Here’s Stella showing this frock off properly. Can’t wait to wear it! The way the temperatures are going, it won’t be too long. Love the polished cotton and the atomic applique’.
Perfect for summer fun. With a long metal zip up the back and swirling circle skirt, it’s easy-in and just right for a street dance. Or, a picnic, or strolling with a date, or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Lingerie nightgowns before 1960 – ’65 were every bit as beautiful as the slips made during the mid-century. Just look at this pretty lace and wonderful fit.
It’s no wonder that so much of film noir shows actresses in their lingerie – we don’t see so much of that now – it’s either dressed or nude because the wonderful in-between garments are gone. At-home life used to be a lot more interesting . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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It’s pretty gaudy, but somebody loved it back in the day! It can be worn off the shoulder, peasant-style, too. There’s nothing expensive about it, with simple workmanship and “cheap” fabrics so it makes me wonder if this was a wartime frock. If not, it was post-war early Fifties.
Anyway, it’s fun and the second dress I’ve come across in the past couple of years in this style. Must have been at the back of someone’s closet or basement for a long, long time – just safeguarding those special memories of a dance or party date. Hmmm, you just never know. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
To wear with a pretty brassiere or camisole, these were the underpants of the ’20’s, ’30’s and ’40’s. In the 1970’s they also came back for a while, though not as sumptuous or luxurious as the originals.
Clockwise, 12, 3 and 6 o’clock are the older ones, made of silk with hand-done embroidery and lace. They also close with buttons on the left side. At 9 o’clock, the newer pair from the ’70’s is of nylon and has nice lace, with an elastic waistband. It also has a matching camisole.
Look at those luscious colors! And, the silk is so smooth and comfy. In most cases, a garter belt and hose would also be worn with these, since women were usually wearing skirts or dresses, and those were often loose-fitting. Nothing there to cramp your Charleston, Lindy or Jitterbug style.
You know what I’d rather wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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So innocent and sweet! Fashions from the late Sixties and early Seventies were really into retro styles, from Edwardian, Victorian, Prairie to 1940’s. They’re fun and pretty, but sometimes too many buttons on long cuffs or front and back closures. Just like the real women of those times had to contend with.
Anyway, for a blast from the past it’s worth it when I find an example from that time that’s so perfect. This one was maybe worn once and then was treasured and preserved for decades. How could I resist?
Possibly this was custom-made though, if so, someone spent a lot of time on the ruffles, extra lining and putting in the little loops for each cuff button. However, at that time there were still lots of women and girls who did that kind of needlework happily and had the skills to create something as nice as would come from a store (even nicer than the things that come from stores today, sadly).
But, regardless, this is a HAPPY DRESS and maybe someone will enjoy it for Prom again. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Conjures thoughts of Spring, in spite of the winter storms – this, too, shall pass . . . . . . . ..
Spring IS just around the corner. Especially once we get past March, it’s the time that Spring and Summer fashion traditionally is brought out in force and warm weather clothing appears on the store racks. The way the weather has been changing, it can be different tomorrow!
Before the weather does get hot, beautiful lingerie is a must under Spring clothing when the colors get lighter and the fabrics do, too. Nothing modern compares well to the heavy nylon and artistic, high-quality decoration of slips made before the early 1960’s.
So, whether you’re into pastel dresses or not, wearing one of these can make you think of sunny skies and keep a secret smile in your heart. . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
For some woman, before the popularity of pantyhose, these nylons would have paired nicely with the panty-girdle I showed a couple of days ago. They could be from a few years earlier, too.
These beige beauties are a real keepsake. I love the look of stockings with seams, but will probably never wear this pair. They’re too precious!
Imagine when keeping your seams straight throughout the day was another thing to have on your mind! Well, you wouldn’t have had to check email . .. . . . . . . . …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
One of the most bizarre silhouettes in fashion was the “bullet bra”, which made women’s breasts look like torpedoes under their sweaters. Quite unnatural-looking and strange, but it was definitely the thing for a while.
It’s hard to ID in this photo and it’s not right for Madge to model, but the surest way to recognize these brassieres is from the pointy shape of their cups. Also, the construction of older bras is characteristic, too. Maybe it will suit Stella better . .. . . .
1950’s and early 1960’s bras often have heavier elastic and lots of stitching on the cups, with a more definite shape, even if they aren’t of this particular style. A “foundation garment” really was that – like building a brick house.
Thank goodness, now we prefer more subtly-tailored lingerie, physical strength and fitness to give us the body shape we prefer. But, many ’50’s and early ’60’s garments require a firm girdle and bra underneath to support their characteristic lines – looks great and its FUN!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is a really nice little nightwear combo. The early ’60’s is just about the last time we’ll find the truly beautiful things. With the exception of some exclusive designer or handmade item, the trims are not nearly as lovely as during the ’50’s and before and the quality of the nylon or silk is noticeably inferior when you get into the mid ’60s and ’70’s.
As I’ve said before, in my opinion you can’t improve much on 1930’s, 1940’s and 1950’s lingerie/sleepwear when it comes to overall quality and luxurious beauty. The fabrics from that time and the craftsmanship of the trimming detail is the best!
This is not a va-va-va-voom ensemble, but it is lovely and, if you wish it to be, very sexy in its own way. The embroidery trim is done well and the buttons are the nice, sturdy and well-formed little pearlized ones that I always love on true vintage nightwear and sweaters.
Sorry I can’t tell you the maker as I write this, that is, if the tag is still in – since many of the similar items I find no longer have theirs. Sometimes it’s easy to trace their identity despite that – when you’ve been in this racket for a while you know ’em by sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Probably from the early 1960’s (remember that blue & green craze that happened then?); this beauty was made in Japan, as were many (most?) of the mid-priced scarves found in the U.S. during the 1950’s and 1960’s. Italy and France have always been makers of wonderful scarves, too, and tended to be high-end if they were from those countries.
Like the Echo scarf shown a few days ago, it is signed with the maker’s name. There is also a small cloth tag in one corner, which is hardly ever seen now but used to be common. This tag gives country of manufacture and fabric content. Often the brand name is there, too, and sometimes care information.
Naturally, the material is a lux blend of silk and rayon and the edges are hand-rolled and stitched. High quality, beautiful scarves are a fabulous accessory and, you can’t have too many . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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