoulders and some seams that were done by hand.
What a fun little mystery-history to unravel! More back to the future on the way . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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It was just a vinyl bargain bag at the time, but oh-so-sweet novelty for carrying with summer dresses. This one may have come from the “five and dime”, but some girl loved it and it held up well over the years. Plain zipper opening on top with a bit of bead chain to hold a key. I’m off to the carnival!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These are a little bit scary, but I wear them once in a while for fun and the prescription is almost exactly what I need, too! That’s a real plus, not having to remove or change the lenses.
What a rare find. Still a cats-eye style, but not as exaggerated or embellished as some were. I was lucky enough to find, several years ago, a pair of Ray Ban Cats sunglasses also with a prescription that suits. Ah, the delights of skulking through dark alleys in search of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
All hand-made – it’s a classic style which we still see, but the fit and style are different in the way that only true vintage designs can be. It hits just above the waist and belongs over a plain, black or white dress. I probably have one or two that will fill the bill . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What could be more classic than this? Made by a company called Peters; they produced this basic style for several decades. We can still find some companies making similar ones, but I always like the REAL true vintage. Just saw a classic film last night, made in 1950, where many young men were wearing “this” jacket!
Dacron easy-care water-repellent – nothing is more smart and practical than a well-made jacket like this. And, it’s in almost perfect condition (they stood up well!). In spite of that, they’re not easy to find because they were usually worn, and worn, and worn – and eventually gave up the ghost. Someone took very good care of this one, just for me . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Of course, the two bags on the right are elegant essentials forever but I’m really thrilled to find the mid-century souvenir summer purse on the left. So bright and cheerful! It’s in perfect condition, was handmade in the Philippines, and is of a shape that I’ve never encountered before in a handbag of this type.
So practical and roomy – styled like a classic handbag rather than a beach bag or tote. I’ll use this for a long time as an everyday summer purse.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Garay, made in Hong Kong, Lumured – famous names from the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s. Classic as they come, and in wonderful condition. I’ll be keeping these for a while.
Never can have too many – especially in navy (not as many around as in black) and white (not as many in pristine condition). The woven wicker bags are sturdier and more abundant, but finding one that’s undamaged and has great Lucite trim is another plus. The vinyl interior is very plain, but is a great foundation for a beautiful cloth lining, which I’ll probably make and attach myself (pretty simple). Remnant pieces of vintage fabric or old scarves and hankies are perfect for the job!
I’m still working through the most recent finds, but I’m sure there will be more. Maybe tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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