Wowee – I’m over-the-moon again. My latest nearly-greatest find will be posted tomorrow. Stay tuned . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Category Archives: mid-century
YEE-HAW! GIT ALONG LITTLE DOGIES! AN ICONIC WESTERN-WEAR LABEL SINCE THE EARLY 1900s
Yes, it’s a standard cotton cowboy shirt with snap closures. An embroidered patch on the back indicates that it was worn by a rodeo showman. It’s not that old – 1970’s – 1990’s probably, but the real treasure is the brand label. Again, look it up on Wikipedia – very interesting history.
Of course, I look mostly for garments and accessories that I’ll add to my own wardrobe but this field of espionage is so fascinating that I sometimes take a little detour. I wonder what may show up next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TWO MORE TRUE VINTAGE LBDs – THIS TIME FROM THE 1950’S
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
TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SEPARATES FOR SPRING AND SUMMER
Not always the most exciting things to find, but I am always thrilled because true vintage wardrobes cannot be built without them. What will you wear with that great 1940’s skirt or pair of slacks? What blouse will be just right under the beautiful skirt suit?
I also love these garments because of the fabric and tailoring. A hand-knitted sweater from back in the day is always a great find because they’re RARE and much more nicely crafted than machine-knit mass-produced clothing in the stores today. I love the Forties/Fifties style of this one with gathered shoulders and ribbed cuffs, fitted waist and a scalloped boat neck. The short-sleeved shirt is a well-tailored cotton version, so common during the 1950’s and early 1960’s for everyday wear. The pale pastel palette will be just right with skirts, shorts, jeans and summer whites.
I hit the separates jackpot which I’ll continue to show you tomorrow. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TIME FOR GLAM AGAIN – LUXE WOOL KNIT BEADED JACKET FROM THE KENNEDY-ERA 1960’S
Despite the flash glare, the color of this evening jacket is elegant black black. There were several companies and up-scale department store brands who made high quality clothing in dense wool knit in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s and here is one example.
Some have survived so well because of their quality and because owners looked after them. I have a few garments of this type, but not a black jacket so was thrilled to discover this one. Nothing could be more classic, versatile and wearable for evening. As always, I look forward to photographing my latest discoveries on the models back at Headquarters so that they are properly displayed.
More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
LOVELY MID-CENTURY LINGERIE FULL SLIP – A FAVORITE TAILORING DECORATION ON THIS ONE
Although I have so many pretty true vintage lingerie slips, when I find one this nice I always pick it up. It will be just perfect under the dress I found a couple of days ago (look back on the blog) – right length and color. The best thing about this one, though, is the design.
I love it when lace is sandwiched between layers of sheer fabric. So subtle and beautiful, but also protected so it will wear well. The picture doesn’t do it justice – you really have to see these garments up close to appreciate them.
Light and pretty – fortunately they don’t take up much space to store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
RARE AND UNUSUAL FIND – A BEAUTIFUL HAND-MADE KIMONO
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
NEW FIND! BEAUTIFUL UNION-MADE DAY DRESS FROM THE 1950’S TO EARLY 1960’S
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
TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SWEATER – BLOUSE IN LIGHTWEIGHT WOOL
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
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