Category Archives: fashion

A TRUE VINTAGE HEAVY KNIT 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S AUTUMN SWEATER-JACKET

A TRUE VINTAGE HEAVY KNIT 1950'S - EARLY 1960'S SWEATER-JACKET

A find from out West last time I went, this is my second jacket of this type.  It’s made of a very heavy synthetic fiber – probably an acrylic, and has a real Happy Days feel to me – and unisex appeal.  I love the abstract geometric designs on these and the bright Fall colors on this one.  Warm and attention-getting.  Wear them with slacks, jeans, leggings or they can even go over a skirt or sheath dress.  . . . . . .

As I write this, there are four garments in my wardrobe which are made of this textile.  It’s a very heavy, glossy yarn and is a mystery to me.  Even my sister, with an MFA in costume design, couldn’t help me with more information!  I do suspect that it’s from the 1940’s or 1930’s, when natural fabrics such as wool, silk and cotton, were sidelined to produce uniforms, parachutes and other supplies for the war effort.  So many great synthetics were developed about that time in history, to produce clothing for the civilian population.  If anyone can shed light on this investigation, please send the intelligence.  Although it may be Top Secret, it’s time to declassify it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A TOASTY FLANNEL ROBE FROM THE 1940’S – FEELS GREAT TO SNUGGLE UP IN JUST ABOUT NOW . . . . .

A TOASTY FLANNEL ROBE FROM THE 1940'S - FEELS GREAT TO SNUGGLE UP IN JUST ABOUT NOW . . . . .

The nights are getting pretty cool, to say the least!  So, I’ve pulled out my flannel robes and this one is a favorite – owned by a great-aunt in the 1940’s.

There’s nothing like snuggly cotton flannel on a cold evening.  And, red is even better. Warms me up just to look at it.

Cuffed sleeves, patch pockets, tie belt – what makes it different?  The look of the fabric and the construction details, for two.  Nothing could be more classic, but this one is true vintage, too.

It just puts me back-in-the-day immediately because I know it has curled up by the fire on many a cold Autumn or Winter night . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ICONIC TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S MINK-TRIMMED BLOUSE – ANOTHER TREASURE FOUND NEW ZEALAND

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAnother rare find!  This one was not a high-end item when it was made, but it is an iconic piece with mink-trimmed sleeves.  I have a few of these garments with sleeves like this but don’t find them often.

Metallic thread on sheer black fabric, with “Autumn Haze” mink cuffs.  Buttons up the back.  Back in the day, companies that produced medium-priced clothing still made some “luxury” items that the average woman could afford, and they made them well.

What a pleasure to discover this one!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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2 MOD KNIT DRESSES FROM THE SIXTIES – EARLY SEVENTIES FEEL A LOT DIFFERENT FROM YESTERDAY’S!

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Still  modest, but a lot more casual and friendly-looking.  Fun everyday wear for when I want a warmer dress (like now!)  My, my – the chilly winds they are a-blowin’.  That’s one good thing about the older acrylic knits.  They’re not as heavy as a sweater but they are warm.

Good color combos – just right for Autumn and I’m happy with the long sleeves and the original belts – not so easy to find.  I’ll be wearing them soon with opaque tights and boots, in a late Sixties Carnaby Street mood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S DRESS & COAT ENSEMBLE – PERFECTLY TAILORED

IMG_1728 IMG_1729Can you imagine – the FIRST thing I discovered was this gorgeous set!!  And, it all got better from here:

Pretty rayon blend sheath dress with a matching coat.  Look at the collar on that coat!  The trim and lining are of printed silk.  Both dress and coat are completely lined.  There is no label remaining, so this set might have been custom-tailored by an expert.

On top of that, it’s in perfect condition.  A special frock ensemble, well cared for.  Made for Spring or early Autumn – cool summers, too.

Well, full-moon periods are like this.  Phenomenal things materialize.  This one hit my eye like a big pizza pie – and I was off and running . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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OPENING ANOTHER JACKPOT! HERE S A 1940’S – 1950’S SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS WITH GREAT DETAILS

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How neat!  Classic mid-century styling by Renee Originals with excellent tailoring and hardly any sign of wear.  I just love old frocks that testify to the way that women used to value and preserve their clothing; especially the favorites!

The fabric may be a cotton/rayon blend.  It’s of a medium weight and printed in a checkerboard floral pattern – fall-ish colors with asters or Gerber daisies.  The buttons are black, faceted to look like jet, and there is ric-rac trim on the bodice and skirt.

I’m in love!  Of course, this is an Autumn to Winter dress although temperatures this year would let me wear it now.  I think I’ll save it for the season.  You’ll probably see it, along with other recent finds, modeled properly by one of the working “girls” whenever I get back to Headquarters.  We’re on a roll here, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A FAVORITE FORTIES SKIRT & BLOUSE FOR FALL, WITH A COORDINATING JACKET – AS ALWAYS, TRUE VINTAGE

IMG_1002 IMG_1003This combo is perfect for early autumn.  Three of my favorite separates, which are very versatile.

The blouse is a silky fabric – maybe silk or might be a synthetic of the time – in cafe’ au lait  with black polka dots. It’s so pretty here, or with pants or a suit.

The bolero jacket by Fashion Frock is also a favorite.  It’s a tweedy brown/black fabric with a black velveteen collar and fills out the ensemble nicely.

The skirt is wonderful!  Black velveteen with a big bow behind, between the buttons.  It’s also got a hem that dips a bit in the back.  Dressed up or down, so many ways to wear it and it’s so cute!

All these pieces are from the Forties or early Fifties.  That’s always a favorite era for me, and I so LOVE finding things that I can put together in lots of different ways . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE FORTIES/FIFTIES LITTLE FLORAL DRESS IN A DARKER BACKGROUND HUE

This frock has been with me for a little while.  It’s a pink and blue floral on a charcoal background, with a little bow on the bodice.  I have added a cloth-covered belt in charcoal.  Unusual shades to take us into autumn, still with a light and outdoor feel.  Would look nice with darker leather shoes and handbags, for a change, and maybe a coat or jacket as the weather changes.

 

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MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER COTTON DAY – DRESS! TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S SHIRTWAIST IN A VERSATILE MOCHA HUE

ANOTHER MOCHA DRESS! TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S SHIRTWAIST

As you now know, I have a number of frocks in this style but this one is special – because I found it during my trip to New Orleans.  It’s very cute on and comes with sentimental value because I LOVE New Orleans and hadn’t been there in a long time.

This day-dress is made of a lovely soft cotton (worn many times) in mocha with a coffee-colored print design.  Just the right shade for early Autumn days.  As is common with some of the best garments, this one’s fabric-covered belt has a matching-color plastic buckle.  It’s always interesting when buckles and buttons are dyed to match the fabric.

The clothing in New Orleans, I found, has fabulous stories associated with it and many of the shopkeepers can tell you some!  The garments always seem to come from interesting people living in interesting places and with fascinating histories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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A TRUE VINTAGE FALL DAY DRESS FROM THE LATE 1960’S

A TRUE VINTAGE FALL DAY DRESS FROM THE LATE 1960'S

Fall weight fabric in a ’60’s paisley print, with bell sleeves. Easy lines with a tie belt. What could be more characteristic of the shift style from mid to late ’60’s?  It was a time when British fashion was tops. Carnaby Street, Mary Quant and Twiggy reigned.

Love these colors – perfect for the Autumn time of year. In the case of this particular frock, a Texas designer refined the design for her specialty label. Casual, but lady – like, something they did so well in the southern U.S.

This one, no doubt, had an interesting social life .. . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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