Category Archives: references

STELLA SHOWS OFF MY “NEW” TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES FROCK

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

This is one of the dresses which I recently found out West and it deserves a better photo so that you can see what a great find this was and why I’m so excited by it.  Look at that iconic Fifties fit!   In “real life”, the color is a bit warmer but still a light beige and it feels like a linen/rayon blend.  Who knows for sure?  Mid-century synthetics were so beautiful but they remain very mysterious . . . .

There are such beautiful tailoring details. The bodice is tucked and fitted, there are gussets under the arms to improve the fit and the satin ribbon trim is very artfully applied, with no visible seams. Pleats and faux slash pockets at the hip seams add style and enhance the fit, too.  These faux pockets are interesting – they’re about 1″ deep – too shallow to use, but they look real and add a bit of fullness to the hipline.  Vintage tailoring tricks were very creative and added incredibly to the style of garments that would otherwise seem ordinary.

In this picture, I have included a belt which would have been close to the original.  I’m convinced that the original belt was covered with the same fabric as the dress, so I plan to do that.  Some extra fabric can be taken when the hem is finished, without making the dress too short.  It’s a tiny size – about a 0 – 2 in modern numbers – and really would fit better someone without Stella’s 5’8″ stature.  The proper length should be below the knee.

So, you see why I gasped with delight when this one showed up.  My investigations are always peppered with moments like this that keep life in the shadows very interesting . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

LATEST DISCOVERY – TRUE VINTAGE LADIES FULL LINGERIE SLIP BY VAN RAALTE IN AQUA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAMy collection of true vintage clothing contains lots of gorgeous lingerie pieces, but there’s always room for another one like this! Van Raalte was one of the best brands and it’s no wonder that I fell in love with this one at first touch. You know how much I value that fabulous heavy nylon that was used in the best lingerie from the 1950’s.

This slip is in an extra-small size, so I’ll save it especially for wearing under dresses that require a smooth, sleek line like some from the 1930’s and 1940’s. A beautiful undergarment like this is perfect for achieving that look, while keeping your outfit just as gorgeous underneath as it is on the outside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

MY LAST “NEW” FIND – SWEET TRUE VINTAGE WHITE EYELET BLOUSE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA From the same era as yesterday’s dress, this is my last “new” find. Although at first glance it looks like many things made recently, it’s not – and everything I said yesterday applies to it, too.

It’s just a cut above things made now and I’ll enjoy wearing it because it makes ME look better! The styling and fit are superior.

The peasant/farm girl/hippie clothing made in the late ’60’s and early ’70s is so fun and flattering that I always snap it up when I find it. Nothing of that style made since then seems to look as good.

So, I’m heading home soon with a dozen or more finds that I’m very happy with! Vegas was also pretty slim pickin’s, but they’re out there. It’s such a transient city that there may not be as many women still here whose treasures from decades past will find their way into the secondary market. Most of the classic glam and glitz came and went . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY DAY DRESS – THE FINDS KEEP COMING . . . . . . . .

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAHere’s another T.V. day frock that I love. To an uneducated eye, it looks like something modern. Actually, this dress is from the late 1960’s to mid-1970’s. Very sweet and simple style and totally practical for everyday wear.

I’d much rather have it in my wardrobe than any of it’s similar lookalike cousins that were made recently. Until you’ve experienced the difference, you won’t know how much better it feels. Until you’ve owned one and used it, you won’t appreciate it’s superior qualities and how they can improve your life.

Sometimes the differences are subtle, but always valuable. The material is nicer, details of better quality and the cut is a little better. Which means – that it will fit in a more flattering way, last longer, perform better in the wash and feel better to wear. If you’re also helping the planet and your budget while preserving fashion history and quality workmanship, what could be better? Well, we’ll get in to that another time . . . . . . .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

MOST EXCITING FIND YESTERDAY! – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S DRESSY DAY DRESS WITH LOTS OF CLUES . . . . . . . .

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Yesterday I found 3 more true vintage garments and none of them look exciting in the photos. But, if you know more about them and can “see” where they came from, each one is great!

This is a dressy frock for day, a date or a significant appointment. It should look fabulous on Stella because it’s tiny, as are many from that era. There are tailoring details that told me it was not a modern copycat and set my thrill-meter going.

Looks like a rayon/linen blend that needs a press and light cleaning, but it’s in great shape. The facings and hem need to be stitched down, but that’s a fast job that anyone can do by hand and doesn’t intimidate me at all. I’ll probably make a replacement belt from some fabric in the hem, which does take more time, but it’s not hard and is worth it for a dress like this because I’m almost certain that was the original look.

Since there’s no label, I’m wondering at this point if the dress was custom-tailored and maybe hadn’t even been quite finished yet. If so, the tailor was a real professional and it’s such fun to trace the story through the clues in the details.

Well, there’s another episode in fashion history when I get to experience the story from someone’s years-ago closet and lifestyle. It’s a great way to time-travel . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

I KEEP FINDING TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BLOUSES – SWEET!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Been having such good fortune with a few rare items turning up for me all month. Love these two – both from the 1960’s or early 1970’s:

1. more black & white in my favorite boat-neck, cap sleeve, pullover style. The only thing missing is the original belt, but that won’t be a big deal to replace. The polyester fabric has a really nice hand. Take a look at the label. It’s a small maker that is new to me – such fun to find!
2. this classic button-front style has such great stripes! It’s the print and colors that made it stand out from the crowd. Takes me right to the late ’60’s and I will love wearing it.

If you love the Sixties and the Beatles music, I recommend the LOVE show by Cirq de Soliel here in Las Vegas. Came highly recommended to me and I pass that on . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

RARE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY ’60’S ORLON POLO SWEATER

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Beautiful Orlon acrylic is just the best for the comfy and pretty sweaters that were part of everyday wardrobes mid-century. Almost nothing feels softer and lighter, excepting a top-quality cashmere.

In a pretty butterscotch color, this sweater will be so easy to wear! It’s rare to discover one, because knits can be so vulnerable over time. Besides its wonderful feel, true vintage Orlon seems to pill less than the acrylics common today – and that is always a very welcome feature.

This one will be so pretty with skirts and slacks. I love the tiny buttons at the neckline – there is another little one right under the collar, too. And, the style! The Peter Pan collar and short sleeves are so classically flattering and feminine on a woman yet work equally well when designed for a man.

Uh, oh – elegance spotted again . . … . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

IT WAS A DARK NIGHT IN THE CITY . . . . . .

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-11I wish! Just got back from a steamy sleuthing sojourn in the Southwest. Wowee! 106 degrees Farenheit is no walk in the park. I do prefer dark alleys in the evening, but one has to pursue a trail when it’s hot.

I found the pickings slim, but did scoop up two finds – one of them rare, and both quite nice. Also, I did see 3 gorgeous old fur jackets from the Fifties, but they weren’t for
for me today, given their condition vs. the prices asked. It’s important to learn when not to take trails that might lead to a dead end . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES DAY DRESS – IT’S A MAD, MOD, MID-CENTURY WORLD

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA What a fun find! Classic black and white knit dress by Caron of Chicago, in the most marvelous mod, op-art design.

It’s a beauty! Haven’t seen one by this brand name in a while, so I love catching up with a previous acquaintance. Although this classic style will never go out of fashion, the graphic is so eye-catching that it will always seem new and avant guarde.

What a great example of fashion artistry!! We always love the “timelessly elegant” design that is never flashy, but eternally beautiful and ageless no matter when it was made – but there’s also this category of knock-your-socks-off great designs that look fabulously new and fresh, even though they’re 50 years old!!!

No wonder its first owner took such good care of it, but then, treasure is always worth safeguarding. Quality true vintage – just like a pot of gold . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE EARLY MID-CENTURY NIGHTGOWN – SEXY, SIMPLE ELEGANCE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Don´t know for sure if this gown is from the Forties or Fifties, but I´ll bet on the early 1950´s.  This sweeping, silky style is so gorgeous on!  No frills and fussy details, just the most wonderful nylon that feels fabulous.

You might remember the gown I discovered a year or two ago which has a similar treatment of the front straps.  I just love this – no hardware or bulky seams.  Looks like origami.

Palest pink is always flattering and perfect for lingerie or sleepwear.  I´ll enjoy this one so much . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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