Category Archives: Post-war

SUCH FUN! TRUE VINTAGE SOUVENIR KITCHEN LINENS

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

From the West and Down East – a vacationer’s mid-century mementos of a fun holiday!

Fun cotton linens for the kitchen and dining table were big favorites during the 1950’s and 1960’s.  Many a traveler picked them up as souvenirs, too.  I just love the funky and funny prints!

As always, these items tell a story.  You could have practically driven through California without a map after buying this muslin tablecloth. Although the apron doesn’t have any words, the cute illustrations of pilgrims/immigrants in their native dress and the border designs contain a lot of information about the communities or cultures that they came from.

Also, if you can do a close-up look, you’ll see a small vintage safety pin stuck in the waistband.  I always like to leave things like this in place because that’s just how the cook or housekeeper wore it during her daily routine.

These linens will last forever if they’re looked after well – remove stains quickly and wash gently.  I’ll bet that I can channel some very interesting vibrations with these in my kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MY SECOND MEN’S BATHROBE FROM THE ’50’S – ’60’S, WITH A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT VIBE

MY SECOND MEN'S BATHROBE FROM THE '50'S - '60'S, WITH A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT VIBE

You see how classic – this robe is made in the same style as the one I showed a few days ago, with the same, now rare, black satin trim. However, the feel is completely different.

This robe is of Sanforized cotton, in a very traditional medallion print. The fabric is slightly lighter-weight and much more “conservative”.

I suspect that this robe is also from the 1950’s, or  the late 1940’s. Menswear has rarely been as lavish as women’s and this one was not a luxury item, but these satin-trimmed robes are special.

Makes me think of a man of distinction; a real big spender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE EIGHTIES DOES FORTIES FROCK

IMG_1787You know that I go mostly for the 1960’s and before, but once in a while I get seduced by some true vintage retro from the Seventies or Eighties. Well, it happened again a couple of days ago.

This is a nicely-made and designed dress by Betsy’s Things (no relation to Betsey Johnson), a brand I’ve liked before.  It has several style features that I look for.  And, it’s a beautiful fit on me!

Looks pretty nice with my “new” Forties shoes, too.  What could be better? . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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RARE FIND! WWII – POST-WAR PEEP-TOE PUMPS WITH CUBAN HEELS

IMG_1788Thrill, thrill, thrill – I love finding these guys!!  Bless your hearts, 1940’s women.  You took such good care of your shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!

With leather soles, so that they can be repaired as-needed forever.  Visible wear of the uppers and insoles is practically non-existent.

These were more-or-less everyday shoes for a town gal who would wear them in the house and on errands.  They could pass nicely for modest dress-up occasions, too.  (Weddings, funerals, a dinner date).

Ever practical and always aware of the deprivations of the Depression and war, war-time and post-war era ladies got in touch with their courage and capability.  It was only after the soothing and reassurance of the Fifties economic boom that they allowed themselves to be slipped back into their “place” as model housewives and mothers who became trapped in their new, modern homes.

The rest is history, which we’ve all contended with since.  But, I am proud to step into this woman’s shoes . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE ’70’S DOES ’40’S SUNDRESS FROM WEST GERMANY

IMG_1759This fabulous 100% cotton dress was made in West Germany, obviously   before 1989 and maybe many years before that.  Yes, it’s another new find that’s out-of-season right now in North America and most of Europe, but I love, love, love this anyway and couldn’t wait to show it!

Forties style is so wonderful.  I love the cut-in shoulders that give a halter neckline feel without the bare upper back.  It’s one of my favorite styles and I’ve been so fortunate lately to find some true vintage Forties, too. Shirtwaist ease is always great – red and white polka dots – a nipped-in waist and midi hemline ………… Fashion heaven!!

Plus, it’s got that true vintage West German quality of workmanship and materials that make it a really good investment, no matter what.  It’s in perfect condition and will continue to last.  What could be better? . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE DRESSY DAY DRESS FROM THE EARLY 1950’S

IMG_1731This really neat find comes out of the “I Love Lucy” era.  The skirt is somewhat wider than it shows, but not a circle skirt – a bit more refined and subdued dressy shirtwaist style.

Whether it was commercially made or home-made, many of the tailoring details have been done by hand.  The application of the trim in front is an intriguing conundrum – done partly by hand and partly by machine, in a mysterious manner that defies imagination.

The fabric is a rayon weave with a bit of gloss and body, rather than a fluid drape. It’s so interesting to explore the different fabric materials, weaves and finishes – especially from the era from pre- to post-WWII.  Every era has it’s fabulous fabrics, but that time seems to have a lot of them.

I’ve really been on a roll here, and it continues.  Keeping my spyglass on the trail  . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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CASUAL CORDUROY JACKET: TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S

HERE’S ONE THAT’S JUST AS CLASSIC AS BLUE JEANS . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

Casual Corduroy Jacket True Vintage 1940s - '50sThis is a great true vintage jacket that I love. It is unlined, so I can start wearing it now in the evenings.

Easy zip but stylish, too.  The so-retro pointed collar is great and my hat’s off to the designer who placed those welts on the shoulders.   They’re very flattering to most women and, along with the fitted waistline and slash pockets at the hips, really improve the looks of almost all figures.

That’s what I like best about true vintage fashion – the tailoring is usually so good with surprising designs! Though this is not a high-end item, touches like that make it superb.

The style is so classic in it’s lines that I can pair it with almost any casual clothing and can snazz it up with accessories, too.   Final favorite feature? – It reminds me of old movies. . . . . . . . . . . . …

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A Few 1940s Wardrobe Staples

A FEW TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SHOES AND HANDBAGS FOR FALL

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A Few 1940s Wardrobe Staples

Here are a few items that I ran across by surprise – from the 1940s (or so).  All perfect finishes for a wartime or post-war costume.  Mary-jane all leather shoes (always a classic), Capezio soft leather dance or casual flats and a couple of simple woven bags from the Depression era or time of wartime rationing – a drawstring and one with a metal zip in the top.  It’s fun to find things in such good condition (and at very good prices). You just never know . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

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LOVE TO DANCE? HERE’S THE PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY DRESS. . . . . . . . . . .

Source: LOVE TO DANCE? HERE’S THE PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY DRESS. . . . . . . . . . .

LOVE TO DANCE? HERE’S THE PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY DRESS. . . . . . . . . . .

IMG_1672With this kind of styling, you could do almost any type of dancing in it, but a Fall gala would be perfect . . . . . or think a cotillion or Homecoming Dance.  You wouldn’t want to waste this fabulous Forties frock on the local beer joint, would you?

This dress, I suspect, is from the late Forties Post-war era though it could be from the early 1950’s.  Black rayon with velvet cord decoration and those sleeves with ruching.  I enjoy picking up on tailoring details that I’ve seen before (check out the ’40’s day dress from about a week ago).

It’s the velvet cording that is the stand-out feature.  Looks like it was from a small designer line and styled with an eye to giving it a luxurious look.  Originally found in a Southern U.S. state, you can imagine the social functions and elegant affairs that it may have attended on the back of some lovely Society belle . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM