
Here are two more beauties from Hawaii. The same fabulous construction and fabric, but slightly more modern art prints. Don’t you love those colors? Whenever I find one, I grab it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Here are two more beauties from Hawaii. The same fabulous construction and fabric, but slightly more modern art prints. Don’t you love those colors? Whenever I find one, I grab it!
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

Love this dress! The hippie-dippie sleeves, tiny polka dot, empire waistline and sexy fit. Maybe what I like best is the easy-wear of it for hot weather – cool and breezy but gives good sun coverage, too. No, what I like best is its absolute uniqueness and style. SO Stevie Nicks, So Sixties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Come on, Sunshine!!!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

These are only 20 – 30 years old, so they hardly qualify as vintage clothing, but – they do, and are so pretty and perfect that I couldn’t pass them up. Although the materials aren’t as nice as in 1950’s sets, it’s the designs here that more faithful to beautiful lingerie from that Post-war time. And, they fit me . . . . . . . .
So, I’ll glide around the house in them on the odd lazy morning and not fret about spilling a little coffee, scattering a few crumbs or holding the dog on my lap.
More than this came my way today, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Came across this one yesterday and it’s the first I’ve had with this kind of T-back neckline. Time to dig out the specialty bra.
The things I love best about it are the sunny-fun art print and that wonderful heavy, slinky fabric that was available for a few years. It’s so delicious on the body and drapes so beautifully. No, it can’t compare to the gorgeous jersey-knit fabrics from the 1940’s but it is identifiable as part of the family.
So, although it’s kind of a poor cousin, it’s also a very fun find. This is because its pedigree out-ranks the quality of most all the casual poly clothing that has drowned us in the marketplace since the early 1960’s, with the value and workmanship moving farther down the scale every year. There’s an embroidered cloth tag from a recognized maker, elegant styling and beautiful material – clues that come to light when you snoop carefully. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

This is a really nice little nightwear combo. The early ’60’s is just about the last time we’ll find the truly beautiful things. With the exception of some exclusive designer or handmade item, the trims are not nearly as lovely as during the ’50’s and before and the quality of the nylon or silk is noticeably inferior when you get into the mid ’60s and ’70’s.
As I’ve said before, in my opinion you can’t improve much on 1930’s, 1940’s and 1950’s lingerie/sleepwear when it comes to overall quality and luxurious beauty. The fabrics from that time and the craftsmanship of the trimming detail is the best!
This is not a va-va-va-voom ensemble, but it is lovely and, if you wish it to be, very sexy in its own way. The embroidery trim is done well and the buttons are the nice, sturdy and well-formed little pearlized ones that I always love on true vintage nightwear and sweaters.
Sorry I can’t tell you the maker as I write this, that is, if the tag is still in – since many of the similar items I find no longer have theirs. Sometimes it’s easy to trace their identity despite that – when you’ve been in this racket for a while you know ’em by sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Here we have examples of the better nylon and trim quality from the mid – 60’s. These were not high-end items by the standards of that time, but their quality makes them like high-end now.
Learn the look and feel of these, and you’ll never want to go back to modern fabric again unless, possibly, an excellent silk. There’s just no comparison.
We all deserve good quality AND value. Our grandparents and great-grandparents managed to create goods of that type in a much less “modern” and “prosperous” era. Don’t believe for a moment that it couldn’t be done now.
But, I’m still not sure that I’d like them any better than true vintage. The superb cuts and design would be challenging to match. The fascination and intrigue that accompany these styles can’t be re-manufactured . . . . . .
. . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

More mid-century lingerie – this one from the Post-war era in run-proof nylon tricot. By Rogers, it is a quality item and I don’t think I’ve EVER seen this style before! It has no sleeves, and is made to wear as a cape over the shoulders which ties at the neckline.
What a pretty way to spend a while over coffee in the morning, or reading in bed when there’s a chill in the air?
Pale pink color (the whole thing is prettier in reality than in this photo) and delicate accordian pleating with a ruffle at the neck and wrist areas. Perfect condition, and in my size. What could be better? It’s definitely a keeper. Wonder who wore this beauty in 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

There are already at least a couple of dressing gowns in my collection that date from the 1930’s – 1940’s and are made in a similar style. So, although this was was made 30 to 40 years later and the fabric isn’t as nice, it’s pretty true to the design.
I’ll sometimes pick up retro items made by famous vintage makers because they do a pretty good job. This one still qualifies as “true vintage” because of being at least 30 years old, but the real 1940’s would always be my favorite!
Anyway, a pretty find and worth adding to my treasures.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

What a beautiful find! Because of the traditional styling I can’t date it exactly, but it’s old. Rayon satin with lovely floral embroidery. Like the silk Cheongsam dress I found last week, this garment is so gorgeous and timeless – I’ll love wearing it for decades.
There’s another similar one of red silk hanging in my closet. It looks wonderful with dressy black crepe pants, a skirt or dress for cocktails or a special dinner party.
It’s off to the cleaners after I check the lining for any messages Mata Hari might have left behind . … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM