Yes, it’s a summer dress but how could I resist? We don’t usually find them with all these pretty details – a very Victorian Prairie thing for a hot-weather girl. Looks like it was commercially-made, but there are no tags. I may end up selling it next year but, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’ve got lots of beautiful vintage lingerie, so I’m not in the habit of picking up lots of slips now – BUT – I don’t have a single one with this wonderful mid-Sixties Mod print! Didn’t take me long to grab this one.
It’s in beautiful condition, so I’ll enjoy wearing it for decades – maybe as a skirt next summer. The label is so worn from washing that the brand name is no longer legible but I can see that it is “100% Nylon”. Seems like that was kind of a big deal at one time.
Such fun, and a new thing for me!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Absolutely couldn’t believe it when I encountered this 1940’s – 1950’s post-WWII frock – looks like it just came out of the box! Somebody loved it and kept it for special.
Back in the day, this was this was an everyday – Sunday tea kind of dress. It was very modestly-priced in it’s time but was meant to look nice for not-just-your-ordinary occasion. My good luck that it’s owner was so fastidious.
It’s a little big for me so, unless I want to have it altered, it will probably end up on eBay some day. But how could I pass it by? There’s more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another elegant style, to be dressed up or down. Definitely needs a steam-clean, but we can discuss the details. Style is a simple, belted sheath (probably had a fabric-covered buckle belt originally) with 3/4-length sleeves and faux pocket detail at the hips. The fabric is a very nice shantung weave.
A dress like this is SO versatile that everyone owned at least one. It’s very basic and streamlined so looks smart for errands but dresses up beautifully for cocktails or dinner with high heels, pearls or a sparkly brooch.
I’m so glad to have it in my closet. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Little Black Dresses keep coming my way. Love this one, with interesting tailoring details. Since these don’t show up in the photo, I will explain while you use your imagination.
Short, short sleeves are very flattering and the front of the bodice is sheer to show off the lace or trim on a beautiful black slip from that era. There is a fabric tassel at the waist, to be tied into a bow. From the hip to near the hemline, horizontal pleats add interest to the pencil skirt. Very elegant and becoming and –
there’s more coming your way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s that gorgeous kimono found about a week ago. It has been pieced together by hand, as as far as I can tell. Some of the basting stitches are still present. The blue-tinted edge dying around the lower hem (and also inside the sleeves) is something beautiful and I can’t figure out how it was done.
Don’t know how old this garment may be, but it’s been around for a while. The lovely colors illustrate chrysanthemums and cranes – both, I think, traditional Japanese decorative motifs. I’d love to know more about it’s origin and the history of the design.
It’s also VERY long, so might have been made for a man in spite of the floral pattern (?). Not my area of expertise. What next – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The first thing I uncovered on a recent sleuthing adventure! This dress is made of a glorious glossy fabric which may be a polished cotton. I just love the finishes put on many of the old textiles that far excel anything that is sold today in the mainstream market.
With cap sleeve styling, wasp waist, full skirt and, of course, excellent tailoring which includes a hem width of several inches, some lucky girl looked stunning. The ladies garment workers union label testifies to the care and expertise of these tailors half a century ago.
When I spied this one, I could hardly wait to see what else the day’s expedition might uncover. The treasure hunt continued, and you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Very feminine, very versatile. I photographed it on Madge and it fits her “VA – VOOM” like a Fifties sweater-girl but I think I’d like to see it on more petite Stella, instead.
This little blouse is a fine sweater-knit. Looks great with pants or skirts. Although it doesn’t show well in the photo, the small collar is decorated with delicate applique and beads. I haven’t tried it yet with the ’40’s slacks shown yesterday but the color is close so it might be perfect! What a fabulous find.
This blouse is a cross between sportswear and dress-wear. In the Forties, daily outfits were usually more finely tailored and sophisticated than what is worn now, no matter how “cute”. If you really want to be well-dressed, take a lesson from true vintage fashion . . . . . . . . . .. ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This happens to me a lot – finding styles and garments from the same era one after another, with lots of similarities. Sometimes those similarities are also quite rare! Here we have another sheath design in a Junior size, with chiffon drapes from the waist. I’ve seen these drapes before from that time period, but from the neckline on Misses size dresses. However, the similarities end there . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
this one is not in black crepe. It is lined lace with gathers at the waistline and chiffon around the neckline. More demure and a tad more sophisticated. Still a cocktail/dinner frock and in perfect condition! Also in my size. I wonder what’s next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 