Category Archives: rayon

LET’S BE ELEGANT – LUNCH AT SARDI’S ANYONE?

LET'S BE ELEGANT - LUNCH AT SARDI'S ANYONE?

True vintage from the 1950’s, this one was not made for a lunch date at the local diner.  We’re in to Spring-weight fabric here, but black and white is always season-less (or is it dark navy? It’s close . . . .)

Just look at the beautiful drape on the bodice, and the sweet cap sleeves.  The jacket, again, has 3/4 sleeves to show off the elegant gloves and fine bracelet or watch.

Another of those outstanding ensembles which can take you almost anywhere . .. . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LOVELY SPRING HALF-SLIPS FROM THE 1950’S

MORE LOVELY HALF-SLIPS FROM THE 1950'S

Conjures thoughts of Spring, in spite of the winter storms – this, too, shall pass . . . . . . . ..

Spring IS just around the corner. Especially once we get past March, it’s the time that Spring and Summer fashion traditionally is brought out in force and warm weather clothing appears on the store racks. The way the weather has been changing, it can be different tomorrow!

Before the weather does get hot, beautiful lingerie is a must under Spring clothing when the colors get lighter and the fabrics do, too.  Nothing modern compares well to the heavy nylon and artistic, high-quality decoration of slips made before the early 1960’s.

So, whether you’re into pastel dresses or not, wearing one of these can make you think of sunny skies and keep a secret smile in your heart. . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A TRUE VINTAGE EMBROIDERED RAYON BLOUSE FROM THE 1940’S

A TRUE VINTAGE EMBROIDERED RAYON BLOUSE FROM THE 1940'S

This is a rare blouse, in a silky rayon fabric.  If it weren’t for being a war-time garment, I might think it was a silk/rayon blend but, since the war effort used silk for other purposes, it was rare to find it in any clothing (or hosiery!).  Rayon was King, and it’s a fabulous fabric.  I just LOVE 1940’s and ’50’s blouses!

This one I’ve had for a while.  It is finished at the hem to be worn un-tucked. Rather big for me, so I wear it as a tunic style.  About 2 sizes smaller, it would be beautiful under a suit, no?  Great design over a skirt, however, and dynamite with slacks.

The beautiful coffee-colored embroidery is what also “makes” it.  Mocha-colored items are a bit unusual, and a nice year-round color.  Neutrals are just about the most elegant, and versatile, of all hues.

It’s the gorgeous details and workmanship on this shirt that really cause it to stand out. Back in the day, this kind of craftsmanship was “de rigour” and now we really have to search to find it – and usually only in true vintage garments like this one . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ANOTHER HAND-TAILORED MID-CENTURY SCARF, THIS ONE BY VERA

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Probably from the early 1960’s (remember that blue & green craze that happened then?); this beauty was made in Japan, as were many (most?) of the mid-priced scarves found in the U.S. during the 1950’s and 1960’s.  Italy and France have always been makers of wonderful scarves, too, and tended to be high-end if they were from those countries.

Like the Echo scarf shown a few days ago, it is signed with the maker’s name.  There is also a small cloth tag in one corner, which is hardly ever seen now but used to be common. This tag gives country of manufacture and fabric content.  Often the brand name is there, too, and sometimes care information.

Naturally, the material is a lux blend of silk and rayon and the edges are hand-rolled and stitched.  High quality, beautiful scarves are a fabulous accessory and, you can’t have too many . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEWLY-DISCOVERED MID-CENTURY BLOUSES LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!

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At first, I thought that the green/brown blouse on top was a camouflage pattern – but it’s not.  It is a 1950’s art print fabric that is so fun!  It was commercially-made, with a care tag at the neckline.  I love cap sleeve blouses and yesterday’s finds were a real bonanza!

The two on the bottom are identical, excepting for the colors, and undoubtedly were custom-made by the same person, from interesting rayon or rayon-blend fabrics.  I’ve shown the back view on the right so that you can see the back buttoning and the interesting seaming.

Like so many mid-century garments, these are sporty and dressy at the same time.  I can wear them with shorts or Capri pants, like the ones I found last week, or with a skirt or under a suit jacket.  Always smart and elegant, no matter what the occasion.  That’s the beauty of true vintage fashion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WOW TIMES 3!!! GORGEOUS MID-CENTURY ASIAN JACKET BLOUSE

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What a beautiful find!  Because of the traditional styling I can’t date it exactly, but it’s old. Rayon satin with lovely floral embroidery.  Like the silk Cheongsam dress I found last week, this garment is so gorgeous and timeless – I’ll love wearing it for decades.

There’s another similar one of red silk hanging in my closet.  It looks wonderful with dressy black crepe pants,  a skirt or dress for cocktails or a special dinner party.

It’s off to the cleaners after I check the lining for any messages Mata Hari might have left behind . … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS AND RARE FIND! WARTIME RAYON BLOUSE – NEAR “MINT CONDITION

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Can hardly believe my good fortune – but then, I always say that though I really DO believe it.  Here is a home-sewn rayon blouse from the late 1930’s to early 1940’s.  The colors are a bit washed-out in the photograph, but are brilliant and glossy in reality.  Someone made this pretty shirt with french cuffs and cute buttons from a glorious rayon fabric and guarded it carefully for 80 years!

The seamstress (or tailor) used machine and hand-stitching.  Beautifully-done.  The cuff buttons are hidden inside.  Expert clothing-makers in the early 1900’s knew how to do things properly, even when sewing at home.  It’s such a skill worth having!

As usual, I’ve started this segment of recent discoveries from the oldest up to the most recent so you will be seeing lots of mid-century treasures.  Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BACK TO TRUE VINTAGE – 1960’S BLACK CREPE COCKTAIL DRESS

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From a New York clothier, this frock with a shimmy-shake beaded bodice is classic 1960’s. The fully-lined black crepe dress with a knee-length hemline was a standard of 1950’s and early 1960’s cocktail party attire.

Fun elements of beading and flirty design were common in the Sixties.  I love finding one of these – so wearable and always playful, while toeing the line with classic couture.  You can wear it (almost) anywhere without raising eyebrows.

And, as always, quality and excellent condition for the past 45 – 50 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HILO HATTIE HAWAIIAN SHIRT WITH TRADITIONAL ELEGANT STYLING

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This nice shirt isn’t quite 20 years old, but I picked it up because of the styling and construction.  It’s by a reputable company, has a really nice print, quality rayon fabric, cap sleeves and covered buttons down the front with toggle closures.  Made to wear un-tucked.

Most modern Hawaiian shirts are not made so well these days, so I was happy to find one that is.  Once in a while it’s worth it, as I will show you again later . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1980’S GUNNE SAX DRESS

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So pretty – with signature 1980’s shoulder pads plus the Edwardian, Victorian elements that designer Jessica McLintock has always loved.  Dark green crushed velvet makes this a Fall/Winter dress for a dressy occasion.

Although it’s not way old or classic, I often like to pick up designs by Jessica McLintock that date 1985 or before.  They are definitely of an “era” and well-made.  This one will be fun to wear.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM