Category Archives: embroidery

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

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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

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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

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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

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PRETTY 1950’S NYLON HALF-SLIPS IN PINKS AND BEIGES

PRETTY 1950'S NYLON HALF-SLIPS IN PINKS AND BEIGES

Slightly longer lengths for wearing with your lovely post-war and Kennedy era Spring dresses, which usually come to the knee or slightly below. These have the same beautiful quality that make them such a joy to wear!

Substantial creamy nylon in beautiful colors with gorgeous detailing – some hand-worked . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE GOWN MODELED AFTER GRACE KELLY’S IN THE HITCHCOCK MOVIE “REAR WINDOW”

A very favorite find, custom-tailored in the early 1950’s after one that Grace Kelly’s character, Lisa, wore in the classic Alfred Hitchcock movie, Rear Window.  Lisa’s dress had a yellow printed skirt, rather than blue.  I even know the woman who made this frock in 1954!

The black fabric in the bodice is stretchy and the neckline very unusual.  It fits perfectly, no matter how your own curves go!  The skirt is of three layers, with sheer fabric on top and netting underneath.  The little black “leaves” are embroidered on the sheer overlay.

What could be more fabulous? – a costume similar to one worn by one of my all-time favorite actresses in a favorite movie by a favorite director! How intriguing . . . . . .. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A TRUE VINTAGE SUCCESS STORY FROM THE 1940’S AND A CAUTIONARY TALE

WHAT YOU SEE IS NOT WHAT I GOT!! A SUCCESS STORY AND A CAUTIONARY TALE

I absolutely adore this jacket. AND, it’s got a real story – The silk pants are not original, but the greenish bronze is a good match to the trim and I wear them with the jacket as loungewear.

When I first bought this jacket, it was a light lemon yellow, with emerald green embroidered trim, in a very large size.  From the  1940’s, the fabric was  a mystery – probably acetate or some blend.

It had been sold by a well-known (back in the day) Denver department store and carried their label.  I enjoyed wearing it as a wrap over strappy dresses or with skirts and light blouses. Yellow is not my best color, but it still worked.

After several years, I wondered how it might be to dye it a more flattering color – so, out came the scarlet dye and into the washing machine it went.  I’ve done this a number of times and have a system that USUALLY works – it’s ALWAYS a gamble.

So, what I got was a beautiful orange-red jacket with bronze embroidery (love it!) and in a size that fits me perfectly. Surprise!!

Could have been a disaster if I was not somewhat experienced and prepared.  Colors can turn out blotchy, seams can rip, fabrics can pucker and shrink beyond belief!!  Just a heads – up – the possibilities for success are endless, but so are the hazards, so here’s a word to the wise . . . . . . . . . … . . . . . . . . . learn your stuff well, then you can be adventurous!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL DELICATE COLOR TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – 1960’S SLIPS TO WEAR WITH YOUR PASTELS

BEAUTIFUL PASTEL TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S - 1960'S SLIPS TO WEAR WITH YOUR PASTELS

Here are great nylon slips for Spring into Summer wear. When the weather has us in the doldrums, these will pick up the spirits and coordinate with the lovely pastels we are beginning to wear again.

Gorgeous lace and embroidery – the slip on the left may even be 1940’s. We know we’re getting into the 1960’s with the one far right because of the fabric and construction – not just the length – .some pre-WWII slips were short, too, depending on the style.

It’s fun to know all the details but I love each one . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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I’VE GOT THE DOWNRIGHT GORGEOUS BLUES: TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – 1960’S LINGERIE NYLON SLIPS

I'VE GOT THE DOWNRIGHT GORGEOUS BLUES - TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S LINGERIE NYLON SLIPS

These slips, on top of the beautiful colors, have some of the nicest lace and embroidery decoration!  They’re very similar in the construction techniques, but each one is unique.

The 1950’s were so big on vivid colored lingerie and, of course, the nylon had a wonderful “hand”. The one on the far left, especially, could almost double as a dress.  In the early 1960’s some variation in length became more available, which will work under shorter styles.

They make dressing such a pleasure and sleuthing always an adventure . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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

3 BEAUTIFUL BEIGE TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE SLIPS – PROBABLY LATE 1940’S

3 BEAUTIFUL BEIGE LINGERIE SLIPS - PROBABLY LATE 1940'S

More slips! I’m not near done yet . . . . .
These are beautiful with unusual decoration, in the smoothest, softest nylon. One may be in silk, which was also popular then, for the nicer things.

I love the beige color and the lovely lace and embroidery to die for – different from the vast majority made later.

How could you ever feel less than wonderful wearing one of these? Marvelous to have hidden assets . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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