I have lots of mid-century beaded bags but this one’s a bit older and I especially like the shape of it, soooooo . . . . . . . . . . . .
of course I had to pick it up. This iridescent beige/gold color is so versatile to go with anything and everything. So pretty – it makes me think of Grace Kelly.
Perfectly clean inside and with beads intact, what could be better? .. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The perfect casual circle skirt for summer! Cotton candy colors, ruffles and beads. Someone made this for fun the the 1950’s or 1960’s. I’ll do it justice next summer!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’ve really been scoring the RARE finds over these past few weeks – older garments and accessories, iconic styles and items in great condition! Can’t wait to get back to Headquarters and put this wartime bridal ensemble on Stella, who is the only one of my models who will be able to wear it. Until then, I’ll tell you the story of this lovely gown and it’s matching veil. As an additional blessing, the tale comes directly from the original family.
Although many brides were wearing suits and shorter dresses to be married in 1940, this bride chose the traditional full-length gown and veil for her ceremony. It was purchased through a well-known department store, where her father was a buyer, and may have come from Europe. The rayon dress is not a high-end item, but is an iconic design of the time and elegant in it’s simplicity. An unusual feature is the antique ivory color, which is original. The full-length veil of fine netting with embroidery flows from a delicate headband decorated with dried flowers and vines.
The gown was stored away after the wedding and cherished by the family for many years. Now, I will continue to care for it with the love and respect it deserves.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Found yesterday! A beautiful cotton sundress with matching bolero jacket. These lady-like dresses were popular in the early 1960’s for everyday wear. Perfect for a day at the county fair.
Another reason for the good condition is the quality of the fabric and the workmanship. A maker’s tag is still at the neckline and indicates that it was from an upscale mid-priced clothing line.
It’s another rare find. I’m always so thrilled with the lovely tailoring details on these older dresses. As usual, someone cherished this one and took excellent care – there’s hardly a bit of wear. Just another day in the life of . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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JUST MADE FOR SWING DANCING – AND DON’T YOU LOVE THE NOVELTY PRINT?!
This discovery came from a different arrondissement, but still within the city of Paris. It is another treasure that only Stella can fit into. I’ll get her to model it after returning to headquarters. Also will be busy scouting out belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Couldn’t be more pleased, though, to find another wartime rayon frock in a fun, fun print. These are some of my favorite garments. This one tells the story of WWII as it was custom-tailored and shows the signs of saving on fabric and notions. The design is very simple with no extra decoration and a very narrow hem allowance, though the tailor did indulge in a big sailor collar with piping.
Such fun to find another rare novelty print – atomic squiggles with goofy birds and other animals. The color combos are also unique. Won’t ever find another one like it . .. . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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MID-CENTURY PRIMITIVE ART PRINT BATHING SUIT
Before leaving the Baltic, I couldn’t believe it! (Oh, yes, I could) . . . . A rare find of this mid-century swimsuit in near-perfect condition. It’s got that pretty-but-sporty look that was so popular then, in a classic sleek tank style with a mini-skirt effect right at the hips.
Adjustable button straps. molded bra cups and a back metal zipper. Just perfect for one of those tropical island movies of the 1950’s. And, of course, I carried it away for a mere song. You just never know . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another treasure from the 1960’s. Sorry my camera/laptop is playing tricks on me again – can’t edit the photo.
This pretty Spring dress was custom-tailored with lots of nice features. Love the Mod bell sleeves – I’ve run across several of these in the past 2 years, all of a sudden. It’s fully lined, with raglan sleeves and an invisible zipper center back.
The seamstress knew her stuff and did a very good job. Although it’s plain, it’s very well-made. The first thing she did right was selecting the fabric – a good quality polyester and/or acetate. The print and colors are gorgeous – SO SIXTIES!!!
Sorry that this isn’t my color palette (makes me look jaundiced) but I’m sleuthing for true vintage fashion – not only things I can wear. So, that didn’t stop me. Never does . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Was I ever thrilled to run across this beauty! Sleek and slinky, it’s got great film noir presence. Another dress that Madge can’t wear, but I can’t wait to photograph it on Stella because it would fit her just right!
With a side zipper at the waist and fabulous design, it’s such a neat wartime style.. The color is tricky to photo – a medium mauve, grayish purple. Very unusual and lovely.
The best thing is the bead trim – and especially the trailing streamers that hang from the hip area. You’ll see more of these rare & interesting tailoring features in some future posts.. . . . . .
No, it’s not a dirty camera lens and Yes, there is a flaw on the front, with a funny stain or fade on the left bodice that can’t be remedied. However, it’s just the right place for a pin, a flower or corsage which early mid-century women often wore for a night out. I think I’d love a piece or two of markasite jewelry with this frock . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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FABULOUS CUSTOM-TAILORED GOWN
Wow! Another nice little journey that made my day!! Not only did I spy this little number by turning a corner in a place where I don’t usually look, but when I got her home and made a closer examination, many elements of her story revealed themselves. What a fun surprise!
The second two photos are what I first saw. I knew it was true vintage right off the bat, but the lace puzzled me. It looked a bit too modern and odd in it’s placement, but then I’ve been surprised before doing a little research in the past, so that didn’t stop me. There were other factors which testified to her era . . . . .
Later on, I found more. And, the lace was tacked on as an afterthought. Did the original seamstress just want to gussy it up a bit or was it adapted as a costume years later? It has a bit of a dance-hall girl flavor to it . . . . .
So, off came the lace and look what happened to the skirt when it wasn’t tied up a bit! Not a full circle, but with lots of movement. And the fabric is incredible – a heavy rayon with a double-sided pattern that you could almost wear inside-0ut. I’ve got a two-piece jitterbug dress from the pre- or post- WWII era that is made of similar material, so I think that I’ve got my time frame. I’m going to go with that . . . . . . . . how cool!
It’s always fun to spot something that immediately leaves no questions, but those that reveal an on-going mystery story are the real icing on the cake. More tomorrow . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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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
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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