Category Archives: references

SURPRISE 1950’S SLEEPWEAR FIND!! LIKE-NEW TRUE VINTAGE PAJAMA SET

IMG_1733Another big thrill for me – finding this RARE pajama set with both pieces, and in virtually perfect condition!  Made by Barbizon, of delicious cotton batiste with smocking and lace. The pants button closed and are not elasticized – I love that.  Such a cute and comfy summer pj’s set.

Similar to the other clothing items that I like best, these are classic in design. The things that really set them apart are the superior tailoring details and the exceptional quality of fabric.  Pajamas like these last forever if they are washed gently and are extremely comfortable.

Found these just last week, but I discovered another sleepwear treasure yesterday – so stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S COCKTAIL DRESS – TRIMMED IN MARABOU FEATHERS

IMG_1743Here’s my neat-o find from yesterday.  This is the best photo I could get, so hang with my description.

A classic wool crepe cocktail frock in an unusual style.  Cocktails? Dinner? Theater?  I guess it could be designed for any of these.  Usually dresses of this sort are sleeveless and at least a little bit revealing, but this one is completely different.

Styled as a back-zip sheath with a bateau neckline – very conservative – but revved up by the sleeves.  They are the best part of all:   3/4 length, with a slit in front up to the elbow joint, and trimmed all around with marabou.  They would call for long, beautiful gloves and/or a diamond bracelet or watch because that’s where the attention is focused.

Fully lined in a soft, woven material – this dress is made to be worn during colder weather when the sleeves and wool content would feel welcome.  It’s really nice to have a party or dress-up piece like that instead of having to resort to wearing dress pants or a long skirt and sweater during winter weather.

So I find, again, that there can always be something interesting hiding around every corner . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ANOTHER WONDERFUL SURPRISE FIND TODAY, FROM THE FIFTIES

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-1111121Again, something unusual that tickles my fancy!  I think it tickled the original owner, too, and maybe her date . . .

I’ll show you tomorrow . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – MOHAIR CARDIGAN SWEATER

IMG_1732Red, red, red!  I’ve found several outstanding red items in the past little while – getting me in a Christmas mood a little early.  This beautiful sweater was hand-knitted at a time when lots of women were still doing needlework on a regular basis.

In the favorite yarn of the time  – mohair – maybe with some angora blended in. Every girl had to have a mohair sweater, usually knitted by herself, mom or grandmother.  In this case the knitter put her own name at the neckline.  I think that a few were commercially made, but I’ve rarely seen that.

The buttons are even cute – red plastic, with sailboats stamped on the front.  The nautical theme has always been classic and popular for Spring and maybe says something about the person who wore this.

Anyway, I know I’ll be snuggling in it when I’m in the December holiday mood and right on through February . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S WAR-TIME DAY DRESS

IMG_1730I love, love, love this one!  Custom-tailored (probably at home), it’s got ’40’s design details and, of course, shoulder pads.  Stella will absolutely flip!!!!!

The fabric is a kind of poly-type synthetic in a flower print.  Signs are that it was made some time in the midst of WWII.  Just a fun and practical frock to wear while she was carrying on with the day-to-day.

Best of all, it fits . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

A BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE HAND-MADE VEILED HAT

IMG_1721Another “new” find.  That’s all you’ll be seeing for quite a while now!

This hat looks like a spring/summer model in pink and grey.  I can’t say exactly how old it is, as the milliner may still be in business.  But, it’s seen some wear (the veiling has some tears inside) and it was made to the standards of older hats with a liner, grosgrain ribbon inner band and little loops to catch pins in order to anchor the hat to your hair.  The ornament would be worn in back.

The fabric feels like a rayon/poly-type blend and the veiling is very nice.  My guess is that it’s “relatively new” (like within 10 – 20 – 30 years ago), but made with materials that are specially produced for “hatters” and that probably won’t make them mad unless they sniff too much adhesive.

Constructed to the traditional standards, for women who continue to prefer a hat for occasions such as church, weddings, funerals and such.  I’m happy to see that, although not quite as wonderful as older, true vintage hats almost always are, it’s certainly a cut above what is usually made now.  It’s only small, individually-owned shops that are run by someone who loves the art of millinery which produce hats of this caliber today.

Hope you all had a wonderful Halloween – my favorite holiday of the year . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

1940’S ATOMIC PRINT SWISHY RAYON DAY DRESS – FABULOUS FIND!!!!!

IMG_1736This dress has a huge skirt that flows to mid-calf. The fabric feels like whipping cream pouring through your fingers.  True vintage synthetics from the Forties are just indescribable – you have to see and feel them for yourself.

This day dress was custom-tailored at home, I would guess.  The time frame is late 1940’s to early 1950’s.  It will look so great on Stella.

It’s been a while since I discovered a true vintage frock from the Forties.  This week I’ve found two!  This is SO much fun!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S RED FEATHERED HAT

IMG_1720Can you imagine?!  What a fabulous addition to my collection of feathered hats.  What a perfect stunner for the Christmas holidays!!!

Along with the red wool dress from 2 or 3 weeks ago, and a red velveteen that I’ll show a bit later, this hat would make a statement, for sure.

These Sixties feather hats are just so over-the-top.  Can almost compete with the hats from the Forties.  And this color!!!!!  It’s too wonderful not to treat very carefully, but what about part of your costume for a Halloween party . . . . . . . .

I’m just over the moon, as you can see, because of the things I’ve been finding recently.

You’ll have to imagine with me, especially as we get to more of the dresses, how they look off the hanger.  Can’t wait to be able to photograph them on Stella or Madge, to show them off properly.  Of course, Marlene, Celia and Daphne will look smashing in the hats – and I’ve got 3 more of those coming . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

“NEW” DISCOVERY! TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1960’S FLOWER-POWER BLOUSE BY MISTER LEONARD

IMG_1716This is the most wonderful sheer flower-print blouse with big pirate sleeves!!!  It’s so FLOWER POWER in the colors that were popular then.

All the telling tailoring signs of the time are there, too – the cut and the finishing details.  Can’t wait to photograph it on Stella, who will give the style it’s correct shape.

But, the best shape is when I get to wear it!  And, it’s just my size . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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