Category Archives: Post-war

ANOTHER VERSION OF THE MID-CENTURY COTTON DAY – DRESS

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A little bit later in the time-line, sleeveless and cap-sleeve day dresses came along as favorite day-wear for women.  This more casual style  continued to keep them in a dress, looking feminine, but also retained the easy-wear aspect that had become so important. Some, like this one, had pretty details that added a bit of dressy feel, but overall these dresses were so comfortable and easy to care for that they were a great liberation from the fussy styles and fabrics and many mandatory accessories that had dominated women’s lives for decades (centuries).

This is what women wore in the 1950’s and early 1960’s the way that we wear jeans today.  Personally, I like having the choice . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND! CUSTOM-TAILORED MID-CENTURY TAFFETA GOWN

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This frock was made for a very special occasion.  The stylistic features are early mid-century, but I suspect that it was made in the 1960’s or 1970’s.  Makes me curious . . . . . .

It’s a war-time/rockabilly/musical performance recital/costume frock that could have almost any of those histories.  It’s a bit over-the-top for cocktails.  I’m guessing that it was made for someone who was going to a dance or about to sing an aria or perform a concert on the cello.

Whatever! . . . . . . . . . . it’s a fun mystery dress in  one of  my favorite colors.  If it weren’t for the bones in the bodice (awkward packing issue), I’d add it to my selection of disguises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF A GORGEOUS LINGERIE NEGLIGEE’ FROM THE 1950’S

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Lingerie nightgowns before 1960 – ’65 were every bit as beautiful as the slips made during the mid-century.  Just look at this pretty lace and wonderful fit.

It’s no wonder that so much of film noir shows actresses in their lingerie – we don’t see so much of that now – it’s either dressed or nude because the wonderful in-between garments are gone.  At-home life used to be a lot more interesting . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

EMMA DOMB 1950’S PARTY FROCK AND JACKET

EMMA DOMB 1950'S PARTY FROCK AND JACKET

Always right any time of year – an exquisite little number from a famous designer of the time.  Wasp-waisted and embellished with rhinestones and netting.

Love halter necklines – this rayon dress is so lovely.  The pinkish net in the decolletage keeps things relatively modest, but it’s certainly not a conservative choice!

I treated myself to this one when I won a raffle!  It was still, as always, a bargain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FOR WHITE NIGHTS – 1950’S BEADED EVENING SHELL BLOUSE

FOR WHITE NIGHTS - 1950'S BEADED EVENING SHELL BLOUSE

Now that we’re beginning to feel like getting out of sweaters and wool . . . . . . .  Whether you’re clubbing or out for a very elegant dinner, this beautiful beaded shell would steal the show.   Bead decoration was still done beautifully in the late ’50’s- early ’60’s.

Not the same as beading in the 1920’s and earlier, but equally nice. Dance the night away . .. . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1940’s -1950’s ROCKABILLY PROM DRESS

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It’s pretty gaudy, but somebody loved it back in the day!  It can be worn off the shoulder, peasant-style, too.  There’s nothing expensive about it, with simple workmanship and “cheap” fabrics so it makes me wonder if this was a wartime frock.  If not, it was post-war early Fifties.

Anyway, it’s fun and the second dress I’ve come across in the past couple of years in this style.  Must have been at the back of someone’s closet or basement for a long, long time – just safeguarding those special memories of a dance or party date.  Hmmm, you just never know. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE TAP PANTS FROM THE 1920’s, 1930’S, 1940’S AND ?! 1970’S

TRUE VINTAGE TAP PANTS FROM THE 1920's, 1930'S, 1940'S AND ?! 1970'S

To wear with a pretty brassiere or camisole, these were the underpants of the ’20’s, ’30’s and ’40’s.  In the 1970’s they also came back for a while, though not as sumptuous or luxurious as the originals.

Clockwise, 12, 3 and 6 o’clock are the older ones, made of silk with hand-done embroidery and lace.  They also close with buttons on the left side.  At 9 o’clock, the newer pair from the ’70’s is of nylon and has nice lace, with an elastic waistband.  It also has a matching camisole.

Look at those luscious colors!  And, the silk is so smooth and comfy.  In most cases, a garter belt and hose would also be worn with these, since women were usually wearing skirts or dresses, and those were often loose-fitting.  Nothing there to cramp your Charleston, Lindy or Jitterbug style.

You know what I’d rather wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RARE FUN FIND! 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S WWII POST-WAR PUMPS

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Very basic, faux suede – which leads me to think that they might have been made during wartime.  Perhaps they were just an economical brand of everyday shoe.  2″ Cuban heels – couldn’t be more practical – just right for Lucy or Ethel in the day of an average 1950’s housewife, or classic rockabilly style.

Love these old standard brand names – “Vitality Shoes”.  Certainly put a spring in my step when I found them! . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER FABULOUS FIND – NYLON STOCKINGS WITH SEAMS!

ANOTHER FABULOUS FIND - NYLON STOCKINGS WITH SEAMS!

For some woman, before the popularity of pantyhose, these nylons would have paired nicely with the panty-girdle I showed a couple of days ago.  They could be from a few years earlier, too.

These beige beauties are a real keepsake.  I love the look of stockings with seams, but will probably never wear this pair.  They’re too precious!

Imagine when keeping your seams straight throughout the day was another thing to have on your mind!  Well, you wouldn’t have had to check email . .. . . . . . . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MEN’S TRUE VINTAGE WOOL SHIRT JACKET FROM THE 195O’S – EARLY 1960’S

MEN'S TRUE VINTAGE WOOL SHIRT JACKET FROM THE 195O'S - EARLY 1960'S

Perhaps a little earlier in the mid-century, here’s something for the men. Wool shirt-jackets were very popular for both sexes and great for transitional weather, like now!

This one has all the classic features – front pocket, vintage plastic buttons, shirt styling but with a placket front, so it’s a pull-over.

It’s what granddad wore when he raked the leaves . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM