Category Archives: girly

BACK TO BEDDIE – BYE IN PRETTY 1960’S GOWNS AND PEGNOIRS

BACK TO BEDDIE - BYE IN PRETTY 1960'S GOWNS AND PEGNOIRS

Here we have examples of the better nylon and trim quality from the mid – 60’s. These were not high-end items by the standards of that time, but their quality makes them like high-end now.

Learn the look and feel of these, and you’ll never want to go back to modern fabric again unless, possibly, an excellent silk.  There’s just no comparison.

We all deserve good quality AND value.  Our grandparents and great-grandparents managed to create goods of that type in a much less “modern” and “prosperous” era. Don’t believe for a moment that it couldn’t be done now.

But, I’m still not sure that I’d like them any better than true vintage.  The superb cuts and design would be challenging to match.  The fascination and intrigue that accompany these styles can’t be re-manufactured . . . . . .
. . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SUPER-UNUSUAL LINGERIE BED CAPE FROM THE 1950’S OR BEFORE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

More mid-century lingerie – this one from the Post-war era in run-proof nylon tricot.  By Rogers, it is a quality item and I don’t think I’ve EVER seen this style before!  It has no sleeves, and is made to wear as a cape over the shoulders which ties at the neckline.

What a pretty way to spend a while over coffee in the morning, or reading in bed when there’s a chill in the air?

Pale pink color (the whole thing is prettier in reality than in this photo) and delicate accordian pleating  with a ruffle at the neck and wrist areas.  Perfect condition, and in my size.  What could be better?  It’s definitely a keeper.  Wonder who wore this beauty in 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL VAL MODE RETRO 1940’S PEIGNOIR

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

There are already at least a couple of dressing gowns  in my collection that date from the 1930’s – 1940’s and are made in a similar style.  So, although this was was made 30 to 40 years later and the fabric isn’t as nice, it’s pretty true to the design.

I’ll sometimes pick up retro items made by famous vintage makers because they do a pretty good job.  This one still qualifies as “true vintage” because of being at least 30 years old, but the real 1940’s would always be my favorite!

Anyway, a pretty find and worth adding to my treasures.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1980’S GUNNE SAX DRESS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

So pretty – with signature 1980’s shoulder pads plus the Edwardian, Victorian elements that designer Jessica McLintock has always loved.  Dark green crushed velvet makes this a Fall/Winter dress for a dressy occasion.

Although it’s not way old or classic, I often like to pick up designs by Jessica McLintock that date 1985 or before.  They are definitely of an “era” and well-made.  This one will be fun to wear.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

KENNEDY ERA FORMAL GOWN – SO SOPHISTICATED, WITH SURPRISE TAILORING . .. . . . . . . . .

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Brocade and crepe, with a little bow at the back waistline – this frock is so well-made and elegant. Formal dance, Prom, Special Occasion, perfect!  It needs a pressing, but is in great shape.  Remember what I said yesterday about the repeating design elements?  Read on . . . . . . . . .

So beautifully tailored with closures and stitching in all the right places, this gown has a feature that I have never seen.  The sleeves are part of a bolero bodice that is attached and worn inside the dress and supports the sleeves.  That makes it possible to wear this gown as a sleeveless sheath or as pictured here.  The sleeves, as on the dress yesterday, have fabric flowers sewn on.

Wow!  What a gorgeous and surprise design!!  You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FUN FIFTIES FROCK – STRAPLESS CUSTOM-TAILORED SUMMER DRESS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Pretty easy-wear polished cotton sundress from the early to mid-1950’s, in the New Look style.  Bit of an atomic thing going on with the applique’ design.  Somebody had a lot of fun with this one!

Can’t wait to see it on Stella – it’s a real knockout on a gal with an hourglass figure. Marilyn would have loved it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS RETRO ’20’S,’30’S,’40’S ERA DRESS RE-MAKE – S0000 SEXY!

IMG_1058     Here’s a lovely retro frock from my collection.

It’s a beautiful re-creation of an early 1900’s up-scale day dress style.  Wonderful rayon-type fabric, cut on the bias with all the figure-following qualities that has and very well-tailored.  Designers from those early decades really knew how to enhance the figure and the designer of this one (no tag or label) – probably from 1980 – 2000 – did a wonderful job of imitating their style.

I prefer true vintage and don’t usually wear a lot of retro, but this frock was too good to pass by. It’s a sheer dress with it’s own rayon slip underneath.  The long necktie that wraps around as a belt is perfect.  Of course, it’s also my size . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

JUST FOUND: LATE 1960’S CUSTOM-TAILORED SPECIAL OCCASION GOWN – HIPPIE PROM?

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

This frock is sooo iconic late Sixties and in perfect condition!  It’s Flower Power, British influence and Edwardian style.  I’ll bet it was made for a Prom or Spring Fling dance.  What a Blast from the Past!!!

Look at the sequence of iridescent buttons at the sleeves and the ruffled flounces.  Sheer flocked flower design over a pink liner.  Back in the day, it was usual to hire a seamstress to make these types of dresses or to make them at home unless the high school was in an expensive neighborhood.

It’s just so cute and tells such a typical story.  It’s fun to know something about those times so that I can read the book very easily!  Not sure what I’m going to do with this, but it was just too fun to pass up.  It would make a really sweet short dress . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BRIGHT RED GIRLY DRESS FROM THE EARLY 1960’S – LOVE IT!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Even though it’s way too prissy for me, yes, I do love it.  There’s a certain genre from that time that this frock fits right into; and, what could be better than a bright hollyberry-red dressy dress right about now?  Below-the-knee length and just right for dancing.

Some women love the bow ties, ruffles and flouncy skirts, and why not?  Sometimes I do, too.  The long, sheer sleeves are pretty.  Just depends . . . . . . But, regardless, this dress was just too perfect to pass up.  It has many of the nice construction details that I appreciate in a quality garment and that are so characteristic of true vintage fashions.

So, Ho Ho Ho and all that.  This one’s going to party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER WELL-DONE 1980’S DOES 1940’S STYLE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

This frock is a higher-quality garment with better fabric than the striped 1970’s version shown a few days ago.  Although I’d hardly call 1980’s-era clothing classic true vintage yet, it’s still a characteristic genre that is worth noting and, sometimes, collecting. Doesn’t sound snooty to say this if you realize how much better-made clothing was before about 1970.

I like this one because of the pretty print and vibrant colors on a nice knit fabric, as well as thoughtful tailoring details.  Although it’s hard to see, there are little black jewel-cut buttons above the side-seam pockets on both sides.  Nice touch!  The shoulders also have a bit of stiffening to add the stronger shoulder line of 1940’s styles – and the midi-length.

This one may not stay with me long, but I do appreciate it for what it is and lots of people love 1980’s designs so, here you are!   More fun ones coming up, with additional kitch-value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM