Nothing says New Wave ’80’s like leopard print and shoulder pads! Love this slinky beauty – what fun to wear! This is one of my favorite styles.
If you can’t have the true 1940’s, it’s the next-best thing. Stay tuned for the next best thing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Nothing special about this dress, excepting that this maker is a respected label when it comes to more recently-made Hawaiian vintage. However, the fabric is really nice – a rayon with a good hand, lovely colors and a great print. Since it’s too big for me, I think I’ll be making some curtains for my bathroom with it!
There are lots of reasons to love true vintage clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Wool felt with leather interior and exterior hatbands – it’s a quality item that was sold by a western-wear dealer in Denver, Colorado. This one could be several decades old or just a couple – that’s how durable and stylish true vintage apparel is!
When it’s taken care of, it lasts and lasts and never goes out of fashion.
What could be better than that? Tomorrow we’ll see . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Made in the U.S. by The American Shirt Dress company, this is not an unusual find – I come across these dresses now and again. They are faithfully-made to the basic design of true vintage shirt dresses from the wartime and post-war days, so they are not a bad buy, but the tailoring is not anything to write home about. The reason I picked this one up is because of the fabric.
Although it’s a cotton/poly blend, the finish is marled and glossy like many fabrics in the Forties and early Fifties were. It’s fun to see what can be done with standard materials when a specialized weave or finish is applied. This gives it an extra ‘elan which most retro fashions don’t have.
So, I’ll enjoy running around in this one on an everyday basis – just like my female relatives from generations back used to do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It’s hard to imagine that true vintage garments (over 30 years old) could also be retro, but it’s true from the 1970’s onward when clothing makers started to reproduce 1940’s and 1950’s styles for the general market. That’s just about when the superb tailoring of the mid-century and before came to an end, so many of these items are not very nice. But, there are sill well-made examples worth picking up from the Seventies – Eighties time.
In this case, a coat dress and tuxedo-style jacket caught my eye. No labels remaining, but the shoulder pads and cut make the fit flattering. Both are fully-lined and elegantly styled. There will be times when they will come in handy or be fun to wear.
I don’t purchase these often, but, when you know what you’re seeing it’s sometimes a good buy that will be easy to say good-bye to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A very fun side-zip-waist poly/synthetic frock that was home-sewn – much of it by hand – in the styling of wartime and postwar day dresses This is a retro re-make from maybe the Sixties up to the Retro years with a ’60’s – early ’70’s Talon zipper.
Love the art print fabric. If not for various signs, I might have taken it for 80 years old. Anyway, it’s a great find with lots of evidence for it’s story. With a nice black belt cinched at the waist and some ’40’s – ’50’s pumps, I’ll enjoy it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
So pretty – with signature 1980’s shoulder pads plus the Edwardian, Victorian elements that designer Jessica McLintock has always loved. Dark green crushed velvet makes this a Fall/Winter dress for a dressy occasion.
Although it’s not way old or classic, I often like to pick up designs by Jessica McLintock that date 1985 or before. They are definitely of an “era” and well-made. This one will be fun to wear.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I love these!! Beautifully-made 1980’s retro ’40’s separates that fit me really well. I’ll swap out the buttons on the blouse for true vintage ones, but otherwise it’s all perfect.
The neatest thing about the skirt is not the flattering gored swing style (though that’s GREAT) – it’s the fabric. This skirt is made of wool gabardine twill. That’s a fabric that was super-popular during the wartime 1940’s and is rarely seen today.
I love finding well-tailored garments that are cut and constructed beautifully from quality materials – much rarer today than back in the day, so I’m thrilled to discovery these!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This frock is a higher-quality garment with better fabric than the striped 1970’s version shown a few days ago. Although I’d hardly call 1980’s-era clothing classic true vintage yet, it’s still a characteristic genre that is worth noting and, sometimes, collecting. Doesn’t sound snooty to say this if you realize how much better-made clothing was before about 1970.
I like this one because of the pretty print and vibrant colors on a nice knit fabric, as well as thoughtful tailoring details. Although it’s hard to see, there are little black jewel-cut buttons above the side-seam pockets on both sides. Nice touch! The shoulders also have a bit of stiffening to add the stronger shoulder line of 1940’s styles – and the midi-length.
This one may not stay with me long, but I do appreciate it for what it is and lots of people love 1980’s designs so, here you are! More fun ones coming up, with additional kitch-value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Whenever I discover a great vintage belt, I pounce. Even if I don’t have a specific outfit to pair it with, it’s always worth the investment. These two are probably from the ’70’s or ’80’s.
What makes these different? We see so many cheap, giltzy things now that it would be easy to miss them if you’re not a skilled investigator.
The gold-color serpentine belt is well-constructed. The black sequined belt is, as well, with a metal buckle. Both have stretch built in, so they are great to dress up frocks and tunics that need a little “extra”, with an adjustable fit.
Makes completing a mid-century vintage outfit a snap, while staying true to the era.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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