Category Archives: store

JUST FOUND – SOME PRETTY CUSTOM-TAILORED 1960’s DRESSES

Yes, I’m back at Headquarters now – unpacking and taking care of business.  Although these finds are out-of-season right now, despite the heat, I like to show brand-new discoveries ASAP.

What makes these worthy of my closet?  The styles are simple, but the vintage fabrics are REALLY NICE.  Also, the hand-done tailoring touches, like a full lining, well-cut facings and hem allowances make them special garments.

I always pick up pieces of exceptional quality.  They are rare treasure, not seen in the marketplace today.  Stay tuned for more . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

I RE-STYLED A GREAT TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S WIGGLE DRESS!

IMG_1001     When I found this cutie, it was one slim dress – probably about a size 2 – 4, but very tight and petite in the bodice, so hard to squeeze into.   It also had a little wear on some of the seams.

I mused and pondered about how to save the dress so that I could wear it because I love the style and, especially, the pink/brown/ivory printed material.   It feels so wonderful – can’t explain it – you’d have to experience it yourself.   Some kind of synthetic or poly-knit, which was popular then and I’ve never seen any quite like it.   Love the color combo!

So – brainstorm!   There was a seam right at the waist and I separated the top from the bottom.   A stretchy band of matching brown knit lengthened the top just right for my torso and a simple elastic waistband in the skirt made it very easy to wear.   It works!

I opened a seam along the left side of the top for more ease and added some hooks and eyes.   A little hand-done repair here and there salvaged this find for many more wearings. Can’t wait to wear it with some of my Forties shoes!

Just goes to show that there are gazillions of possibilities . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BACK TO SCHOOL TIME! 1950’S/1960’S SWEATERS THAT MOM & GRANDMA WERE BUSY KNITTING . . . . .

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Yes, it’s that time of year again.  I don’t know how many of you had mothers or grandmas who made most of your wardrobe, all year long – BUT, it was not at all unusual back in the day.   And, aren’t these cute and good-looking!    I’ll bet no one else would have had one like it.

These kinds of needlework magazines with patterns were really popular and there used to be little knitting shops around that sold all the necessary supplies.   When I was cleaning out some of the OLD family stuff recently, I found a lot of knitting needles of every size and configuration you can imagine.   I couldn’t begin to understand how they were used . . . . .

In these old magazines that were given to me, I’ve seen ads for knitting machines, too – something small that you could set up and use at home.   Although I can’t imagine devoting the time it would take to make these garments really well, they are SO beautiful that it seems it was well worth it.

I’d love to hear about your own family stories . . . . . .

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

A TRUE VINTAGE DO-IT-YOURSELF WARDROBE PLAN FOR YOUR 1956 OCEAN CRUISE

IMG_0970 IMG_0971 IMG_0969 IMG_0968 IMG_0967 IMG_0965 IMG_0964Can you imagine?!   You’re planning to set sail in a few weeks.  Why not spend that time knitting and crocheting your entire wardrobe for the trip?   Sound like a good idea?   Think of the money you’ll save!   Imagine the compliments and envious looks when other women see your gorgeous, custom-made outfits.  Just pull out the instructions in your latest issue of the McCall’s needlework magazine.

Such ambition those mid-century women had!  My pillbox is off to them . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

GLAM RED VELVET LEISURE GOWN – TRUE VINTAGE 1930’S STYLE, BY MARILYN OF NEW YORK

IMG_0979 IMG_0980Here’s another mid-century at-home leisure outfit.  This one is a sumptuous lipstick red velvet design that mimics 1930’s – 1940’s style – I have a true vintage 1930’s rayon robe with tasseled sash – but this one, while still true vintage, is probably from the 1950’s or 1960’s.

LOVE the glamorous look and luxurious feel. What a treat to make a RARE discovery like this one (of course, that happens to me a lot, and each one is a delight!).

With pinked seams, rolled cowl neckline, a long back zipper and the wonderful rayon tassels on the belt plus a lovely embroidered tag.  I can just see “The” Marilyn wearing this  backstage in her dressing room, can’t you?

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SLEEPWEAR AND HOUSE-DRESS LINGERIE AND LEISURE ITEMS

IMG_0939 IMG_0948 IMG_0925 IMG_0924We’re working our way from the Fifties into the Sixties here, starting with a beautiful nylon shorty nightgown with embroidered bodice.  This was standard nightwear back in the day.

Second, a lightweight cotton smock, with embroidered pocket.  It is even older, and was very common as a morning house-dress.  Delicate and sheer, they are quite feminine and usually in pastel colors.

The brown checked house-dress, which can even be belted and worn to town, is early Sixties leisure wear, with the big flower applique’ detail that was popular then.

This was the kind of thing women wore at home early in the morning or between changes of clothing.  You often see examples in old movies.  They’re fun to have for those hang-around-the-house times.  I always pick up good examples when I find them . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SOME OF MY FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE NECKLACES – 1920’S – 1950’S

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Glass beads, rhinestones, crystal, topaz, mother of pearl and silver, Lucite and nickel – these gorgeous pieces span from, I believe, the Twenties to perhaps as late as the early Fifties.  It’s worth taking a close-up look.

Many of the chains are of silver.  Most of the stones are semi-precious.  The lobster claw clasp seen on the second to the left is a replacement for the original.  The silver serpentine chain on the topaz pendant is also modern.

The large pink glass bead necklace was handmade in the ’20’s or ’30’s, with a brass chain. The rhinestones and Lucite are set in nickel or pot metal.

So pretty any time of year . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELRY IN SILVER AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES

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Although handcrafted jewelry is still being made by indigenous artists in the U.S. and elsewhere, nothing compares to these older pieces.  Those that are truly antique by now are even more wonderful.

I have other, larger things, too, but don’t wear them as often.  These pieces are a combination of family heirlooms and some that I have found.  The design and heavier weight of older pieces makes them extra-special and the quality of the turquoise is superior, also.

Nothing more classic and unique,  any time of the year.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM