Category Archives: Mad Men

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S JACQUARD COCKTAIL BLOUSE

THIS WILL BE PERFECT FOR UP-COMING PARTIES . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S JACQUARD COCKTAIL BLOUSE

Here’s a lovely, oh-so-flattering jacquard blouse for cocktails, dinner, dancing and parties. It looks superb with a long black skirt or black cigarette pants.

Notice the little bows at the waist. It also buttons up the back (I LOVE that feature of so many ’50’s blouses) with 5/8″ covered buttons. Very swank.

The fun thing about 50’s separates like this is that they were dressed up or down, since rock and roll, rhythm and blues and, later, cocktail parties became such a rage – on top of the more formal and traditional occasions that were always part of the social scene.

As usual, the cut and tailoring of this piece is outstanding. The fabric is quite nice, too. Just the right thing for a woman of intrigue to have in her closet, no? . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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SLEEK TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES HOUSECOAT

P1010004.JPGI love robes like this so much!  The cool, heavy nylon and pretty embroidered ribbon trim is so stylish and luxurious.  It just says “quality” all over, and it’s RED!!!!!

It’s an easy zip-up front.  Modern ladies of the mid-late 1960’s loved wearing these for leisure and as hostess gowns.  A little bit of at-home elegance . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MEN’S CLASSIC DESIGN BATHROBE – TRUE VINTAGE ’40’S, ’50’S, ‘6OS

GET THE FIRES GOING. LOUNGE-AT-HOME DAYS ARE WONDERFUL !

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

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I know Madge doesn’t look much like your granddad, but she was handy. These are just about my favorite men’s robes – with the black satin accents. Not easy to find now!

This is such a classic style that it’s difficult to be sure what decade it’s from. The pattern is helpful and the type of fabric, as well as other clues. The satin trim is rare.

Almost every old movie has scenes with men at home, wearing something like this. Especially if the man is enjoying his leisure hours, it really takes me back to classic cinema. Beats a track suit any day.

The thing about this style is that it is also deadly attractive on women. There’s something very fun and sexy about wearing your partner’s clothing once in a while – from shirts and PJs to robes, sweaters and jackets. Other stuff doesn’t usually work too well…

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TRUE VINTAGE NAME BRANDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

This pretty Seventies sweater is made by Banff – a company that has made high-quality knit clothing for women for several decades.  Sweaters, suits, jackets, ponchos, etc.   I picked this up very recently, mostly on the strength of the brand name (and, it’s awfully cute, too . . . . . .. )

I can never resist (nor do I want to!) beautiful lingerie from the Fifties and Sixties,  especially when the brand name is not one I see frequently.  This lovely half-slip was made by Dorsay.  The nylon has a wonderful feel and quality, and the applique’ embroidery is gorgeous.

Last, but not least, is a 1960’s bed jacket by Shadowline.  Their mid-priced lingerie and sleepwear is never over-the-top, but their designs are attractive and I can always count on the quality.  Worth it, every time.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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RARE FIND! WWII – POST-WAR PEEP-TOE PUMPS WITH CUBAN HEELS

IMG_1788Thrill, thrill, thrill – I love finding these guys!!  Bless your hearts, 1940’s women.  You took such good care of your shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!

With leather soles, so that they can be repaired as-needed forever.  Visible wear of the uppers and insoles is practically non-existent.

These were more-or-less everyday shoes for a town gal who would wear them in the house and on errands.  They could pass nicely for modest dress-up occasions, too.  (Weddings, funerals, a dinner date).

Ever practical and always aware of the deprivations of the Depression and war, war-time and post-war era ladies got in touch with their courage and capability.  It was only after the soothing and reassurance of the Fifties economic boom that they allowed themselves to be slipped back into their “place” as model housewives and mothers who became trapped in their new, modern homes.

The rest is history, which we’ve all contended with since.  But, I am proud to step into this woman’s shoes . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE FUR HAT BONANZA – A TOQUE IN CURLY LAMB

This was another one worth nabbing, because though I have similar curly lamb hats in black and marled grey, I didn’t have a luscious chocolate brown like this one.

It’s got a beautiful, architectural design that makes me think of the 1940’s.  It’s true vintage but is so classic that I can’t date it exactly.  Again, in near-perfect condition.

Curly lamb seems to be one of the furs that is easiest to replicate in imitation form, so go for it if you can’t find a real one made in the 1960’s or before.  Leave anything modern on the racks or, preferably, on the animals’ backs.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN LAMPS – FASHION FOR MY HOME!

IMG_1784IMG_1785This is a little off my usual track, but had to show you.  I’ve been scanning the radar for these for a while and, voila’!  They need a little TLC, but that’s easy.  They are in fabulous condition for their age and, as usual, they were a steal . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S COCKTAIL DRESS – SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Imagine my delight finding this LBD!! Very Mad Men, Jackie O and all that.  It was originally purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue.  What could be a better item to have as a wardrobe staple?  I’ll have fun with this one.

A black crepe in perfect condition, from the early to mid-1960’s. However, this design is so elegant and classic, that it’s timeless.

Back metal zipper and generous hem allowance, careful tailoring throughout and a high-quality decorative trim at the neck and hem.  The embroidered label inside is a real plus, too.

Most of my recent finds have been good fits for me and require little, if any, attention.  Thank you, fashionistas of the past, who loved and looked after your clothing so well . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE ’70’S DOES ’40’S SUNDRESS FROM WEST GERMANY

IMG_1759This fabulous 100% cotton dress was made in West Germany, obviously   before 1989 and maybe many years before that.  Yes, it’s another new find that’s out-of-season right now in North America and most of Europe, but I love, love, love this anyway and couldn’t wait to show it!

Forties style is so wonderful.  I love the cut-in shoulders that give a halter neckline feel without the bare upper back.  It’s one of my favorite styles and I’ve been so fortunate lately to find some true vintage Forties, too. Shirtwaist ease is always great – red and white polka dots – a nipped-in waist and midi hemline ………… Fashion heaven!!

Plus, it’s got that true vintage West German quality of workmanship and materials that make it a really good investment, no matter what.  It’s in perfect condition and will continue to last.  What could be better? . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE RED VELVETEEN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Both of these garments were custom-tailored in the late 1950’s to early 1960’s.  Here’s the holiday dress from last year properly modeled on Stella, finally – just look at those wonderful rhinestone buttons and belt buckle.  Try finding those now!  I’d tend to wear it at Christmas, but it would be beautiful at a dressy Thanksgiving dinner, too.

The skirt is a new find, in a slightly deeper red, which I love.  Dresses are great, but I’m always happy to find separates because of their versatility.  Now I have something true vintage to wear with pretty blouses and sweaters.

Black is always superb, but I love red and these unusual finds just put me in the holiday spirit!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM