Love, love, love this beautiful dress! It’s all handmade in elegant simplicity, with gorgeous fabrics. The black velvet bodice is off-set by the pale sage green satin skirt and trim.
What a lovely surprise – and it wasn’t the only one. Wait till you see the fabulous gabardine jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just about my favorite dress era – WWII to Post-war – and in my size. I was SO thrilled to uncover this wonderful rayon frock in a great green & white on black ferny print. Very well-made and in fantastic condition. Love those mid-century women who looked after their clothing so well. If I’m looking for some green to wear on the 17th of March, this one has enough green to get me in the door.
So iconic and perfect. Drapey rayon in a wonderful art print. It “made” the start of my day. Even though I always expect to find treasure, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’m appreciating the crisp transitional temperatures and rain right now, even though it seems cold!
I know many people are experiencing this all over the world. Makes me want to show my wonderful capes, which are great for this type of weather. Want to make an entrance at the St. Patrick’s party? Wear the cape on the right with the green side turned out.
From the 1960’s, one is in always-wonderful-red kind-of traditional/military style and the other a blue & green reversible paisley pattern with an open front and decorative string tie.
Like a bright hat, either of these makes a big impression on the street. Both are wool, so provide warmth while the loose fit keeps it from being too hot and can be worn over just about anything. Just right!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
Stella’s ready for the party in a retro Prairie/Victorian style from designer Jessica McClintock, made in the 1980’s with dark green crushed velvet (so perfect with Stella’s new holiday haircolor) and a lacey bodice. Fitted styling completes the picture of a feminine design which gives a nod to history.
Gunne Sax early dresses, before the 1990’s, were very interesting and unique. I always pick one up when I find it – becoming more and more rare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
To wear at least three seasons of the year, a wool felt classic hat will last for decades and complete almost any sportswear outfit. This men’s cowboy style from the 1970s or before is uni-sex now.
The best quality hats of this type have a leather inside hatband. A liner (often satin) is another sign that it is of high quality. Look for the maker’s name stamped inside and, often, the name of the store where it was sold.
These will turn up in lots of places if you’re savvy about where to look. You just never know . . . .
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
As many of the hats from the ’40s, this one is pretty dramatic. It sits on the back of the head and is all brim in front, with none in the back. This is one of the decades when hats were super-important – – sometimes the most central part of an outfit.
I must admit that some hats from the ’40s are a bit too wild to be my favorites, but they were always fun and interesting. And, some are absolutely beautiful . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Stella is doing a 1950’s Janet Leigh thing this time (she loves her wigs). Just perfect in this custom-tailored red velveteen frock with rhinestone buttons and buckle. It’s a little warm for this time of year – probably best for Christmas or Valentine’s Day – but, how could I resist?
It’s got those little pointy cuffs on the 3/4/ sleeves that are so stylish, and a very full skirt. No lining or slip needed with this cotton velveteen fabric, as it’s very opaque and will be cuddly in cool weather.
The buttons and belt buckle are very nice, too. Would be lovely to still have notions like this available at the corner store . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Okay, we’re back to the jackets and coats that will take us out of late winter and into Spring! Since I’ve been doing a lot of red lately, here’s a cute shirt-jacket that I suspect is from the early 1960s but could be older. It had a girls’ school patch on front (which I have, of course, saved) and zips part-way down the front with a metal zipper.
This is cute and very different, easy to pop on over slacks, jeans or even a shift dress or skirt and blouse. I try to picture how it was worn by the original owner.
The corduroy is of a quality rarely seen today. The photo doesn’t do it justice, as the color is actually very bright and there’s no damage and very little wear. 100% cotton and, though it is fairly lightweight, is a dense weave that stands up for years rather than breaking out in thin patches or holes quickly. That’s what I love about the older fabrics. Although some of them have some vulnerabilities and require special know-how to care for them, they all have benefits that make them special in the way the color pops or how they hang or drape on the body. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to find something as good now. Although this is just a simple item, I love it and you can see how it has held up despite its age.
In a couple of weeks, I’ll begin publishing photos of a few true vintage things that I’ve kept at this second home for the warm weather, and my most recent finds! I like to keep the posts seasonal to North America, so stay tuned. You just never what will show up!
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
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I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE jackets like this. It’s beautifully hand-tailored in the softest suede, with horn buttons. They used to make such gorgeous outerwear coats and jackets.
This one is like new!!! Oh, I am so blessed (not to mention pretty darn good at this!) . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
True vintage (at least 40 – 50 years old) furs are some of the most fabulous examples of elegance in tailoring. I’m avid for animal rights and welfare, so I’ll start by saying that the wonderful imitations today make it unnecessary and morally criminal to support the market for fur by buying real fur that is still in production.
That said, lets explore some of the thrilling features of this old piece. Of black curly lamb, with a black mink collar and full silk lining; a high quality fur coat, jacket, stole or other garment always had a label from a good furrier attached. This one was in New York, N.Y.. The stylist also had her own label inside. Final touches included the initials of the original owner sewn in the lining and a hook and eye closure in front, plus a decorative button and little shallow pockets at the waist.
Aside from the luxurious material and obvious style, the best and most elegant pieces never were flashy or garish. As with this one, a look told the story of the value and high price tag without having to shout.
So glad that it’s easy for me to find the best of this kind of classic wardrobe staple by going vintage . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
