Category Archives: summer

TRUE VINTAGE 1950S LINGERIE SLIP OR DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950S LINGERIE SLIP/DRESS VALENTINE'S DAY STUNNER

This amazing slip (or dress?) is something I have seen only once.  It is of all-over lace, with a red nylon lining, side zip and a side slit.  It has construction features of a slinky dress but in all other ways is made like other lingerie slips of that era.

Imagine wearing this under your party frock or, if you are more daring, alone. Perhaps you won’t want to wear it until after the party . . . .

In any case, it’s a true vintage knock-out item with that great Cat-on-a-Hot-Tin-Roof feeling. Would be a nice little anniversary or Valentine’s Day surprise. When I found it I certainly couldn’t resist.

It was a bit too small for me and I no longer have it (sob).  My only regret now is that I can’t photograph it on Stella, who it would fit to a “T”.  Eat YOUR heart out, Elizabeth Taylor . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A FACE-FRAMING TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S HAT

A Face-Framing True Vintage 1940s Hat

As many of the hats from the ’40s, this one is pretty dramatic. It sits on the back of the head and is all brim in front, with none in the back. This is one of the decades when hats were super-important – – sometimes the most central part of an outfit.

I must admit that some hats from the ’40s are a bit too wild to be my favorites, but they were always fun and interesting.  And, some are absolutely beautiful . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE BLUE FEATHER 50’S/60’S “SUNDAY” HAT WITH VEIL

Celia loves this one – it’s a little demure/dressy accessory that takes its mood from the occasion, the ensemble and the wearer.  Perfect for Easter, church or any holiday.  LOVE feather hats and veils . . . . . . . . . .

Back in the Fifties or early Sixties, a hat like this was not unusually wild, but it was a statement.  Every woman adored hats and looked for just the right ones to accent her dresses, suits and stunning good looks.

Another of my favorites . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PRETTY (AND ALMOST PERFECT!) IN PINK – A MID-CENTURY PILLBOX HAT THAT LUCY, JACKIE AND DIANA WOULD LOVE

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Marlene is mesmerizing in this gorgeous veiled hat.  Just covering the eyes, it adds a bit of mystery to a bright and open face.  She was so inspired by the Spring hue that she even changed her haircolor . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’ve honestly not seen a veil made this way before and am a bit unclear about how it is supposed to be worn. However,  it’s situated in the right direction so maybe this is it. Perhaps it could be worn tipped a little farther back on the head.  Many hats from the Forties had parts hanging over the shoulder in kind of a gypsy touch.

Anyway, it’s beautiful and just right for the season.  When flowers and grass are coming up,  here we go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL 1940’S – 1950’S WHITE STRAW HAT WITH GROSGRAIN BOW

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I found two wonderful mid-century straw hats on my last expedition!  This one is summer-perfect and great with Marlene’s coloring.  It’s a simple style that suits almost everyone and the big bow gives it a coquettish allure.

Straw hats are so lovely and grosgrain ribbon a classic and elegant trim.  More tomorrow . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER 1940’S HAT FIND – THIS ONE WITH THE BOX!

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I’m always tickled to have the original box for any of my hats!  In this case, I don’t know the brand of the hat (if there was one) but I know WHERE it came from.  The department store Famous-Barr in St. Louis, MO was a division of the Macy’s chain for decades and finally closed in 2013.  It had evolved in the early 20th century from two other store members of the Federated Department Stores organization and opened in 1914.  The old department stores were such fun and so exciting for women, where they could receive very personal and professional service – now we just see glimpses of them in classic movies.  Modern malls and superstores can’t compare.

Anyway, this “pretty” with a black velvet crown, bow decoration and a lacy woven ribbon brim is elegant without the weight of heavier styles that might dominate during the colder months.  This one lets you carry the season-less drama of black into Summer and early Fall.  Works for me . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE ’40’S & ’50’S STRAW HATS IN FALL PASTELS

TRUE VINTAGE '40'S & '50'S STRAW HATS IN FALL PASTELS

Something different for today. This group of hats are similar in that they are most all of straw (the bucket hat is made of mesh) and in colors that can be worn into the fall – no pinks or pastel blues.

I love hat labels. The one with the navy band has one that says “coast to coast LINDA JANE Exclusive”. The bucket hat has a Union label inside. Tells a little about their history and who may have worn them (and where).

As accessories go, I’d say that hats may have the edge in terms of adding the most panache and/or mystery to any ensemble. Up until the early ’60s, when they sort of died out after Jackie Kennedy’s pillbox was done, a hat was SUCH an important item in the wardrobe and most women didn’t go anywhere of significance without one. (including the grocery store and the movies)

So now, they inspire fantasies of dress-up. I can get into that . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Sherbet colors – True vintage 1960’s Spring & Summer hats

 

 

Sherbet colors - True vintage Spring & Summer hats

These are such fun and add a happy, bright touch to any outfit.  Raffia/cellophane hats from the 1960’s are almost always seen in pastel colors, in my experience, though neutrals like black and white were made, too. Love the grosgrain ribbon trim.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A TRUE VINTAGE KNITTED SWEATER CAPE BY BANFF, FROM THE 1960’S OR EARLY ’70’S

A TRUE VINTAGE KNITTED SWEATER CAPE BY BANFF, FROM THE 1960'S OR EARLY '70'S

These types of sweaters/capes/ponchos were popular in the ’60’s and a lot of women knitted them themselves. This one is made by the Banff company, which produced a lot of really nice knits. I have a beaded sweater, knit dresses and suits by them, too.

The greatest feature, to me, is the armholes that allow you to have hands free. Any cape with this design is wonderful because it raises the convenience level big time!

Another nice thing is the button front. Also convenient. The fringe is lovely and the acrylic yarn also great because it washes so nicely and gives warmth but doesn’t have the weight and care issues of most wool items.

Sweet little sweater things, whether cardigans, pull-overs, jackets & coats, dresses and skirts,etc. were really popular in the ’60’s and early ’70’s and are very different from the things made now.

I love finding these beautiful vintage garments that are so unique, stylish and of exceptional quality. This one is an open-weave, so perfect for late Spring, early Fall and cool Summer nights.

True vintage sweater knits are not common finds (are any really common?) but definitely worth the treasure hunt . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TWO TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY EVENING COATS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

TWO TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY EVENING COATS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

Here’s another view of the green evening coat I like to show for St. Patrick’s Day – this time with a more versatile and elegant style from the same decade.  These coats are from the 1950’s/1960’s. Lighter-weight fabrics and fresh colors make them suitable for mild evenings.

So fun, with a little sparkle, the one on left is more subtle with just a bit of pattern in the glossy pale yellow material.  Both have easy, elegant styling but the coat on the right is in-your-face BRIGHT with a silky emerald floral jacquard and huge collar.  VERY much a sign of it’s time.

It’s so important for me to have alternative disguises available . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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