IT’S STILL WAY COLD ENOUGH FOR THESE. BOTH ARE 1950’S TRUE VINTAGE. THE ONE ON THE RIGHT WAS FROM MY FAMILY. THERE’S HARDLY A MORE BEAUTIFUL FUR, THOUGH UNLESS I FIND A TRUE VINTAGE ITEM AT LEAST 60 YEARS OLD, I PREFER TO BUY IMITATION.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A bit rumpled, but perfect! This was a higher-end men’s garment and an indispensable wardrobe item for men in the mid-century. A well-made bathrobe for elegant at-home time was worn by many men every day.
Lovely cotton, rayon and silk were commonly-used fabrics in mid-century and, like their street-wear brothers, these lounge-wear garments were well-tailored and elegant. I’m SO thrilled to uncover another one of these, which is a rare find (my favorite!)
I encounter a lot of rare finds, but they’re all different, so the surprises never stop! Stay tuned – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
“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
Velvet pillbox with a huge satin bow behind. And, lined in brilliant red. Originally from the Sears & Roebuck Millinery Department. Pretty cool!
So timeless and elegant, it’s another forever find . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although we do Christmas marketing almost year-round, back in the mid-century time no one thought seriously about Christmas stuff until after the American Thanksgiving in late November. But, if you’re making lots of your gifts . . . . .
McCalls needlework magazine promoted doing just that – to economize as well as adding a personal touch. Can you imagine getting all that done ?!
For many of our grandmothers, that was just part of the day-to-day. And, they did produce beautiful things – from hats, gloves, sweaters, socks and scarves to dolls & their clothing, tablecloths & bedspreads, just to name a few.
I love discovering some special true vintage handmade item that was probably made as a gift or a table decoration for a special family holiday. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
These McCalls magazine needlework ads would make you think that our grandmas’ lives were all about simple fun in the kitchen and scheming to get their husbands to give in to their wishes.
That’s the stereotype, isn’t it? I wonder how much of that is true? Don’t think I want to go back there, but the sweater is gorgeous!
Hand-knits from that era are really special, sweet and innocent styles . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
The always-dramatic Marlene models three views of this gorgeous and flattering scull-cap style, woven of black and white strips and topped with a face-framing ruffle.
I COULD NOT pass this by! And, it came with a matching hat-pin – always a plus. In it’s day, it was very wearable with lots of different styles from casual frocks to dressier ones. Very elegant.
When everyone wore hats daily, imagine selecting this cute one and setting it on just right before heading out for shopping or lunch. That was when men still whistled openly at women on the street . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
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
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
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