Category Archives: guidebook

ANOTHER NEW FIND – A COMFY MID-CENTURY BATHROBE

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With winter coming, I just couldn’t pass this one up.  Although it’s got some issues and is not my color, I’m going to keep it to wear around the house on a chilly day when I want the quilted comfort of a true vintage robe.

Not into yellow?  Well, I can dye it!  Yes, this robe is made of acetate, which will accept dye well – at least in my previous experience.  So,  crimson or hot pink will make a pretty coral color that will warm me up on cold, snowy mornings . . . . . . .

As an aside, don’t try dying at home unless you are experienced or don’t mind having a mistake (maybe a BIG mistake, depending on the garment).  It’s a great way to learn, but do so with caution.

P.S.  PLEASE VOTE THIS NOVEMBER.  IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED, OR AREN’T SURE ABOUT YOUR REGISTRATION, CHECK ON IT AND GET THAT DONE.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ANOTHER 1960’S FIND – A PRETTY DANCE DRESS

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Not terribly “different” or “vintage-looking” until you examine the details.  This is a typical dance party frock from the time when Barbie was Homecoming Queen . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S DRESS CLIPS – FOR THAT UPTOWN LOOK . . .

IMG_0988     I love these jewelry items so much!  Some might be earlier than Forties, too.  If you’re not familiar with them they have a snap clip that attaches them to the neckline of a dress, sweater, jacket or coat.

Only the ones on top are small enough to wear on a lightweight dress – the others would only work on wool or heavy knit as they are quite substantial in size and weight.  Very popular items during the wartime and post-war years and these are costume jewelry, without precious metals or stones.

To me, the look is feminine and dashing at the same time.  That so much epitomizes the 1940’s woman who really developed a lot of strength during the second World War.  We were never the same after that . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE FINDS! 3 KNIT DRESSES FROM THE MAD, MOD 1960’S

I love these!  They’re so typical of the day-dresses from the early to mid-Sixties that said “Fall is Here”, mostly for professional women.  Anyone who wanted to look nicely tailored, but casual, wore styles like these.

So, I’ve seen lots of them on TV but not in person.  It’s great fun to find this blast from the past that probably belonged to the same woman.  Wonder what her everyday story was about . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BONANZA!! LOOK AT THE MID-CENTURY DRESSES I JUST FOUND

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Just fabulous!  Custom-made by the same woman, of ultra-soft cotton in a wonderful 1940’s – early 1950’s style that I just love.  And, in my size!!!!!

Nipped waist, flirty skirt, shoulder pads and cute sculptured plastic buttons.  What could be better?  Perfect condition, washed to incredible comfort.  I don’t usually go for floral prints, but who can quibble? . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

SPEAKING OF FIFTIES & SIXTIES SWEATERS – SOME FUN EXAMPLES TO KNIT AT HOME!

IMG_1041IMG_1042IMG_1044IMG_1045IMG_1032      McCalls needlework magazine from 1961 has patterns and instructions for these neat tops.  It was one of those times when the fashion gets really playful.  My most recent finds on this trip are ’60’s!

Not quite so intimidating as trying to make some of the dresses and coats, but challenging enough!  There’s no mistaking the styles from that time and I’ll be showing more . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BAUBLES, BANGLES & BEADS – TRUE VINTAGE 1930’S, 1940’S,1950’S COSTUME JEWELRY BRACELETS

IMG_0944     These bracelets are so distinctive-looking – so interesting, to pair with any casual or daytime outfit. They’d also go well into the night, with the right ensemble.

I’ve always pounced when I spotted something like this – rare and fabulous! Though they’re often made of pot metal and plastic (or bakelite), cast rather than hand-made,  they are so unusual and will last a long time if you don’t mistreat them.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LET’S “UP” THE TRUE VINTAGE BLING – RHINESTONE NECKLACES FROM MID-CENTURY AND BEFORE

IMG_0958Here’s my main collection of true vintage white rhinestone collars.  From simple and sweet to sassy and sophisticated.  These were made between 1940 and 1960, I’d say.  Some might be older, or slightly newer.

To be worn alone, or almost alone.  Unless you’re doing a period costume from a time when overkill was the usual fashion and everything was worn as a set, these lovelies shine most brilliantly when standing alone.

Just my opinion, for what it’s worth . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ELEGANT AND STUNNING – TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S CUSTOM-TAILORED DINNER DRESS

IMG_0999 IMG_1000Stella stuns in this slim sheath with a draped neckline in back.  I know the woman who made this dress back while John F. Kennedy was president and it is exquisitely tailored in charcoal cotton velvet, with a fabric-covered belt.

The style is simple, but dramatic.  The cowl neckline in back is what makes the dress.  It’s perfect for a necklace that is long enough and simple enough to be draped front to back with a beautiful clasp at the neck, or hidden under a high neckline in front while making a statement on your bare shoulders behind.

But, it doesn’t need much adornment and best to keep it simple . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A SWEET SET – A FORMAL OR DRESSY EVENING IN TRUE VINTAGE RHINESTONES AND “PEARLS”

IMG_0956      This is one of my favorite little necklaces, from the 1950’s or early Sixties.  Very sweet – love the rhinestone bow and the faux pearl drop.  The chain, also, is studded with rhinestones all the way.

The earrings are a bit later – late Sixties or Seventies, but they coordinate nicely.  A parure like this would have been perfect with a formal pouf dress – depending on the age of the wearer and the occasion.

Definitely costume jewelry, but so pretty . . . .. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM