Category Archives: embroidery

HALLOWEEN’S IN THE BAG – TIME FOR ALL 1950’S HOMEMAKERS TO THINK ABOUT THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS . . .

IMG_0935 IMG_0936Although we do Christmas marketing almost year-round, back in the mid-century time no one thought seriously about Christmas stuff until after the American Thanksgiving in late November.  But, if you’re making lots of your gifts . . . . .

McCalls needlework magazine promoted doing just that – to economize as well as adding a personal touch.  Can you imagine getting all that done ?!

For many of our grandmothers, that was just part of the day-to-day.  And, they did produce beautiful things – from hats, gloves, sweaters, socks and scarves to dolls & their clothing, tablecloths & bedspreads, just to name a few.

I love discovering some special true vintage handmade item that was probably made as a gift or a table decoration for a special family holiday. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE FIND – FROM THE LAND OF OZ. MID-CENTURY LINGERIE BED JACKET

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA     I have collected a number of these, from ’30’s to ’60’s but I’ve NEVER seen one made like this!  The outer shell is of nylon and looks like what I’m used to seeing, with common decoration of embroidery and lace at the bodice – familiar pearlized buttons at the neck – but THE WHOLE THING IS LINED IN PINK FLANNELETTE!  How warm and cozy is that.

Makes me wonder if there’s a Great Britain connection here – they’re always chilly there and looking for ways to warm up.  Our filmy lingerie of North America doesn’t quite do it in the damp air over there.  This bed jacket could easily have been imported by someone who moved here, or by a British retailer in Australia.

It’s been so much fun to discover the differences between the vintage garments that were sold here in Australia and those at home.  And, I’m only a third of the way through this investigation . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HERE’S THE 1940 WEDDING ENSEMBLE, PROPERLY DISPLAYED

Remember this bridal dress and veil that I had a surprise chance to acquire from the bride’s daughter about 6 weeks ago?  Well, here it is in all it’s glory.  Thought you’d like to see it, too.

I had no idea, on the hanger, how charming and pretty it truly is.  And, there couldn’t be a better model  for it than Stella. . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE FRENCH NIGHTGOWN – ALMOST A HUNDRED YEARS OLD

Just had to re-photograph this lovely rayon gown from Paris in order to show it off properly.  I’ll do a couple more with my recent wedding gown finds.

It’s from somewhere between 1920 and 1945.  Haven’t had time to research more extensively.  Love the old-style ruching and lace – so beautiful and rare.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SLEEPWEAR AND HOUSE-DRESS LINGERIE AND LEISURE ITEMS

IMG_0939 IMG_0948 IMG_0925 IMG_0924We’re working our way from the Fifties into the Sixties here, starting with a beautiful nylon shorty nightgown with embroidered bodice.  This was standard nightwear back in the day.

Second, a lightweight cotton smock, with embroidered pocket.  It is even older, and was very common as a morning house-dress.  Delicate and sheer, they are quite feminine and usually in pastel colors.

The brown checked house-dress, which can even be belted and worn to town, is early Sixties leisure wear, with the big flower applique’ detail that was popular then.

This was the kind of thing women wore at home early in the morning or between changes of clothing.  You often see examples in old movies.  They’re fun to have for those hang-around-the-house times.  I always pick up good examples when I find them . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

GOOD-BYE TO EUROPE WITH A TRUE VINTAGE 1980’S NEW WAVE BLOUSE

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1980’S NEW WAVE BLOUSE

This is the last of the blouses that I picked up in Dublin, for two reasons.  First is the New Wave design, which was a fun and rather avante garde style element of the early 1980’s, even in some mainstream clothing.  Second is the brand name – Shapely.  That company made some nice pieces in the 1980’s, so I often pick them up when I find them.

Otherwise, it’s not a remarkable garment, as most things made from that time on have not been.  Tomorrow we’ll head back to the 1960’s, 1950’s and 1940’s again – much more interesting territory for a true vintage hunter . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A DELIGHTFULLY PRETTY LITTLE YELLOW SUNDRESS – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S

A DELIGHTFULLY PRETTY LITTLE YELLOW SUNDRESS - TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S

This gorgeous little number says summer all over.  It is the brightest yellow, with little embroidered flowers all over the bodice, each with a pearl center.

If that isn’t enough, around the hem are larger flowers, all embroidered in the same bright yellow thread.   fit, as you can see, speaks for itself . . .

The label is long gone, but I am sure that it was commercially-made.  There are too many professional details.  Fully lined, of a really nice woven fabric with a bit of texture – metal zip up the back.

Although this is not a formal dress, it is quite refined and could go into the evening very confidently.  In the heat of the summer, it could go shopping, lunching, to dinner and dancing without missing a beat.

Natalie Wood would have loved it.  “I feel pretty, oh so pretty . . . .”.  Almost as if it found its way from her closet into mine . . . . . . .. . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – ON AMAZON.COM

A COLLECTION OF TRUE VINTAGE SLEEPWEAR & LOUNGEWEAR

A COLLECTION OF TRUE VINTAGE SLEEPWEAR & LOUNGEWEAR

It seems that in the past women, and men, made a real art of wearing at-home fashion. They didn’t bop around the house in sweats or nothing (nothing is lovely, but not very mysterious).

No, there were smoking jackets, bed jackets, peignoirs, robes, caftans, gowns, pajamas and many variations of each. I will show more in the future, but for now . . . . . .

Left to right: a quilted lounging or bed jacket from the 1950s or 1940s, a boys’ size 18 lounging jacket from the 1950s or 1960s (just right for a small woman, too), a babydoll gown and peignoir set from the 1960s or 1970s, and two 1950s bed jackets.

One should not neglect one’s fashion presence just because (maybe) no one else is around. Much more important if someone is.
I love finding these beautiful old high-quality items.  Everyone deserves the luxury.

There’s nothing like receiving casual guests in a smart caftan or reading in bed in a lovely gown with matching robe because if the doorbell rings . . . . . . . .well, you just never know . . . .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

AIRY 1960’s TRUE VINTAGE STILETTO PUMPS COVERED IN LACE

AIRY 1960's TRUE VINTAGE STILETTO PUMPS COVERED IN LACE

What could be prettier and more cool-looking over the next few weeks as the temperatures begin to rise?   These were made by Life Stride, the long-time shoe company that, I think, is still in business. They are fabric-covered all over with a peek-a-boo lace upper.

Fortunately, these were made during the time when quality materials and workmanship were still the standard.  I love it that the heels and toes are reinforced and that they are constructed to last!  What could be prettier for spring and summer wear . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

RARE TRUE VINTAGE 1930’S EMBROIDERED PUMPS

RARE TRUE VINTAGE 1930'S EMBROIDERED PUMPS

A rare surprise find for me – these beautiful pumps in excellent condition, from the 1930’s. Unusual to find shoes from that time in the first place, but with fabric uppers and in such good shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

These might look lovely with a Spring party or tea dress. They would also be beautiful with a tailored outfit for every-day. Of course, that depends on your every-day wardrobe . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM