Category Archives: girly

NEW FIND – DEPRESSION ERA HANKIE WITH BEAUTIFUL HAND-MADE APPLIQUE’

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I still come across true vintage handkerchiefs once in a while and always collect them.  This one is not fine linen or even high quality cotton and started it’s life as a commercially-made piece that probably had no decoration excepting the machine-done edging, BUT the delicate applique needlework down in the left-lower corner is the real story.  Some woman who couldn’t afford more expensive linens made a dainty item with her own hands.  It is almost unbelievable with the tiny, tiny stitches and the steps taken to prepare the pieces that were sewn on to make the flower.

Girls used to be taught this kind of hand work in almost every home before WWII time, and many still afterwards.  If not lace-making, tatting or applique’ by the late mid-century, girls at least learned some embroidery, crochet or knitting.  My own grandmothers still knew how to do it.

Even though paper tissues are more convenient now, a fabric handkerchief is very elegant and just the thing when attending a wedding or other private affair.  The decoration on most of them is gorgeous, whether hand-done or by machine.  Even the printed patterns are lovely or at least colorful and amusing.  If you’re into home sewing, I’ve seen these hankies pieced together and turned into pretty pillow tops, table linens and even blouses, skirts or dresses.

So, another little story unfolds for me to share with you. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

DRESSY TRUE VINTAGE HAND-KNITTED OR CROCHETED SHAWLS FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES, COTILLIONS, THE OPERA . . . . . . . . .

DRESSY TRUE VINTAGE CROCHETED SHAWLS FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES, COTILLIONS, THE OPERA . . . . . . . . .

Two beautiful hand-crocheted or knitted shawls for party-wear or any festive occasion. In neutral pastel shades with metallic yarn accents.

Items like this were especially popular in the years moving from the 1950’s to the 1960’s. Many women made these garments at home.  Nothing dresses up a little black dress in such a feminine and beguiling way as a needlework accessory.

If you like doing handiwork, look for old pattern and instruction books from the ’50’s and ’60’s.  Although many types of scarves and shawls are sold now, nothing compares to a handmade item in a soft, genuine wool yarn.

And, if you can find a true vintage shawl – go for it!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

THE LAST (I THINK . . . AT LEAST, FOR NOW) OF MY BEAUTIFUL 1940’S – 1950’S BED JACKETS

THE LAST (I THINK . . . AT LEAST, FOR NOW) OF MY BEAUTIFUL 1940'S - 1950'S BED JACKETS

With this photo, I’ve shown most of my true vintage bed jacket collection.  But, as always, you just never know . . . . . . . .

The one on the left is obviously the most unusual, and the oldest (probably 1940’s), but look at the gorgeous lace, ribbons and embroidery, the feminine styles, the soft and flattering  blues of the 1950’s versions.  And, even quilting, for a morning that’s colder. No wonder I love them and do a happy dance when I find another.

All of these were probably owned by women from middle-income families and were part of an average wardrobe – frequently used.  Oh, the charm of it all . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

MORE GORGEOUS TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE FROM THE 1940’S & 1950’S

MORE GORGEOUS TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE FROM THE 1940'S & 1950'S

Exquisite nylon bed jackets, in lovely pinks.  There’s nothing that feels so luxurious as sitting in bed or in a boudoir chair with one of these over your beautiful nightgown while enjoying a cup of tea.

These are so comfortable and pretty, almost any time of year.  As always, the fabric, decoration and details can’t be matched by things sold today.

Sweet dreams! . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

FUN SIXTIES DRESS BY ANOTHER CLASSIC VINTAGE CLOTHING LABEL

IMG_1777This little ’60’s or ’70’s frock is a bit whimsical in coloring, but very traditional in style. The maker is Lanz, which started in 1922 making Tyrolean costumes in Austria.  The brand became well-known with sportswear in the mid-century U.S. and branched out.

Although their styles were fun and popular, they also remained loyal to traditional design and high quality.  This dress is a little too fussy for me, but I thought it was worth picking up for the reputation of the exceptional brand name.  Always fun to say “hello” to an acquaintance I’ve made  before . . . . . . . I’ve got at least 3 of their garments already.

The fabric seems to be silk, though there is no content label.  With this maker, I wouldn’t be surprised.  I put a red belt on for the photo, but it is not original.  The original belt may have been a tie belt – probably purple, but I’m not sure yet.  Fortunately, the hem allowance is large enough to provide the fabric for a replacement (love that!!).

Anyway, it kind of looks appropriate for this time of year with some family gatherings and more traditional events on the calendar.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

 

HERE’S ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE NECKLINE ACCESSORY THAT’LL WOW ‘EM!

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Naturally, I collect true vintage pearl necklaces, real or faux, but in this case my attention is on the rhinestone clasp.  The finish on the beads is worn in places, so they aren’t keepers, but the closure can easily be used on another necklace.  That will add a perfect Fifties finish to any costume jewelry neck-wear.  Worth having!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE ABUNDANCE – LOVELY LINGERIE WITH SURPRISING COLORS, DETAILS AND TAILORING

I have found lots of lingerie slips lately but haven’t published them because, though beautiful, they were not the most interesting or fine examples of vintage underclothes.  In this case, you should see these pretty features.

Pretty pastels are always a favorite.  Bright pastels, red and black are major favorites but I don’t think I have ever seen a mid-century nylon slip in royal purple!!!!!!!!!  Maybe the previous owner dyed it to match a favorite dress?. . . . . . . Could have been, (nylon takes dye really well) but NO – the maker’s tag is attached as originally, with no evidence of exposure to fabric dye.

In the second close-up photo of the pale pink half-slip shows a beautiful applied design on the center front.  I LOVE these, and don’t find them often anymore.  Details done on lingerie up to the early 1960’s was often absolutely gorgeous.

Finally, on the oldest piece in this photo I’ve pictured the seaming detail that carefully shapes the bodice.  Most items sold today are almost a one-size-fits-all construction, within a broad category such as S, M or L and don’t fit really well.  This sacrifices a lot of their purpose (after all, these are supposed to be FOUNDATION GARMENTS which used to be designed to give support to and accentuate the fit of the clothing worn on top).

So, that’s a little session about the neat features of true vintage lingerie slips.  I’m always on the look-out for them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

GORGEOUS CUSTOM-MADE POST-WAR FORMAL GOWN IN SUMPTUOUS BLACK RAYON VELVET

Although very similar, I might place this dress as having been made a little earlier than the one shown yesterday – looks late 1940’s to me.  It might or might not have been worn with a crinoline underneath.  Like the other, it’s completely hand-made and this one has the tailor’s label sewn into the neckline.

One of the best things about this gown is the fabric – a plush, heavy velvet that feels like old rayon.  Love the sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves that, to my taste, are done a bit more artfully than those on yesterday’s dress.  I think it’s mostly a style change that took place over a couple of years around the turn of the ’40’s to ’50’s decade.

Anyway, who wouldn’t love it!  I so wonder what events these dresses were made for and where they went.  That part of the mystery is as yet unsolved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

 

 

THE FIRST OF TWO FABULOUS MID-CENTURY FINDS – NEW LOOK CUSTOM-TAILORED BALL GOWN

This gown is hand-tailored with extreme attention to detail.  It would be worn with a crinoline for a full, bell-shape.  Because of the styling, I would guess that it was made in the early 1950’s but, possibly, as early as the late 1940’s.  A special occasion dress, of course, and there’s hardly any evidence of wear.  Maybe it was even made for a Prom or Homecoming dance back in the day.

Women were so happy to dress in longer skirts, sumptuous fabrics and new styles after the austerity of the war years.

I’ll be showing a sister gown tomorrow – very similar style and probably made a few years earlier.  What fabulous discoveries!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MIXING IT UP A BIT – HERE’S A NEW FIND THAT WOULD GO WONDERFULLY UNDER THE RED DRESS OF A FEW DAYS AGO . . . .

A gorgeous 1950’s nylon full slip by Dorsay.  Such beautiful lingerie!  The workmanship and materials can’t be rivaled by modern versions.

Just look at the tiny pleats on the bodice and embroidery at the hem – plus lace, etc. and wider straps.  the heavy fee of the nylon fabric is a delight, too.  I’m sad that it’s too big for me, but I have many lovely others and, I’m sure, more on the way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM