THE FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE MYSTERY DRESS FIND EXPERIENCE!!

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FABULOUS CUSTOM-TAILORED GOWN

 

Wow!  Another nice little journey that made my day!!  Not only did I spy this little number by turning a corner in a place where I don’t usually look, but when I got her home and made a closer examination, many elements of her story revealed themselves.  What a fun surprise!

The second two photos are what I first saw.  I knew it was true vintage right off the bat, but the lace puzzled me.  It looked a bit too modern and odd in it’s placement, but then I’ve been surprised before doing a little research in the past, so that didn’t stop me.  There were other factors which testified to her era . . . . .

Later on, I found more.  And, the lace was tacked on as an afterthought.  Did the original seamstress just want to gussy it up a bit or was it adapted as a costume years later?  It has a bit of a dance-hall girl flavor to it . . . . .

So, off came the lace and look what happened to the skirt when it wasn’t tied up a bit! Not a full circle, but with lots of movement.  And the fabric is incredible – a heavy rayon with a double-sided pattern that you could almost wear inside-0ut.  I’ve got a two-piece jitterbug dress from the pre- or post- WWII era that is made of similar material, so I think that I’ve got my time frame.  I’m going to go with that . . . . . . . . how cool!

It’s always fun to spot something that immediately leaves no questions, but those that reveal an on-going mystery story are the real icing on the cake.  More tomorrow . . . . .

 

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

 

 

 

 

TWO LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE 1920’S – 1940’S

TWO LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE 1930'S - 1940'S

These kinds of lingerie items are so special and rare. Dainty, lightweight robes like the one on the left were standard bedroom wear in the ’40’s and before – the thing to wear between rising and dressing.

The contrasting colors of the rayon gown on the left are so unusual and little details like the tiny buttons and shoulder-augmentation make this a distinctive garment – not just something to throw on absentmindedly.  It’s from the late 1930’s to 1940’s.

The gown on the right is even older. It is of white/ivory rayon satin, with side snap or hook closure in a plain sheath style. I’ve paired a  bed jacket with it, made of similar fabric. This could be adapted to a formal dance or wedding gown and would be from the late 1920’s to the 1930’s, similar to a Coco Chanel design of that time (the dress – not the bed jacket).

Anyway, they are wonderful finds and gave me a real thrill to discover them! The fun never ends . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

HOW ABOUT A LITTLE FILM NOIR? TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940’S RAYON DRESS

HOW ABOUT A LITTLE FILM NOIR? TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940'S RAYON DRESS

A beautiful, belted rayon dress in midnight navy – with a little collar, rhinestone buttons and an apron peplum. Just right for a vintage weekend dinner – date and dancing.

This frock is from the post-war years following World War II when everyone was beginning to think about starting a better life. The luxury of more variety and quality fabrics again meant longer hemlines and a return to pretty details.

Someone had kept this beauty in her wardrobe all these years, as a reminder of those elegant and victorious times, and the Greatest Generation. Thanks again, boys . . . . . . . . . .. .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TWO UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE EVENING COATS – 1940’S – 1950’S

TWO  UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE EVENING COATS - 1940'S - 1950'S

I just had to add these to my collection when I found them! The coat on the left is a lightweight wool in a textured weave and could possibly be worn over a dressy day-dress, too. The coat on the right is a lightweight black crepe.  Let me describe them in more detail . . . . . . ..

The brown coat on left has a rippley collar and bands of fur – probably mink (not sure) – around the collar and down the front.  It has big fabric-covered buttons in front and on each sleeve. It could be knee-length only if you’re quite short.  This one was made during the 1940’s.

The black one – more an “opera coat” (but not long enough) – is made of black rayon, lined in white, with sable-colored mink on the cuffs.  Perfect sleeve length for long gloves.  It would be knee-length on someone of average height. I think it was made to wear over LBDs in the ’50’s.

What finds! I discovered 3 of the longer coats within a few months of one another – 2 black and one ivory cream – but I’ve never seen one since. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSES FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S IN SILK, LINEN & RAYON

Here’s the perfect shirt to go with those 1940’s pants, right here on the left – ivory silk by Lady Manhattan.  Nothing more classic and beautiful  – unless . . . . .

We move center to a waist-length linen blouse that buttons up the back. Look at that fabulous lace neckline.  How feminine and chic!  Under a little suit or just with a skirt . . . . . .

And, the blouse far right can do the same job in sumptuous rayon.  It shows more of the gorgeous hand-done tailoring detail that is so characteristic of true vintage garments.

They’re all treasures . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ANOTHER FIND – TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S FLOWER-POWER BLOUSE

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Unbelievable!  This beautiful fitted blouse in lovely smooth rayon was a “QUEEN” size in the mid-sixties.  It’s labeled as a 13/14 but it fits me with a little extra room in the bust – and I wear a modern size 4.

Who cares, right?!  It’s got all the lovely features of true vintage tailored items, with extra seam allowance and nice darting to enhance the fit. Love the print, the long sleeves and oh-so-Sixties roll collar.

Another unusual discovery and, wait, there’ll be more . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

THE FIRST PHOTO OF MY “BEST” TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE SLIPS – THE MOST BEAUTIFUL UNDERTHINGS!

This begins the main showing of my beautiful slip collection. They will be grouped, generally, by color. Overall, they’ll range from 1920’s – 1960’s with most from the ’40’s and ’50’s. We’ll start off with some golds and bronzes.

Materials will be silk, acetate, rayon and nylon – most will be of nylon. The trims are lace and netting, sheer nylon, embroidery, ribbons and applique’ – I think that covers it.

Most times the body of the slips and the decoration are of the same hue, but in many fine pieces – as shown here – the decoration is done in a contrasting color. They’re almost too pretty to cover up!

Isn’t it luscious to know that while you’re all bundled up in your wools and corduroys, jackets and sweaters and coats that underneath it all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE ROBES AND DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE LATE 1930’S – 1940’S

WHAT CAN I SAY – TRUE GLAMOUR ALWAYS SPEAKS FOR ITSELF . . . . . ..

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE ROBES AND DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE  LATE 1930'S - 1940'S

We’ve done a little film noir leisure dressing for the men, so here are 3 of my very favorite women’s things of the same era.  The fabulous ’30’s robe with shoulder pads and tassels, the cute little wartime rayon dressing gown and the glam  ’40’s rayon dressing gown.  Hollywood movie star all over!

Imagine Veronica Lake or Joan Crawford sweeping into the room. Deanna Durbin would look sweet in that dressing gown.

I like to recline in one of these while sipping a cognac and reviewing the latest assignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S JACQUARD COCKTAIL BLOUSE

THIS WILL BE PERFECT FOR UP-COMING PARTIES . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S JACQUARD COCKTAIL BLOUSE

Here’s a lovely, oh-so-flattering jacquard blouse for cocktails, dinner, dancing and parties. It looks superb with a long black skirt or black cigarette pants.

Notice the little bows at the waist. It also buttons up the back (I LOVE that feature of so many ’50’s blouses) with 5/8″ covered buttons. Very swank.

The fun thing about 50’s separates like this is that they were dressed up or down, since rock and roll, rhythm and blues and, later, cocktail parties became such a rage – on top of the more formal and traditional occasions that were always part of the social scene.

As usual, the cut and tailoring of this piece is outstanding. The fabric is quite nice, too. Just the right thing for a woman of intrigue to have in her closet, no? . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE…

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TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S COCKTAIL DRESS – SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Imagine my delight finding this LBD!! Very Mad Men, Jackie O and all that.  It was originally purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue.  What could be a better item to have as a wardrobe staple?  I’ll have fun with this one.

A black crepe in perfect condition, from the early to mid-1960’s. However, this design is so elegant and classic, that it’s timeless.

Back metal zipper and generous hem allowance, careful tailoring throughout and a high-quality decorative trim at the neck and hem.  The embroidered label inside is a real plus, too.

Most of my recent finds have been good fits for me and require little, if any, attention.  Thank you, fashionistas of the past, who loved and looked after your clothing so well . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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