I love the fit of this jacket! Down the middle of the back, there is a deep inverted pleat. Bracelet-length sleeves are wonderful, too – great for showing off jewelry or beautiful gloves.
Tailoring in these old leather jackets is just outstanding. Colors are also sometimes unusual, though not garish. The ones I’ve seen are very subtle and lovely.
A jacket of this type is just right for three seasons of the year . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
With all the casual elegance of the mid-1960’s, this metallic frock is the greatest! I was just thrilled to find this. It’s fully-lined and in great shape. I had to tack up the hem and give it a light cleaning – that’s all!
More perfect party-wear. Couldn’t ask for more this holiday season. I enjoyed this one on New Year’s Eve. Simply-made and easy to wear, that’s the best of the best when it’s also high quality.
Love true vintage . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
While we’re in a New Year mood, here’s a really special dress from, I believe, the 1950’s. It’s more or less a cocktail style, but could go to dinner and dancing, too.
Originally, it had nude netting on the front bodice and upper back, with skinny binding around the armhole area and the neckline. The purpose is to give a bare look, without the bare.
Very elegant but, unfortunately, the material had some small holes which could not be repaired. I could not locate material of the same type for a replacement, so I reluctantly removed it and restyled things a bit to make skinny straps instead. It works! Being versatile is an indispensable skill.
I love this dramatic pointy accent on the front! The fabric is also very elegant – probably a rayon that looks for all the world like silk shantung. And the hourglass shape!
Worthy of Peggy Lee any day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Isn’t this the neatest and most unusual thing?So many uncommon finds, and it just keeps on going . . . . . . . .
HAPPY TURKEY DAY EVERYONE! We have so much to be thankful for, and I’ll think of all the excitement and happy times that this mid-century smock has probably seen over the years while I enjoy a beautiful meal at sea.
This is probably the oldest smock I’ve discovered, of delicious cotton that is SOOOOOOOOO soft now. Of course, it was meant to wear while cooking or doing housework, but I may wear it as a summer top, too. Over pants, shorts or a skirt it will be very cute!
I love to imagine the stories that my true vintage garments could tell and, if I look closely, I can find clues. This one tells of how hard it worked, but still held up for many, many years. It tells of how meticulous it’s wearer was in preventing stains, burns or tears. The only damage, which I fixed, was caused by the number of times that sash had been tied on . . . . . . . .
Thank you, also, to you – my faithful followers – who have stuck with me for years and to all who have enjoyed the fun and surprises with me.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Not a really finely-made example, but a really rare one that I’ll have lots of fun with. Just because of the similar color, I’ve paired it in this photo with a well-made 1980’s gored skirt in 1940’s style.
Whenever I feel like hanging out in jeans and penny loafers or saddle shoes on a fall day, I’ll reach for this top. Great disguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is such a beautiful thing – I wish it weren’t too big for me. But oh, well, I love it all the same. Not way old, because it’s poly satin, but the embroidery is to die for and it’s not completely colorfast so may not be too modern. I’m not always sure about the construction and fabric qualities of garments made overseas.
Anyway, what a gorgeous item to wear around the house and, also, out. I have a fantastic embroidered red silk jacket from China that I often wear with black pants when dressing up is the thing. Looks ab fab.
Tomorrow I’ll show a very recent discovery of the same genre, but older and more the style of Mata Hari. Something I’d been searching for for a long time . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although the phrase “made in Japan” used to connote (in Western countries) some cheap trinket back in the WWI, WWII and Post-war days before their technological revolution, Japan is also the country that is known for gorgeous kimonos and traditional garments of the most elaborate embroidered silk.
Another unusual and surprising find. I’m not sure exactly how to date this 100% cotton robe, but it’s beautiful and well-styled in it’s elegant simplicity. The fan motifs are very wonderful and I love the colors (as does Stella – with that auburn hair it’s dynamite on her!).
Definitely a keeper. More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another nod to the 1940’s, 1970’s style. Cool! I’ll have so much fun wearing this one, right away! Lovely knit with covered buttons on the cuffs – although it was a mid-priced item, it’s still been well-made by the fabulous Ladies Garment Workers Union.
Just the right weight for the transitional weather that we’re about to step into and perfect Autumn colors. I’m looking forward to a Labor Day weekend music & beer party in a few days but, I think I’ll wear one of my mid-century Mexican skirts this time – just because. These fabulous jumpsuits only have one little drawback . . . . . . . . . . . . In spite of the similarities with cat burglar leotards, not good for sleuthing in, either . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Vintage high-top ladies’ roller skates, complete with pom-poms and original carry-case. (I can even wear them!) How cool is this!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 