
Just found a trove of custom-tailored summer fashions, plus some accessory goodies. Wow, posts are going to be up to mid-December now so, stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Just found a trove of custom-tailored summer fashions, plus some accessory goodies. Wow, posts are going to be up to mid-December now so, stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

I always pick up these old cotton or cotton blend housecoats when I find them. Although there are similar ones being made now, the older ones tend to have the best quality and most interesting styling and decoration.
Such fun to know these little differences that make a big impact on your satisfaction when you wear them!
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

Wowee! Someone custom-tailored this cute mini-dress that falls from above the bust-line and is a really flattering shape for someone whose waistline has temporarily disappeared. It also could have been a “tent” style, which was all the rage about that time. In any case, it’s perfect for Fall no matter how or why she wore it!
All kinds of “new” stuff, including a wonderful hairdo for Stella. She’s psyched! So am I. We’ll be spreading a lot of rockabilly vibes and more. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Classic true vintage ’40’s – early ’50’s style, custom-tailored by Rosalie Couturier. I loved finding this dressmaker’s personal label in the waistband of this beautiful frock! What a nice surprise since it was hidden. The best labels, like this one, were embroidered on cloth.
It’s amazing that this beautiful garment has survived 60 – 70 years in such wonderful condition. Its original owner obviously loved it and cared for it well.
Lovely rayon fabric, with stitched-in pleats on front and back – bodice and skirt. So many little hand-done details. Beautiful, big sculpted shell buttons, fabric-covered belt. A little wear there on the buckle, but that is the only flaw.
And, when I got it home it fit Stella beautifully. Perfection!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Embroidered all over with gold metallic thread, this designer dress from the famous high-end retailer is a fabulous find! Couldn’t believe it. Luxurious at-home wear that can easily go out and about – there are no “rules” these days saying that would be “not done”.
I love true vintage hostess and patio dresses, as well as other at-home wear from eras past. Often the better-quality items are in fantastic condition because they were worn sparingly and/or cared for so well by their original owners.
Just another marvelous day in Mid-Centuryland for the Magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Look what I did to my dress! You had seen this late 1960’s wool dress before, and I loved the red knit top of it, BUT, the years had not been kind before it came to me and some moths had had a banquet. Just couldn’t live with the little holes here and there, and no good way to fix them.
SO – why not snip it off at the waist and fashion a dirndl/pencil skirt instead? So easy! All I did was finish (by hand) around the waist with a piece of grosgrain ribbon, sew a few hooks and eyes in the placket left where the zipper used to be et voila’! Just for extra fun, I threaded a black tie belt through the crochet so that it ties off in back. Wouldn’t have had to, but it allows me to fit the waist a little more snugly and adds a cute touch.
Brainstorm! Maybe I can wear it with that neat green sweater found recently – and black boots – must check it out . . . . .. … .. . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Whenever I encounter beautiful examples of sleepwear lingerie from this era, I always bring them home. Although I love the pj’s, knee-length gowns are another favorite. While made of the same type of wonderful nylon, the gowns usually have more elaborate and prettier decoration.
The Fifties saw mostly pastel pieces similar to the one on right, though sometimes in red or black. During the Sixties bright colors were popular, as on the left. This was kind of backward to how lingerie slips were made – go figure.
Anyway, there was no debate or stopping-to-think-about-it for me, but always nice to know all about it . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Just came up with this one, too. So many of the day dresses from this era were made to very elegant standards. Although a lot of lace dresses have been made in the last few years, trying to duplicate this look, I’ve never seen one done to the level of quality and design as true vintage examples.
So, be vigilant and don’t be mislead by the vintage design charlatans and scam artists . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Just found – I sometimes like TVR (true vintage retro-at least 30 years old and made in a retro style) garments if they are well-done. I’ve recently found quite a few.
In this case, we’ve got a south-of-the-border print dress made by Brownstone Studio (a “better” modern brand) with true-to-the-Forties style and a lightweight rayon print shirt-waist in my favorite dark navy and white that kind of flutters as you walk.
For everyday, when I don’t want to have to be concerned about safeguarding a precious true vintage garment while I’m living life, these are just right.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM