Category Archives: embroidery

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S SUMMER SLIPS IN LEMON & TANGERINE

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S SUMMER SLIPS IN LEMON & TANGERINE

Pretty citrus – color lingerie in luscious ’50’s nylon, with exquisite decoration.  Rare colors!  Believe it or not, I just found a similar one in pale yellow the other day . . . . . . . . . .

The temperatures keep going up and down, but how can we doubt that Summer is coming if we wear these?

As always, luscious fabric and gorgeous trimmings.  The seaming on the bodices is unusual on the two yellow examples and probably deserves a Special Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LOVELY SPRING HALF-SLIPS FROM THE 1950’S

MORE LOVELY HALF-SLIPS FROM THE 1950'S

Conjures thoughts of Spring, in spite of the winter storms – this, too, shall pass . . . . . . . ..

Spring IS just around the corner. Especially once we get past March, it’s the time that Spring and Summer fashion traditionally is brought out in force and warm weather clothing appears on the store racks. The way the weather has been changing, it can be different tomorrow!

Before the weather does get hot, beautiful lingerie is a must under Spring clothing when the colors get lighter and the fabrics do, too.  Nothing modern compares well to the heavy nylon and artistic, high-quality decoration of slips made before the early 1960’s.

So, whether you’re into pastel dresses or not, wearing one of these can make you think of sunny skies and keep a secret smile in your heart. . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A TRUE VINTAGE EMBROIDERED RAYON BLOUSE FROM THE 1940’S

A TRUE VINTAGE EMBROIDERED RAYON BLOUSE FROM THE 1940'S

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

 

A VERY SWEET TRUE VINTAGE NIGHTGOWN & ROBE SET FROM THE 1960’S

A VERY SWEET TRUE VINTAGE NIGHTGOWN & ROBE SET FROM THE 1960'S

This is a really nice little nightwear combo.  The early ’60’s is just about the last time we’ll find the truly beautiful things.  With the exception of some exclusive designer or handmade item, the trims are not nearly as lovely as during the ’50’s and before and the quality of the nylon or silk is noticeably inferior when you get into the mid ’60s and ’70’s.

As I’ve said before, in my opinion you can’t improve much on 1930’s, 1940’s and 1950’s lingerie/sleepwear when it comes to overall quality and luxurious beauty.  The fabrics from that time and the craftsmanship of the trimming detail is the best!

This is not a va-va-va-voom ensemble, but it is lovely and, if you wish it to be, very sexy in its own way.  The embroidery trim is done well and the buttons are the nice, sturdy and well-formed little pearlized ones that I always love on true vintage nightwear and sweaters.

Sorry I can’t tell you the maker as I write this, that is, if the tag is still in – since many of the similar items I find no longer have theirs.  Sometimes it’s easy to trace their identity despite that – when you’ve been in this racket for a while you know ’em by sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WOW TIMES 3!!! GORGEOUS MID-CENTURY ASIAN JACKET BLOUSE

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What a beautiful find!  Because of the traditional styling I can’t date it exactly, but it’s old. Rayon satin with lovely floral embroidery.  Like the silk Cheongsam dress I found last week, this garment is so gorgeous and timeless – I’ll love wearing it for decades.

There’s another similar one of red silk hanging in my closet.  It looks wonderful with dressy black crepe pants,  a skirt or dress for cocktails or a special dinner party.

It’s off to the cleaners after I check the lining for any messages Mata Hari might have left behind . … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LATEST NEW FIND! MAD MOD 1960’S DAY DRESS IN A FUN, FLIPPY STYLE

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Another home-sewn frock, this time for school or work.  The spots are just from the camera and a little water at the hem – the condition is WONDERFUL!   Thanks for bearing with me in the less-than-ideal publishing conditions.  Can’t wait to put it on Stella or Giselle for a really good presentation.

Soft knit fabric with embroidered ribbon – such a popular trimming at that mid-century time.  Dolman sleeves and a flared hem – pretty style!  It all screams late 1960’s and was another at-home creation that captured some girl’s imagination back in the day.  Most of us get a thrill from shopping, but can you imagine the step-by-step anticipation and excitement of watching a custom-designed frock come together?  Back in the Sixties and before, that’s what a lot of women experienced.

So, I’ve been from classy designers’ elegant designs to stitching on the dining room table in less than two weeks.  What’s coming next?  You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S AUSTRALIAN LINGERIE BED JACKETS – SO FRILLY & FEMININE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAIt seems that the Australian women really loved these beautiful lingerie items.  I’ve found many in North America, but not as often as when I traveled there.  These are some of the prettiest ones I’ve seen, of those made after the 1940’s.  Nothing can beat the silk ones from before 1950!

Aside from the size differences between our two continents, there are some slight design features that are different, too. The Aussie versions seem to always be of two layers, or lined!

Perhaps this is because they have been imported from England (or the designs have), where cozier items would be more popular due to the dampness there.  It’s a bit of a mystery, and part of what makes these investigations so fun and so interesting . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

BACKROOM FIND – HEAVY NYLON SLIP FROM THE SIXTIES, WITH UNIQUE LACE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAA mini-length lingerie slip.  What caught my eye most, after the usual evidence of age and quality, was the wide and heavy lace band at both top and bottom.

It has embroidery and applique treatments there and will be a pleasure to wear.  Plus, so important to have a variety of lengths, colors and styles in order to have a perfect fit for every dress that might need one.

Often the shorter ones are difficult to find in true vintage examples.  So, I’m thrilled!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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

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

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