Wowee – I’m over-the-moon again. My latest nearly-greatest find will be posted tomorrow. Stay tuned . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Category Archives: retro
A LITTLE BLACK DAY DRESS – JUST RIGHT FOR A TRIP TO TOWN
Another elegant style, to be dressed up or down. Definitely needs a steam-clean, but we can discuss the details. Style is a simple, belted sheath (probably had a fabric-covered buckle belt originally) with 3/4-length sleeves and faux pocket detail at the hips. The fabric is a very nice shantung weave.
A dress like this is SO versatile that everyone owned at least one. It’s very basic and streamlined so looks smart for errands but dresses up beautifully for cocktails or dinner with high heels, pearls or a sparkly brooch.
I’m so glad to have it in my closet. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TWO MORE TRUE VINTAGE LBDs – THIS TIME FROM THE 1950’S
Little Black Dresses keep coming my way. Love this one, with interesting tailoring details. Since these don’t show up in the photo, I will explain while you use your imagination.
Short, short sleeves are very flattering and the front of the bodice is sheer to show off the lace or trim on a beautiful black slip from that era. There is a fabric tassel at the waist, to be tied into a bow. From the hip to near the hemline, horizontal pleats add interest to the pencil skirt. Very elegant and becoming and –
there’s more coming your way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
WELL-MADE 1980’S DOES 1940’S DAY DRESS
This is a very cute dress, faithful in many ways to the styles and fabrics of the 1940’s. Women of that time with moderate means would wear designs like this for work and general day-wear.
Although I’d prefer the real thing, many 1970’s and 1980’s garments that were doing the Forties thing are worth adding to the wardrobe. Not much since then.
Notice the interesting buttons, geometric print, slash pockets and waist treatment. It was also made by Damon’s, a division of Damon and Draper, well-known clothier since the early 1900’s. This one has found a place!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TIME FOR GLAM AGAIN – LUXE WOOL KNIT BEADED JACKET FROM THE KENNEDY-ERA 1960’S
Despite the flash glare, the color of this evening jacket is elegant black black. There were several companies and up-scale department store brands who made high quality clothing in dense wool knit in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s and here is one example.
Some have survived so well because of their quality and because owners looked after them. I have a few garments of this type, but not a black jacket so was thrilled to discover this one. Nothing could be more classic, versatile and wearable for evening. As always, I look forward to photographing my latest discoveries on the models back at Headquarters so that they are properly displayed.
More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
MID-CENTURY COTTON DRESS BY POLLY FLINDERS
Children’s vintage clothing is not my specialty, but when I see a classic dress that has survived in such good condition I usually pick it up. Polly Flinders brand made pretty, traditionally-designed frocks for babies and children during the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s.
What could be more classic than cotton with hand-smocked design. Babes, toddlers and pre-schoolers have been wearing similar little day-dresses for decades. Unfortunately, we all know what usually happens to children’s garments . . . . . . . it’s lucky if they last long enough for the next brother or sister to wear them before they’re ready for the rag bin.
So, here’s a piece of history that WILL get passed along many decades later.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
NEW FIND! BEAUTIFUL UNION-MADE DAY DRESS FROM THE 1950’S TO EARLY 1960’S
The first thing I uncovered on a recent sleuthing adventure! This dress is made of a glorious glossy fabric which may be a polished cotton. I just love the finishes put on many of the old textiles that far excel anything that is sold today in the mainstream market.
With cap sleeve styling, wasp waist, full skirt and, of course, excellent tailoring which includes a hem width of several inches, some lucky girl looked stunning. The ladies garment workers union label testifies to the care and expertise of these tailors half a century ago.
When I spied this one, I could hardly wait to see what else the day’s expedition might uncover. The treasure hunt continued, and you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SWEATER – BLOUSE IN LIGHTWEIGHT WOOL
Very feminine, very versatile. I photographed it on Madge and it fits her “VA – VOOM” like a Fifties sweater-girl but I think I’d like to see it on more petite Stella, instead.
This little blouse is a fine sweater-knit. Looks great with pants or skirts. Although it doesn’t show well in the photo, the small collar is decorated with delicate applique and beads. I haven’t tried it yet with the ’40’s slacks shown yesterday but the color is close so it might be perfect! What a fabulous find.
This blouse is a cross between sportswear and dress-wear. In the Forties, daily outfits were usually more finely tailored and sophisticated than what is worn now, no matter how “cute”. If you really want to be well-dressed, take a lesson from true vintage fashion . . . . . . . . . .. ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
ANOTHER KENNEDY-ERA DRESS FIND – UNBELIEVABLE!
This happens to me a lot – finding styles and garments from the same era one after another, with lots of similarities. Sometimes those similarities are also quite rare! Here we have another sheath design in a Junior size, with chiffon drapes from the waist. I’ve seen these drapes before from that time period, but from the neckline on Misses size dresses. However, the similarities end there . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
this one is not in black crepe. It is lined lace with gathers at the waistline and chiffon around the neckline. More demure and a tad more sophisticated. Still a cocktail/dinner frock and in perfect condition! Also in my size. I wonder what’s next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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