Category Archives: short-sleeved

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S MOCHA DRESSES – A SLINKY SHEATH AND A PRIM SWEETHEART

IMG_1006 IMG_1004       Two very different frocks.  This first dress is pictured from the side so that the pocket detail shows.   It is  very figure-hugging and zips on the left.  The pocket has interesting glossy braid decoration.   I’ve pictured with it a dark brown silk slip of that era that I wear with it.

The short-sleeved shirtwaist dress is very straightforward and modest, but with cute tailoring details on front.   A pointed collar and bow at the high neck.   Easy to wear with a button front.   The fabric is probably rayon, with a soft sheen.

Both have shoulder pads (of course!) and fabric-covered buckle belts.   Great style and true vintage 1940’s cache’.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S RAYON SHIRTWAIST DRESS AND LINGERIE SLIP

IMG_0991Navy blue again, with a white print.  Shoulder pads; the whole bit.   I just LOVE this style!   Forties rayon drapes so nicely, feels lovely and has a beautiful sheen. Shoulder pads and a belted waist are so flattering to many women and I love the prism-cut rhinestone buttons, too.

Pictured here with the rayon slip I wear with it.  Vintage nylon is wonderful, but rayon and silk slips are, also.  I like to combine similar fabrics  to my dresses in the undergarments I wear with them, if I can, or at least to match eras.

Also, woven peep-toe heels with ankle straps.  These are from the Forties or early Fifties and are also favorites.  All that’s missing are a garter and nylons, a handbag and jewelry – maybe a hat . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE SEVENTIES DOES FORTIES BLOUSE AND HIGH-WAIST PANTS

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Two finds from the 1970’s, put together perfectly.  I love the cute 1940’s vibe;  these pieces were made in the early 1970’s when that style was revived.  The shirt was from Sears Junior Bazaar and the slacks made by a company called Beeline. How fun!

The pants are long, so they’re great with platform sandals – another thing popular at that time – also part of the 1940’s retro thing.  As a true vintage sleuth, it’s so fun to watch how the styles go around and come around again.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY VICTORIAN-STYLE BOHO FINDS IN EUROPE!

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Talk about fussy and pretty .. . . . .!  Although they’re similar in some ways to the blouses shown yesterday, I like these so much better.  In spite of the high neckline on the left, they’re less prim and will look great with jeans and peasant skirts.

These styles go way back, from the 1890’s (with long gloves or a jacket, of course.  Can’t show those arms!) to the 1940’s and 1950’s when peasant-style was all the rage.  As always, the fashion came back in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s and was just as iconic then.

As I’ve said, it’s rare to find blouses and shirts this old in fabulous condition.  The things that  make this possible are the high-quality construction and fabric plus the fact that people used to care for their clothing much better than we do now.  For modern vintage sleuths, our gain!

So, never give up – just learn how to sneak smarter . .. . . . . . . . . . .. ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FEMININE TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S BLOUSES – FOUND IN DUBLIN!

Here we have Victorian meets 1940’s in these girly, secretary-style blouses that were really popular 40 to 50 years ago.  Paired with a straight skirt and mid-heel stiletto pumps, they were office-worthy attire or might have been seen on your favorite teacher.

The polyester used at that time was not as weird-looking and feeling as a lot of it has been since about 1975.  In this case, it’s much more refined-looking and might even be blended with rayon or acetate, which were very popular fabrics in the decades before then.

I’m certainly not professionally trained in costume design, but have learned a lot.  Average off-the-rack blouses from mid-century have many stories to tell.  These probably got a lot of wear, too, but it’s amazing how well they have held up.  Blouses of this style and quality are another rare find – more tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE SEVENTIES DOES FORTIES FLORAL DAY DRESS

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EARLY 1970’S RETRO-STYLE SHIRTWAIST DRESS

I’m dodging out of Paris and into Canada for one day because of today’s find.  In my favorite brown and blue combo, a custom-tailored poly frock from the early 1970’s that rocks the 1940’s vibe.

I’m impressed with how well the tailor set these ruffles on the collar and sleeves.  It testifies to some expertise. i’m not so much into ruffles, personally, but I adore swing skirts!

A simple dress but definitely from that time about 1973 when lots of cutesy ’40’s style elements were coming out in popular clothing.  I so love being able to date a garment very closely like this.  That makes it extra special. It’s a perfect fit for Giselle, too.  We’ll go back to Paris in the same time-frame tomorrow . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S MOD ARNEL SHEATH FROM PARIS

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A MOD PRINT IN RARE ARNEL FABRIC!

Moving forward in time 20 years or so, this iconic ’60’s dress is an unusual discovery.  In virtually perfect condition, what a find!

The fabric, Arnel triacetate, was a biggie for a few years but soon gave way to acrylic and polyester.  Granted, there are a few care issues that would have made the change more convenient but we’ve always lost something when those older fabrics were replaced with the “new and improved”.  The sheen and the feel of this material has never been duplicated, as far as I can tell.

Of course, the rarity and special qualities of these old pieces are what give me the biggest kick when I find one!  It would be boring if things made today looked and felt the same. Some day we’ll be able to see this only in museums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1940’S RAYON SWING DRESS FROM PARIS

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JUST MADE FOR SWING DANCING – AND DON’T YOU LOVE THE NOVELTY PRINT?!

This discovery came from a different arrondissement, but still within the city of Paris.  It is another treasure that only Stella can fit into.  I’ll get her to model it after returning to headquarters.  Also will be busy scouting out belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Couldn’t be more pleased, though, to find another wartime rayon frock in a fun, fun print. These are some of my favorite garments.  This one tells the story of WWII as it was custom-tailored and shows the signs of saving on fabric and notions.  The design is very simple with no extra decoration and a very narrow hem allowance, though the tailor did indulge in a big sailor collar with piping.

Such fun to find another rare novelty print – atomic squiggles with goofy birds and other animals.  The color combos are also unique.  Won’t ever find another one like it . .. . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE SLEEPWEAR FROM PARIS

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FABULOUS RAYON GOWN FROM THE 1920’S – 1940’S

First, let me introduce Giselle, the latest addition to my group of models.  She is from France, possibly via Montreal.  Just look at that attitude!  Although she’s new at this, she was born for it.  Today she is wearing one of my first Paris finds.  I absolutely LOVE discovering true vintage fashion from pre- to post-WWII and what could be better than Paris fashion?

This butter-yellow gown has ruching on the sleeves and bodice, plus bias cutting which makes for the great fit.  The peachy beige lace at the neck is an unusual color combination, and very effective.  Leave it to the French!

Yes, from an out-of-the-way place, but not if you do your homework.  Thanks, Theodora! More on the way . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SUNNY YELLOW TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES DOES THIRTIES FROCK

SUNNY YELLOW TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES DOES THIRTIES FROCK

This is so cute! I think it is from the late ’60’s, but might also be from the early ’70’s. It’s a ’30’s revival style with a flounce at the hem.  Lovely, drapey rayon, cut on the bias.  It’s missing the original belt, but otherwise is perfect.  Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun . . . . . . . . . .

Not my color, so this one was sold but I just couldn’t resist!   Wish I’d had Stella at the time, for the photo, since Madge couldn’t possibly get into it.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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