Exquisite nylon bed jackets, in lovely pinks. There’s nothing that feels so luxurious as sitting in bed or in a boudoir chair with one of these over your beautiful nightgown while enjoying a cup of tea.
These are so comfortable and pretty, almost any time of year. As always, the fabric, decoration and details can’t be matched by things sold today.
Sweet dreams! . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Now we’ll go, almost, to the other end of the spectrum for some standard-issue men’s or boys’ cotton PJs – though they’re spiffed up with some really neat prints.
Plain and basic in their style, they’re well-made enough to have survived in good shape. They could even have been from the ’40’s, but I don’t think so. Somewhere between 1955 and ’65 probably hits it.
Though not luxurious, they are comfortable (I can wear them!) and a lot of fun! The red fans on the right are an unusual, to me, motif for men’s pajamas but, hey, what do I know? They are a traditional East Asian motif and may have been an influence of the Pacific arena wars the U.S. had just been through in the Forties and Fifties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
We’ve done a little film noir leisure dressing for the men, so here are 3 of my very favorite women’s things of the same era. The fabulous ’30’s robe with shoulder pads and tassels, the cute little wartime rayon dressing gown and the glam ’40’s rayon dressing gown. Hollywood movie star all over!
Imagine Veronica Lake or Joan Crawford sweeping into the room. Deanna Durbin would have looked sweet in that blue and white dressing gown.
I like to recline in one of these while sipping a cognac and reviewing the latest assignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Embroidered all over with gold metallic thread, this designer dress from the famous high-end retailer is a fabulous find! Couldn’t believe it. Luxurious at-home wear that can easily go out and about – there are no “rules” these days saying that would be “not done”.
I love true vintage hostess and patio dresses, as well as other at-home wear from eras past. Often the better-quality items are in fantastic condition because they were worn sparingly and/or cared for so well by their original owners.
Just another marvelous day in Mid-Centuryland for the Magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another nod to the 1940’s, 1970’s style. Cool! I’ll have so much fun wearing this one, right away! Lovely knit with covered buttons on the cuffs – although it was a mid-priced item, it’s still been well-made by the fabulous Ladies Garment Workers Union.
Just the right weight for the transitional weather that we’re about to step into and perfect Autumn colors. I’m looking forward to a Labor Day weekend music & beer party in a few days but, I think I’ll wear one of my mid-century Mexican skirts this time – just because. These fabulous jumpsuits only have one little drawback . . . . . . . . . . . . In spite of the similarities with cat burglar leotards, not good for sleuthing in, either . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The miracle fabric called Orlon – machine washable and dry-able at home! Oh, my . . . . . .
Back when sweaters had to be dry-cleaned or hand-washed, this was a revelation for homemakers and a big time-saver. However, I must say that even today they still haven’t gotten it just right – pilling remains an issue. So, I don’t mind treating my vintage acrylics with special care.
This one is so “from that time” and it’s always fun to find a guy’s clothing item. But, even though it’s a LARGE size, looks more like something for a medium-sized woman now. Maybe it will even fit me under the right styling conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s the tell-tale zipper in the back waistline. VERY rare find! One of my wonderfulest discoveries.
The tailoring is impeccable and they’re in almost perfect condition.
Be careful – modern copy-cats just don’t measure up . . . . . . . … . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’ve had lots of fun finding “new” things! I love the fit and drape of this robe. It fits the neckline so nicely and the hem swirls a bit in back.
As soon as I put it on, I could tell that it was an older item by the fit as well as the tailoring details and the fabric. That’s one of the most fun things about discovering, because the clues lead you on to lots of “aha” moments.
And, there’s no more favorite expression than that for a true vintage sleuth . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What could be more classic than this? Made by a company called Peters; they produced this basic style for several decades. We can still find some companies making similar ones, but I always like the REAL true vintage. Just saw a classic film last night, made in 1950, where many young men were wearing “this” jacket!
Dacron easy-care water-repellent – nothing is more smart and practical than a well-made jacket like this. And, it’s in almost perfect condition (they stood up well!). In spite of that, they’re not easy to find because they were usually worn, and worn, and worn – and eventually gave up the ghost. Someone took very good care of this one, just for me . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Mod, psychedelic, polyester knit dress – was made just a little past the time of the hey-day of the hippie/back-to-the-land movement. About the time that popular fashions were beginning to turn back toward mainstream, but still liking the counter-culture vibe in a more modest way.
Prairie-style was also becoming a big thing around this time – leaning more toward Jessica (McLintock) designs than Janice Joplin’s Salvation Army finds. Also, polyester was beginning to replace cotton in a big way.
Not quite your pure Love-In roll-a-joint party outfit, but you could still get by with it . . . . . try doing it at a patio party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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