Category Archives: find

2 1980’s does 1940’s DAY DRESSES

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Just found – I sometimes like TVR (true vintage retro-at least 30 years old and made in a retro style) garments if they are well-done.  I’ve recently found quite a few.

In this case, we’ve got a south-of-the-border print dress made by Brownstone Studio (a “better” modern brand) with true-to-the-Forties style and a lightweight rayon print shirt-waist in my favorite dark navy and white that kind of flutters as you walk.

For everyday, when I don’t want to have to be concerned about safeguarding a precious true vintage garment while I’m living life, these are just right.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEW FIND! 1960’S PUMPS BY JOYCE

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Aren’t these the sweetest things!  Just love them.  Nothing much is cuter than 1960’s shoes.  Very Audrey Hepburn.

The Joyce company made nice sportswear during the 1960’s – worth a pick-up if you find anything true vintage by that label.  As always, be wary of cheaper latecomers . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ONE OF MY FAVORITE FORTIES FROCK FINDS

IMG_1274  I just LOVE this so much.  Look at that fabulous, huge velvet bow, the pretty scalloped neckline and the pleated panel in front.  Makes me feel exactly like I’m back in an old movie.

Shoulder pads, of course, and a side zipper.  This was an elegant dress for dinner or some special occasion.  In black crepe – the classic never-fail fabric for flattering fine frocks – whether formal or simply dressy.

Beautifully made, of course, though not a designer piece.  Didn’t matter back in the day, because the quality scale was so much higher.  I found another 1940’s dress at the same time which is a semi-exception to this rule and very surprising because of that.  But, then, it was wartime and social factors sometimes caused a major disruption in ladies fashion . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

RECENT FIND – MID-CENTURY PJ’S WITH BOTH ORIGINAL PIECES!!!!!!!!!

IMG_3854A lot of you might not get too excited about these, but I just love, love, love true vintage slinky nylon pajamas!  Nothing else feels like them.  They are so comfortable and fun to wear but, alas, usually the pieces are not found together anymore.  BUT, THIS TIME I did!

In a lovely coral pink that I also love, couldn’t be better.  Thanks for sharing my fun!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CUTE LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE MINI – DRESS FROM THE LATE 1960’S

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An iconic Mod flower-power print, with sheer sleeves at the same time!  The dress material is a loosely-woven stuff that they used to call “hop sacking” in the mid-Sixties (but, of course, not real hop sacking, which is a different thing – sort of like the sugar and flour bag material that women used to make shirts and dresses from on the farms WAY long ago).

It fits Stella in a way that’s too short and tight to look the way it is supposed to, and would do better on a model a little bit smaller and not quite so tall.  But, anyway, oh so cute and DEFINITELY from about 1966.  Notice the Peter Pan collar.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

PRETTY AND GLAM 1980’S DOES 1940’S RAYON SHEATH GOWN

Definitely retro (not REAL vintage), but I love the styling and the drape of the rayon fabric.  It’s got the iconic fit of 1930’s – 1940’s sheath gowns that were so elegant and dramatic.

The huge hibiscus flower is probably a bit over-the-top in terms of designs from wartime, but some very bold floral prints were made then, too.  Anyway, I think this one rocks!

So, Mata Hari, move over!  The Magicvintagespy is on a roll . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SUPER – FUN LATE SIXTIES DRESS FIND – FROM AUSTRALIA

IMG_1054IMG_1055 Here’s a better look at my street – market find.  When I saw the print and colors on this, I just HAD to have it!  When I touched the slinkiest of slinky nylon/poly/whatever fabric, I was over the moon!

Just a simple shirt style, with an elongated collar, but the open sleeves are a really fun touch.  It will be a very cool Spring statement dress – hard not to get noticed coming down the street in this.

And, so much fun to meet the daughter of the woman who had made it.  Getting family stories along with the great clothing is the best!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S SPECIALTY LINGERIE SLIP – MADE IN BRITAIN, FOUND IN AUSTRALIA

IMG_1076IMG_1077     This undergarment is so unusual – it could be worn as a dress itself, like many beautiful mid-century slips could be – but not because of exquisite decoration.  It  has extremely rare construction and is also made, at least in part, of a rare fabric – Bri-nylon, a nylon blend made in Britain.

The top is sheer lace, but the bottom is substantial and opaque; made to act almost like a girdle under a slinky sheath dress.  Notice the back metal zipper that lets the wearer into the tight-fitting skirt.

A slip like this would be absolutely essential under many a wiggle-dress from back in the day.  I’m so glad to have one now!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

VERY NICE TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S BLOUSE FROM AUSTRALIA

IMG_1067 This is a beautifully-made piece from a smaller, upscale company from the ’50’s and ’60’s “down under” – Hibodress.  It’s been fun doing research on the vintage clothing labels that I encountered there.

The woman who started this business really appreciated smart design and quality construction.  It shows in this garment and made it such a pleasure to own and wear. Kudos to her!

That’s still true today, of course, if you can find clothing of that caliber . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BLOUSE FIND FROM NEW ZEALAND

IMG_1072     This one is made by Brooklin, the same maker of the mink-trimmed cocktail blouse that Stella modeled recently.  I love the way the hem is finished, and, though it’s hardly visible, the fabric is embossed with a crocodile pattern!

It’s so rare to find true vintage blouses in wearable condition that I just flip with happiness when I do.  This one is very versatile and a lovely, neutral mocha tone.

Doesn’t get much better  . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM