While it’s nothing special in terms of its pedigree, I love the styling of this pretty robe and always am delighted with rhinestone buttons! Sheer and lovely – just right for Blanche Dubois – and, on top of being in “perfect” condition, it’s REALLY PERFECT over a black true vintage gown I own which had no matching peignoir!!
So, go figure. . . . . . . . serendipity always happens for
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These gorgeous lingerie gowns were another surprise find – always so much fun! The shoulder detail is what really makes them stand out – the way the straps are joined in the front. They just don’t make ’em like this anymore.
The sheer panels and the gathers are also lovely, as well as the cloud-soft feel of the nylon fabric.
Sigh – to die for . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This one is so elegant and well-made that I can’t tell without getting it out and examining it again whether it’s from the 1940’s, 1950’s or early 1960’s. That’s the way that all our wardrobe fundamentals should be!
Even looking at the photo, I believe that this suit comes from the earlier end of the time spectrum than the end of it. It’s all in the fabric.
Next time I want to channel Esther Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This suit has two layers. The way they used to do the little briefs or shorts underneath was such a figure-enhancer for most women.
Almost like a tankini, but all in one piece. Look at those great design details, too. You won’t see that on modern suits, nor the exceptional construction. Black & white makes another appearance for Spring and Summer, as always.
Just right for sitting beside the pool, under a big sun-hat, with a Mai-Tai . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Since I’ve started getting out the patio frock, here we go – – – – – – Nothing rivals the beautiful workmanship and fabulous fabric found in true vintage Hawaiian fashions from the early Seventies and before. The colors are incomparable. The cottons and rayons are practically indescribable. Men’s shirts are also incredible.
Since at least the 1940’s, dresses made in Hawaii were very desirable for their quality and fit. Some are exceptionally comfy and relaxed. Others are high-volume sexy or very chic.
Think Mata Hari of the islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This one is an interesting find. Might have been part of a work uniform back in the day, but it’s a shirt made like a jacket with hip pockets and that funky stripe. Today it would be fun as a sports shirt with jeans. The maker was Catalina – that iconic California maker of sportswear, so who knows . . . . . . . . . . . .
I’m sure that it was intended to be a man’s top when it was made, but today it’s very unisex. To me, it’s got a Grease vibe. Could also go over a tank top or muscle shirt. If it were smaller, I’d keep it myself if not for the orange color. No can do.
So, this was for fun and will go into the archives for the time being. That’s OK. It’s the hunt and the quest that are the real reward!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Beaded and beautiful – one even had a pretty hankie tucked inside! (also found some old pennies) Vintage 1950’s – 1960’s, made in Hong Kong (of course!), made in U.S.A., too. All so clean and well-loved.
The beading is hand-done. The 1930’s – style on the bottom right has the brand name stamped onto the satin lining. The purse made in Hong Kong (bottom left) has, naturally, a silk lining. The larger handbag on top has fun plastic beads crocheted into raffia and Lucite trim. Big enough to hold all your daily needs.
I’m always so impressed by how well mid-century women cared for their clothing and accessories. Yes, it was sometimes an issue of economy – if you can only afford to have one “good” dress, preserving it becomes very important. However, way beyond that was a personal value placed on items of quality that were lovely to look at and wear and the wish to treat them with respect. I try to fill my closets with garments and their complements that inspire the same sentiment.
So, no careless coffee spills, scattered crumbs or dogs in my lap with these . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A little bit later in the time-line, sleeveless and cap-sleeve day dresses came along as favorite day-wear for women. This more casual style continued to keep them in a dress, looking feminine, but also retained the easy-wear aspect that had become so important. Some, like this one, had pretty details that added a bit of dressy feel, but overall these dresses were so comfortable and easy to care for that they were a great liberation from the fussy styles and fabrics and many mandatory accessories that had dominated women’s lives for decades (centuries).
This is what women wore in the 1950’s and early 1960’s the way that we wear jeans today. Personally, I like having the choice . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These fun and beautiful frocks are what EVERYBODY was wearing as everyday-wear between about 1935 and 1965. The cottons are sturdy but wash and wear to a fabulous softness. The colors are bright and the motif’s go from traditional floral or medallion prints (like the one here) to atomic geometrics and cartoon novelty images.
I absolutely cannot get enough of these! The typical fit and flare styling is very forgiving, allowing me a reasonable fit across about 3 sizes. A belt can work wonders with almost any garment. If shoulder pads are appropriate to the era, that makes a big difference, too.
With the exception of the Sixties shift style, this basic shirt-waist design is just about the most comfortable, practical and versatile for day-wear ever; still, it allows for elegance and the irreplaceable look of true vintage fashion. I’ll keep showing more of these wonderful everyday styles, and whatever turns up. Stay tuned . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
