Category Archives: Happy Days

I WAS RIGHT – A PERFECT FIT!!

Back at headquarters, for a short break, and finally able to photograph this most recent discovery.  Stella is dainty as a daffodil in her Prom/party frock from the 1950’s.  The neckline scarf is the signature feature of this dress.  Possibly it was for a bridesmaid or a debutante (of sorts – not lush enough for the Country Club set).

Like many(most?) older garments, it is so interesting and tells a story.  The fabrics are not of the highest quality but they are adequate, and this short gown was off-the-rack, though there is no label remaining.  Unless . . . . . . . . . .

It just may have been custom-tailored by someone who REALLY knew her(or his) stuff. The skirt has FOUR layers – a circle skirt of lace overlay with a solid yellow acetate(?) liner, a ruffle of tulle netting underneath and a final layer of white stiffening fabric gathered beneath it all.  This was the standard construction of dressy special-occasion gowns in the mid-century.

No question that this frock was going somewhere really special.  Makes you wonder . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE LATE 50’S, EARLY ’60’S CUSTOM-MADE SILK PARTY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 50'S, EARLY '60'S CUSTOM-MADE SILK PARTY DRESS

This luscious dress is another that Madge can’t wear, because of the side zipper at the waist.  Soon, I want to put it (and several others like it) on Stella!  A hanger doesn’t do it justice, but imagine it as it fits – with a fitted waist and very full circle skirt.

Of 100% silk, with gold accents all over. I believe that it is Asian silk and was probably custom-tailored there for someone from the “West” who was vacationing or living there for a time.

It’s a beautiful dress and I gasped when I discovered it – it also fits me! What a perfect frock for any dress-up party or a really special date.  With the generous hem let down to below-the-knee, it could even go to the Prom!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE GOWN MODELED AFTER GRACE KELLY’S IN THE HITCHCOCK MOVIE “REAR WINDOW”

A very favorite find, custom-tailored in the early 1950’s after one that Grace Kelly’s character, Lisa, wore in the classic Alfred Hitchcock movie, Rear Window.  Lisa’s dress had a yellow printed skirt, rather than blue.  I even know the woman who made this frock in 1954!

The black fabric in the bodice is stretchy and the neckline very unusual.  It fits perfectly, no matter how your own curves go!  The skirt is of three layers, with sheer fabric on top and netting underneath.  The little black “leaves” are embroidered on the sheer overlay.

What could be more fabulous? – a costume similar to one worn by one of my all-time favorite actresses in a favorite movie by a favorite director! How intriguing . . . . . .. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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SOMETHING FOR THE MEN! TRUE VINTAGE CUFF-LINKS BY SWANK

SOMETHING FOR THE MEN! TRUE VINTAGE CUFF-LINKS BY SWANK

Costume jewelry for the guys, though they may be sterling silver. Sets like this were standard dress-wear for men in the mid-century and before.  These came through my family, but I always nab nice ones when I find them.

They are by SWANK, in their original packages.  The set on the left, with pearls, were sold at a hometown menswear store.  The set on the right was packaged especially for a department store.  Perfect with your ’50’s,’60’s or ’70’s dress shirt (and tie).

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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THE 1950’S HUSBAND’S ANSWER TO BUYING A MINK

THE 1950'S HUSBAND'S ANSWER TO BUYING A MINK

Genuine mink fur novelty jewelry had a bit of mid-century popularity during the 1950’s. Kind of a fun idea at the time, BUT –

if we could go back in time to advise our young grandmothers, we might say  “Be careful what you ask for!”  This whimsical little mink “brooch”  may not be exactly what Ethel had in mind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER “NEW” TRUE VINTAGE BED JACKET WITH UNUSUAL STYLING

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I know, I know, I know . . . . . I collect so many of these that I’ll have to lounge a whole lot and eat many breakfasts in bed to be able to wear them all . . . . . . . . . . . . .. BUT

How can I resist?  Who wouldn’t love a gorgeous little scrap of mid-century feminine luxury like this one?  Although they are always pretty, I’m especially excited when I find one that is unusual.  I’m not sure that I have another one in this green color or with this type of styling.  Generally, they were made in pink, blue or sometimes in white.

The lace is especially nice, too.  Even when I get to a point where I’ll have to part with some of them, this one is a keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PURE CLASSIC! VINTAGE DAY DRESS IN FLORAL COTTON

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Right on the heels of that daring red frock shown yesterday came this traditional, custom-tailored every-day dress in a beautiful cotton print.  Again, I can’t say exactly how old it is but it was home-sewn in a classic, mid-century style.  The fabric is gorgeous.

Although it’s another perfect fit for me, the style is very plain so I think I’d cinch the waist with a belt to enhance the fit and add a pert little scarf or pearls at the neckline, depending on my mood.  Yes, that would be VERY cliche’ ’50’s but – so what? – also a VERY pretty look. Unless I wanted to go completely kitchy for the fun of it, I’d leave off the hat/gloves -handbag/shoes sets.

Anyway, this dress really makes me hanker for Spring!  Can’t wait to see what turns up next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSES FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S IN SILK, LINEN & RAYON

Here’s the perfect shirt to go with those 1940’s pants, right here on the left – ivory silk by Lady Manhattan.  Nothing more classic and beautiful  – unless . . . . .

We move center to a waist-length linen blouse that buttons up the back. Look at that fabulous lace neckline.  How feminine and chic!  Under a little suit or just with a skirt . . . . . .

And, the blouse far right can do the same job in sumptuous rayon.  It shows more of the gorgeous hand-done tailoring detail that is so characteristic of true vintage garments.

They’re all treasures . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MID-CENTURY TRUE VINTAGE TARTAN PIECES – REAL CLASSICS

MORE TRUE VINTAGE TARTAN PIECES - REAL CLASSICS

I’m not sure which clans these may be from, but they are the real deal or very close. From Canada, where there’s still a large population with near roots in Great Britain.  This is another “well-heeled” look in the United States.  At one time, the girls who went to the best schools almost all had a tartan skirt in their wardrobes and they were extremely popular!

I just love the colors and the “casual but very well-dressed” vibe that they have. Tartan weaves, whether “real” or not, are often quite beautiful and the high quality ones are worthy of a place in your closet for life. The clothing styles also tend to be classic and enduring.

In this case, I’ve got two skirts – both in a kilt style. One closes with buckles and the other with buttons, and has a matching vest top. I suspect that these particular ones came from the early 1960’s or, maybe, the  1950’s.

Worn with  blouses or sweaters, kilt skirts have been in elegant and stylish women’s closets for decades. Like any other classic separate, they’re as versatile as a pair of jeans (but these will last longer!) And, they’ll keep you a lot warmer!  DEFINITELY worth grabbing if you find a real one!

Katherine & Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Twiggy, Princesses Diana & Kate. . . . .. . . . . … . they’ve all worn tartans – and so have men, too.  Sherlock Holmes, . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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EXTREMELY RARE FIND – TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY CUSTOM-TAILORED CHILD’S DRESS

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Old cotton and buttons; hand-stitching – this little frock is probably from the 1950’s or 1960’s.  Can you imagine a little girl’s everyday dress surviving till today??????  Read on . . . . . . . . . . . .

Once in a while, in an unusual venue, I’ll see something out of the ordinary – like a piece that is very antique or something made for a child. Although children’s clothing is not my usual focus, I’ll take a second look.

Well, this was another Wowee, look at THAT! moment so, of course, I had to bring it home.  What a relic so well-preserved, with the added bonus of having been hand-made.  Several things about the construction are unusual.

In these situations, it’s common to see something that was made for a special occasion – that is, dressy clothing or christening gowns, etc. that are often preserved after one or two wearings; maybe baby shoes that are tough enough to stand up over time (no pun intended).

BUT, not everyday items!!  These usually have gone by the wayside decades ago because of the normal wear-and-tear a child puts on their clothing, not to mention outgrowing it and passing it on or Mom turning it into a dishrag.

So, I feel like a museum curator with a new discovery laid before me.  The mystery goes on . .. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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