Category Archives: rayon

OOPSIE DAISY, BACK IN THE 1940’S WITH A BLACK CREPE COCKTAIL FROCK

For cocktails and/or dinner, a dressy but elegantly designed garment. Either pre- or post-WWII (probably Post-) a simple rayon crepe sheath with a midi hemline. Notice the beautiful drape of this fabric. Modest but semi-flashy rhinestone decoration and an eye-catching deep keyhole neckline, saying “YES! The war is over and we can party in beautiful dresses again!”

This one came from Australia so may even have been made in Britain, as much of their clothing was before the 1970’s or so. The arrival of fast fashion put an end to many quality brands and their exports as well as iconic department stores and ladies’ clothing shops which used to sell them. Today we can have boatloads of cute crappy stuff instead of a selection of well-made and lovely garments and accessories. Progress? Ha! Don’t believe it. I’m old enough to remember my grandmother’s good stuff and trips to the city with my mom for Christmas shopping. Stay tuned for more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Post-war 1940’s Early 1950’s Strapless Wiggle Cocktail Dress

This one was from Chicago, as the label tells me. It’s not officially an LBD because it is actually dark mid-night navy blue in a smooth, lighter weight fabric to get that sleek silhouette. In spite of the little flesh-color straps, which might have been mostly for hanging purposes, you’ve got to have the right figure to pull this off correctly. Marilyn Monroe did it wonderfully well.

This was a one-of-a-kind find originally sold by a higher-end store in the Windy City. Would love to know who, where, when and how it was worn but, sadly, there were no additional clues. Who cares – she speaks for herself. Stay tuned for more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Home-Sewn 1940’s Wartime Party Dress

A simple frock, probably made while times were lean and rationing had been imposed on the markets. The fabric is heavy – almost like taffeta but not that real deal. Probably some kind of rayon or acetate. The little splurge is the velveteen neckline, but during WWII any dress like this for an average gal was probably a splurge.

Even on a garment this modest, I love to discover the tailoring features that make it unique. In addition to the neckline trim, notice the little fold-overs that accent the shoulders. Shaping makes the bodice and waist trim and produces the full circle skirt. A deep hem allowance is also a luxury on a dress like this since it adds the option of adding length, adds a little weight to help the skirt sway and just makes the dress look like a more expensive garment.

I think it was made for a teen or a very tiny woman, but who knows the real story. Might even have been a Prom dress – good style for Swing dancing ad Jitterbug. What a fun find! Stay tuned for more knee length and midi cocktail frocks as well as full length gowns . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Gallery of True Vintage Lingerie Slips

Here’s a sampling of my dozens of beautiful lingerie slips from several eras. True vintage lingerie is essential to wearing your dresses, blouses and skirts with their best fit and comfort. Slips can be fine cotton, rayon, silk, acetate or nylon. Designs can be highly decorated or very sleek and plain. It pays to have every type you can find in different lengths and colors. Some are so gorgeous they can be worn alone as “slip dresses”.

Matching your undergarments to your dresses in a way that minimizes binding, getting too hot or having some unsightly see-through makes all the difference in the final presentation of your outfits and your enjoyment of wearing them. Usually, you’re the only one who knows how truly beautiful your full or half-slip really is. Sometimes it’s fun to allow just a corner of lace trim to show beneath a hemline or at a neckline. In other words, have fun. Have a beautiful Thanksgiving holiday and stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Unique 1950’s True Vintage LBD Cocktail Dress – Party On!

Any time there’s a special event or holiday, a true vintage little black dress will never let you down. This one is so unusual, I had to slip it into the line of bright and colorful frocks that I’ve been showing. Not an easy fit for everyone, but if you’ve got the shoulders to support the neckline and a tiny waist like Stella, it’s absolutely stunning. The drape of the bodice is genius and the fabric flower at the waist adds even more interest without any need to be flashy.

Jewelry should be sophisticated but simple. Diamond stud earrings or gold, or pearls. Absolutely NO statement necklaces to detract from that beautiful neckline and maybe no necklace at all. If more bling is desired, a delicate but luxurious bracelet or watch would be nice. Back in the day beautiful tiny watches in gold or platinum with diamonds were not unusual for those who could afford to splurge on them. Of course, a cocktail ring is always acceptable with a dress like this but, again, the jewelry should not overpower the dress, which is the star of this show. And, the show must go on. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Retro 1930’s Frock that I couldn’t pass up . . . . .

When I spied this dress I was immediately aware of the loyalty to 1930’s style in the fabric and design. Though it’s not true vintage, it was worth collecting. Love the sheer material, the drape and hemline. And, IT FITS ME! Will be seen on the street next summer. The purge does continue. Stay tuned . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s BOWLING TEAM DRESS / UNIFORM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s BOWLING TEAM DRESS/UNIFORM

Back to wartime or post-war frocks.  This is the cutest rayon dress ever, with that iconic swingy skirt that ’40s dresses often have and a wonderful relic from the ever-popular women’s bowling teams of the war  years.  Just like splashy musical movies, recreational activities like hometown sports were a great distraction from the reality of the times.

Anhauser-Busch or, more likely the local beer distributor, was the team sponsor.  Hence, the Busch Bavarian Beer patches on front and back.  The belt had the player’s name embroidered on it.  Perfect features for costume-wear!

Without the patches, the dress is styled like many day dresses from that time.  This one is probably from the late 1940s or, possibly, the early 1950s.

What a thrill to find it, and in excellent if not near perfect condition!  You truly just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s – ’50s LIGHTWEIGHT KNIT SWEATER OR BLOUSE

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s - '50s LIGHTWEIGHT KNIT SWEATER OR BLOUSE

Lovely nylon knit sweater-blouse in soft green. Perfect for making a transition to the cold weather. By Canterbury – a company which was known for beautiful cardigans, too. What’s the special magic about this one?

Look at the fit.  The knit drapes so nicely and it is full-fashioned, which always improves the way that a sweater fits the body.  At the neckline there are many tiny vintage shell buttons – the kind that are substantial and well-shaped, even though they are very small. They do allow you to close the neckline, if desired, but are mostly for decoration.  I just love that button detailing.

As long as you protect it from snags and stains, an item like this is very easy to care for. Hand washing (or delicate in a newer machine) is best, with similar colors.  This avoids stretching and, also, protects the color.  Nylon can absorb other colors in the wash so it’s always best to wash it alone or to avoid washing it with contrasting shades.  If you want to change the color of a nylon item, they accept dye very well.  Just be sure to follow the directions very carefully because they may end up streaky if you don’t.

With any kind of pants or a pencil, a-line or pleated skirt (depending on your figure) it looks wonderful.  This is how it was worn back in the day. Put a scarf at the neck, or pearls.  Perfect for every-day or dressed up – clothing of this quality is always elegant.

I found this at a small vintage shop, on the sale rack. I usually find the best things in unlikely places and at unheard of prices! I wonder who wore this one and where? You just never know . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEST TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SUNDAY, DINNER, PARTY, DATE, OCCASION JACKET DRESS

BEST 1950'S SUNDAY, DINNER, PARTY, DATE, OCCASION JACKET DRESS

Beautiful navy and pink combo on this special jacket-dress from the 1940’s.  A real beauty.  Nice drapey crepe in flattering navy and pink hues.

Flower petal collar. Easter splendor.  Come on Springtime! . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE RAYON DAY DRESS FROM THE LATE 1930s TO EARLY 1940s

TRUE VINTAGE RAYON DAY DRESS FROM THE LATE 1930s TO EARLY 1940s

Here’s another lovely shirtwaist dress for a Spring day, this one in rayon.  It could have been custom made or ready-made – no tags or tell-tale details to help me be sure.  In most cases, dating true vintage clothing is not an exact science, but with knowledge and experience can be pretty close. This frock makes me think of something Bonnie, of Bonnie & Clyde, might have worn.

Due to its age and previous history of wear, it did require a bit of rehab despite the wonderful condition.  Buttons had to be replaced and, as I mentioned in a previous post, a “new” belt had to be constructed as the original was missing.  I keep a store of vintage buttons for cases just like as this.  Also, I keep vintage belts that are worn in order that they can be re-covered.  That’s exactly what I did here – as there was lots of extra fabric in the hem allowance, I was able to harvest enough to re-cover a belt without messing up the original hem length.  You can see that the color of the fabric in the belt is slightly darker than that of the dress, but I don’t mind.  Sometimes that is done on purpose to add extra interest.  Also, since covered belts usually would not be laundered along with a dress (since their insides are like cardboard), the dress fabric might fade a bit more over time.  So, this un-faded piece of fabric from the interior of the hem (never exposed to sun) ends up being a perfect authentic-looking touch!!

To me, nothing says “Spring” more than these pastel printed dresses in breezy styles.  The lingerie that must go with them, because of their sheerness, just adds to the package.

When I find one of these I really jump for joy! It’s just one thrill after another because, you just never know .. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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