Category Archives: Mad Men

JUST FOUND! 1960’S LUXE NEIMAN MARCUS HOSTESS GOWN

IMG_3893

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

I CREATED A VERY COOL VINTAGE SKIRT

IMG_3892.JPG

Look what I did to my dress!   You had seen this late 1960’s wool dress before, and I loved the red knit top of it, BUT,  the years had not been kind before it came to me and some moths had had a banquet.  Just couldn’t live with the little holes here and there, and no good way to fix them.

SO – why not snip it off at the waist and fashion a dirndl/pencil skirt instead?  So easy!  All I did was finish (by hand) around the waist with a piece of grosgrain ribbon, sew a few hooks and eyes in the placket left where the zipper used to be et voila’!  Just for extra fun, I threaded a black tie belt through the crochet so that it ties off in back.  Wouldn’t have had to, but it allows me to fit the waist a little more snugly and adds a cute touch.

Brainstorm!  Maybe I can wear it with that neat green sweater found recently – and black boots – must check it out . . . . .. … .. . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE TREASURE – PRETTY MID-CENTURY (1960’S & 1950’S) NIGHTGOWNS

IMG_3869

Whenever I encounter beautiful examples of sleepwear lingerie from this era, I always bring them home.  Although I love the pj’s, knee-length gowns are another favorite. While made of the same type of wonderful nylon, the gowns usually have more elaborate and prettier decoration.

The Fifties saw mostly pastel pieces similar to the one on right, though sometimes in red or black.  During the Sixties bright colors were popular, as on the left.  This was kind of backward to how lingerie slips were made – go figure.

Anyway, there was no debate or stopping-to-think-about-it for me, but always nice to know all about it . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER DISCOVERY! 1950’S ’60’S ZIP-BACK BLOUSE – GIRLY

IMG_3856

With polka dots, a flouncy neckline and full metal back zipper this rayon & acetate blouse is pure 1950’s – early 1960’s.  Can’t wait to wear it with my “new” black pencil skirt!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEW FIND! 1960’S PUMPS BY JOYCE

img_3855.jpg

Aren’t these the sweetest things!  Just love them.  Nothing much is cuter than 1960’s shoes.  Very Audrey Hepburn.

The Joyce company made nice sportswear during the 1960’s – worth a pick-up if you find anything true vintage by that label.  As always, be wary of cheaper latecomers . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEW FINDS TODAY! HERE’S A LITTLE NOSTALGIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

img_3839.jpg

HAD to pick this up when I found it – a carrying bag for shoes (particularly, dance shoes for ballet, tap, etc.).  I had one when taking ballet lessons as a child.  Hadn’t thought of it in years – what a blast from the past to see it!  I’ll bet that some of you recognize it, too.

Also uncovered some fabulous dresses today and will show them soon . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LATEST FIND – A LOVELY LACE BEADED DRESS FROM THE EARLY 1960’S . . . . . . .

m

About 4 – 5 sizes too big for Stella, but it has to be shown on a model because of the swishy skirt and the way it drapes.  Lace overlay was very popular in the Kennedy era and much more nicely-done than the cheap versions we’ve seen lately.  The fabric is glossy substantial, and there are pearl bead accents sewn all over.

Another great part of the design is the way that the back swoops toward the waist.  So, it’s not a drop-your-champagne-glass-when-you-see-it type of frock but it’s a lovely, classicaly-tailored garment that was worth collecting (and a design that is easy to alter!). .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

STELLA (FINALLY!) MODELS THIS 1950’S HAND-TAILORED WIGGLE DRESS

Now that Stella’s on the modeling circuit, this dress can be displayed as it should be.  Several years ago I found this beauty – wish the photos did it justice.   Gorgeous atomic/abstract/art swirl fabric in glossy and soft rayon.  All hand-tailored.  FAB!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SUPER PHOTOS OF A RECENT FIND – KENNEDY ERA DRESS AND COAT ENSEMBLE

Isn’t this a beautiful set?  Made by a Toronto dressmaker.  I knew you’d want to see these improved pictures.  More to come . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER ITALIAN CUTIE – TRUE VINTAGE HANDMADE SUMMER PURSE FROM THE 1960’S

ANOTHER ITALIAN CUTIE - TRUE VINTAGE HANDMADE SUMMER PURSE FROM THE 1960'S

Woven raffia bag with beaded decoration. One old feature that is fun to find once in a while – a snap purse compartment which is a part of the lining. I’ve pulled it up so that you can see it.

This is pure fun and frivolity, in a refined and European way. Perfect with my bright yellow sundress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM