Exquisite nylon bed jackets, in lovely pinks. There’s nothing that feels so luxurious as sitting in bed or in a boudoir chair with one of these over your beautiful nightgown while enjoying a cup of tea.
These are so comfortable and pretty, almost any time of year. As always, the fabric, decoration and details can’t be matched by things sold today.
Sweet dreams! . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Now we’ll go, almost, to the other end of the spectrum for some standard-issue men’s or boys’ cotton PJs – though they’re spiffed up with some really neat prints.
Plain and basic in their style, they’re well-made enough to have survived in good shape. They could even have been from the ’40’s, but I don’t think so. Somewhere between 1955 and ’65 probably hits it.
Though not luxurious, they are comfortable (I can wear them!) and a lot of fun! The red fans on the right are an unusual, to me, motif for men’s pajamas but, hey, what do I know? They are a traditional East Asian motif and may have been an influence of the Pacific arena wars the U.S. had just been through in the Forties and Fifties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The style is so un-fussy and classic that it could be worn casually like a day-dress or dressed up. It could have been made anywhere from the late 1940’s to early 1960’s, but I lean toward the ’60’s because of the cotton velveteen-type fabric, which was popular then. Hard to be sure, in this case.
I am certain that the suit was custom tailored. It might even have been done at home. It’s amazing that many women were able to do this. Tailoring requires a lot of skill!
Look at all the covered buttons. And, the buttonholes are also bound. Amazing! Not to mention the lining, interfacing and padding required to make a garment like this fit properly.
Although it looks very elegant as pictured, imagine all the ways it could be worn and accessorized. As separates, the jacket and skirt add more possibilities. Simple suits like this can be great additions to any vintage wardrobe, making a variety of quick-changes possible . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although very similar, I might place this dress as having been made a little earlier than the one shown yesterday – looks late 1940’s to me. It might or might not have been worn with a crinoline underneath. Like the other, it’s completely hand-made and this one has the tailor’s label sewn into the neckline.
One of the best things about this gown is the fabric – a plush, heavy velvet that feels like old rayon. Love the sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves that, to my taste, are done a bit more artfully than those on yesterday’s dress. I think it’s mostly a style change that took place over a couple of years around the turn of the ’40’s to ’50’s decade.
Anyway, who wouldn’t love it! I so wonder what events these dresses were made for and where they went. That part of the mystery is as yet unsolved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This gown is hand-tailored with extreme attention to detail. It would be worn with a crinoline for a full, bell-shape. Because of the styling, I would guess that it was made in the early 1950’s but, possibly, as early as the late 1940’s. A special occasion dress, of course, and there’s hardly any evidence of wear. Maybe it was even made for a Prom or Homecoming dance back in the day.
Women were so happy to dress in longer skirts, sumptuous fabrics and new styles after the austerity of the war years.
I’ll be showing a sister gown tomorrow – very similar style and probably made a few years earlier. What fabulous discoveries!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
With all the features of a fine men’s at-home lounge-wear garment, this robe may have been a bespoke item, though probably ordered through the menswear department of a large store. Alas, the original belt has gone missing but – amazing surprise – I have material that is a great match to make a replacement! It’s such a project to find matching/coordinating colors and fabric types for a job like this that I’m really fortunate in this case.
Another rare find that just caused me to jump for joy when I discovered it . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is a magnificent find, with all the beautiful tailoring details that I love on post-war suits and dresses. Notice the notched cuffs, fabric-covered buttons, interesting pocket treatment, back belt, button trim, interesting collar lapels with little embroidered detail and, of course, the fabulous fitted shape.
It’s worth every minute I’ll spend on altering the size to fit me (a simple job, in spite of the professional tailoring). No need to hire this job out, which is an extra bonus. Someone loved it very much over the years. Just one little, tiny moth nibble on the back of a sleeve and, otherwise, no damage or noticeable wear. Another mother-lode treasure! And, as always, for a mere pittance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A gorgeous 1950’s nylon full slip by Dorsay. Such beautiful lingerie! The workmanship and materials can’t be rivaled by modern versions.
Just look at the tiny pleats on the bodice and embroidery at the hem – plus lace, etc. and wider straps. the heavy fee of the nylon fabric is a delight, too. I’m sad that it’s too big for me, but I have many lovely others and, I’m sure, more on the way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
OK, head back 10 to 20 years for another frilly, girly piece of boudoir lingerie – a beautiful bed jacket, the likes of which has disappeared from our modern wardrobes. This was another of the lingerie luxuries that women enjoyed until the 1970’s.
Delicate and beautiful, items like this were common in average women’s closets. They seem a bit over-the-top for everyday wear today, but in mid-century life were (and are) very practical for before bed and early morning activities while women were wearing their nightgowns, without sacrificing feminine mystery.
Gotta tell ya’ – it beats throwing a hoodie or sweater over your pj’s in a cool house. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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