Category Archives: guidebook

1950’S – 1960’S KNIT VEST; A SURPRISE FIND THAT MAKES ME SO HAPPY!

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I was so elated to discover this rare sweater knit.  There are only two others in my collection so far that are similar and obviously from the same era.  Possibly designed for men back in the day, but definitely unisex.

The knit is glossy and heavy and the patterns are absolutely fantastic in my others, too – very neat geometric designs – part of the atomic craze.  Just look at this one!  A very MOD pattern, but before that time.  And, in such near-perfect condition.  That ‘s one other advantage – they are quite durable.

Fun, fun, fun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MID-CENTURY FROCK IN A RETRO ’40’S STYLE – SEE WHY IT’S ANOTHER UNUSUAL FIND . . . . . . . . . ..

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From roughly the same era as yesterday’s dress, this one is a poly-cotton 1940’s throw-back with a wasp waist and puffed shoulders, plus 3/4 cuffed sleeves.  Little button trimmings, a fabric-covered belt and contrast-pleated skirt complete the design features.

The most unusual and striking element, to me, is the use of an unusual and distinctive color combo that is also characteristic of some of the older styles and what made them so interesting.  True vintage garments are full of tailoring and color surprises.

I was happy to find this piece that is faithful to that tradition, even though it was an inexpensive retro style in it’s 1960’s – early 1970’s time.  Modern retro-styled dresses hardly ever do it so well.  Can’t wait to put it on Stella and see it properly displayed!

We’ll be hovering around the 1955 – 1975 time frame for a few days.  Stay tuned for more pleasant surprises . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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HERE WE GO WITH MY NEWEST FINDS: A MID-CENTURY SWEATER DRESS – RARE AND WONDERFUL – I LOVE THIS!!

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Back in the ’60’s and early ’70’s (even in the 1950’s!) some really flattering and pretty sweater dresses were popular.  Some were two-piece and some, like this one, were body-hugging sheaths.  They were of a high quality in terms of the construction and styling and they are SOOO comfortable to wear!

I love finding knits that have the pattern on both sides – not just in the front; rib-knit cuffs that fit well and hold their shape; a matching belt; a well-done hemline; a soft yarn that is easy-care and holds up it’s appearance over time.

I haven’t found one of these in a long time – they’re that rare.  And, with the original belt in fabulous overall condition and one of my favorite colors – Whooeeeeeeeee!  Didn’t expect this, but, the craft just continues to show me that – you just never know . . … . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND! “TED WILLIAMS” BRAND TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SPORTSWEAR

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“For Active Americans” on the label – famous baseball star Ted Williams had his own sportswear line that produced outerwear, mostly, from the 1950’s – 1970’s and was sold by Sears & Roebuck and at Simpson Sears in Canada.  What an interesting item with history that I did not know!

Although this may have been a men’s or boy’s jacket, I think it is unisex.  Small – medium on a sportswoman with room for a heavy sweater underneath and FULL of pockets with sturdy metal zippers and features that would be very handy for a hiker, day-camper, cross-country skier (or hunter – some were made for this).   I guess the big pocket across the back was called a “small game pocket” but it would be PERFECT for carrying a lightweight sleeping bag or tent or many other trekking supplies with space above to allow a day-pack to hang.

Virtually unused condition, warm and toasty with a quilted lining and rib-knit cuffs and collar.  I hope to go to Montana next year, and this would be a great thing to take along! Reminiscent of mid-century family vacations to the national parks – there’s a whole Happy Days/Kennedy era novel inspired by this one.  Tomorrow I’ll show you it’s sophisticated sister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAGS FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

 

Here is a collection of several vintage handbags for parties and semi-formal to formal occasions. The significant features of these are pave’ rhinestones on clasps, faux pearls, plush velvet, gold-finished leather, double-sided box construction and a telescoping convertible handle.

Though tons of retro-style purses are made now, a true vintage one will have features that put it above the crowd.  Anyone who knows, will realize that you are carrying something special.

These purses are from the Fifties and Sixties. They are simple, but of quality design and construction. A keen eye can spot the difference in materials and style elements.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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

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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

 

 

 

LATE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S NEW LOOK TRUE VINTAGE GOWN

LATE 1940'S - EARLY 1950'S NEW LOOK TRUE VINTAGE GOWN

This dress is regal and majestic. The material is a heavy rayon with sheen – almost satin. It has black beaded designs around the neckline and each sleeve.

It’s an example of the design introduced by Christian Dior in 1947, I believe, called the “New Look” because it was so different from the severe, short and relatively plain clothing that women wore during WWII in order to conserve resources. Tiny waists, long skirts, luxurious material and extravagant decoration were “in” again.

Enough history lesson! It’s just a beautiful, feminine and stunning dress. The original owner had shortened it by 2 – 3 inches, so it was definitely mid-calf length when new. Fortunately, she didn’t cut off any material, so it could be let down again.

This is certainly something that you might wear to see the Queen, or the King, or the President or just your favorite prince . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

A LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S DRESS FOR DINNER AND DANCING

A LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S DRESS FOR DINNER AND DANCING This frock is in black crepe, with sheer netting on the bodice to give the illusion of a bare neckline. I have seen this feature on one other dress of mine – demure, yet stunning.  Where the decoration begins, it is also lined. The shape skims the body and the whole effect is very flattering.

These dresses have side zippers or unusual back zippers which open only about a foot in the middle of the back, but don’t come to the top of the neck. I’ve seen this on ’40’s dresses only. It allows you to wiggle into the dress over your head but no hope if it’s too small for you!  There’s no way that Madge could get into it, so I’ll have to re-photograph it on Stella some time.

Anyway, it’s beautiful and you can probably picture it. Perfect for dining and dancing, or even a dressy movie date. Put this beauty on and you just never know . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s COCKTAIL PARTY DRESS BY CAROL CRAIG

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s COCKTAIL PARTY DRESS BY CAROL CRAIG This is a timeless, year-round-wearable black crepe dress with a full rayon acetate lining. The decorative band at the bottom is of alternating iridescent and black sequins. It has a vintage nylon zipper in back..

By Carol Craig, a popular maker of the ’50s and ’60s, this dress in classic black crepe can be worn all year long. The simple A-line style suits almost any figure and is form-fitting enough to be very attractive while not overly tight. So, anywhere that sleeveless dresses are considered acceptable, so would this dress be. Pretty versatile!

What sets this apart from the tons of black crepe dresses from the 80s, 90s and 2000s that are out there? 1. the fabric (a little heavier) 2. the lining (full – nice material) 3. the workmanship (zipper put in very well, no loose threads everywhere, small hooks and eyes in the right places) 4. the design (the sequin band at bottom is different and nicer than glitzy trims on most things now)

A dress of this quality today (and a lot of them not nearly as nice) would cost an arm and a leg, but my purse is full of songs!  I never know what I’ll find or exactly where, but that’s half the fun!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

BACK TO MY FAVORITE TURQUOISE COLOR – A BEAUTIFUL SILK SHEATH BY A WELL-KNOWN 1950’S MAKER

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From the late 1950’s to the early 1960’s, this find was a Wowee! smile-maker.  A silk sheath with lovely tailoring, a full lining and killer fit and in perfect condition.  Obviously, someone loved it and, why not?!

It’s by Lilli Diamond of California – a design that Jackie Kennedy and her fashion-maven predecessors would have worn with elegance and sophistication, though it’s almost a wiggle-dress (maybe it is).  I love cap sleeves and sheath styles.  Can’t wait to try this on Stella – it’s made for her . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM