Nothing special about this dress, excepting that this maker is a respected label when it comes to more recently-made Hawaiian vintage. However, the fabric is really nice – a rayon with a good hand, lovely colors and a great print. Since it’s too big for me, I think I’ll be making some curtains for my bathroom with it!
There are lots of reasons to love true vintage clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What fun to find this!! Love true vintage men’s and boys’ shirts and tops. Since men usually tend to be much harder on their clothing than women do, it’s unusual to encounter garments that have survived, especially in wonderful condition like this one.
Just an everyday casual shirt, it’s still got a great fit, fun collar and wonderful lightly-brushed cotton fabric. Happy Days all over again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The Bobbie Brooks company has been a fabulous maker of classic sportswear for many decades and their true vintage items are very special – well-designed and made to a high standard. I always do a flip when I find one!
This “skort” is summer-perfect – dressier than shorts, easier than a mini-skirt (no ugly and ungainly exposures and attempts to avoid them), cool and FUN. 100% cotton!!
I love and discover all types and makes of true vintage fashion, but a high-quality brand name is always an extra plus.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
In kind of a sheer, crinkley synthetic with a side zipper, this home-sewn frock was standard day-wear for for an average gal in the early to mid-1950’s. Of course, she would have worn one of the beautiful slips from that day underneath – or a camisole and crinoline petticoat to make the skirt stand out.
Someone made this looking forward to sunny Spring and Summer days. Nothing could be more flattering to a slim figure, whether curvy or not, than a wasp waist, full skirt, cap sleeves and a pretty neckline. It’s New Look all over with a below-the-knee hem and close-to-the-body bodice.
What a great find! More to come – stay tuned. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Flygirls by Black Flys – love that Eighties vibe that zoomed back to the 1940’s again. It seems like the early 1970’s does Forties thing was early Forties puffed shoulders, cute collars, jumpsuits, platform shoes and, maybe, little shoulder pads. The early – mid 1980’s does Forties was WWII and post-war BIG shoulders, peplum waists, shirt-dresses, platform shoes, pencil skirts in longer lengths and some accessories like large paste and rhinestone brooches.
So, these New Wave glasses remind me of that time when sunglasses were first being worn by regular folks and considered fashionable. Usually they were made from one of the first plastics that were being invented around the time of the two World Wars and becoming more and more popular.
Of course, the case is pure 1960’s – early Seventies flower-power retro that I found. It’s great for these glasses because it is hard (very protective), coordinates color-wise and fits the glasses well. It’s so important to protect your true vintage items from damage – they’re irreplaceable pieces of fashion history and such wonderful parts of a wardrobe!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I love these so much – perfect for the bright, hot days coming up very soon! This pair has an elegant, classic touch along with the strong kitchy vintage vibe. Pretty etched design on the metal, with a few rhinestone touches.
The case is hard, with a fabric cover and ornamental clasp. They both are, of course, true vintage and well-made. Fun!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
When it rains, it pours! Wedding dresses have been coming my way. This beautiful frock would also do nicely as a semi-formal dress for Prom or something similar.
Pretty taffeta with a brocade design woven in – the head-dress is very sweet with little pearls and flowers and a short veil. The dress is really a straight sheath, with a poufy over-skirt lined by a netting crinoline. I think that elbow-length sleeves are so chic and elegant – it’s nice to see them here, finished with a little bow.
I don’t need a wedding dress or a Prom dress so this set may end up going to another bride or to a high school dance, but either way it will be a fabulous find again for some lucky girl . . . . . . . .. .. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just picked these up as curiosity items, in the case of the boots, and fashion finds in the case of the wedgie sandals. Great additions to my collection!
Let’s start with the boots. They look like Sixties style(?) and have old metal Robin zippers up the side. Made for super-practicality, as most fashion rain-wear was back in the day, they are one-piece rubber construction. Not meant to wear in your garden like English Wellies, these were street-wear for very wet (or snowy) days. Waterproof below the zippers. I just love these everyday examples of true vintage products’ sensible value. Nothing frivolous or impractical here, but with a nod to fashion, as well.
Next we go on to a 1980’s brand that I collect whenever I find them – Penaljo made some wonderful 1940’s – 1950’s retro sandals and I show my latest find (the grey ones) along with some I already had (the green and cork pair). Just love these for summer – so wartime/I Love Lucy. ADORE wedge heels – very cute with shirtwaist and sun-dresses, capri’ pants or skirts. Leather construction with good attention to detail. Worth picking up. So, we’re on a roll. Stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Hardly worn, by Corelli, an Italian company that has been making footwear at least since the 1950’s, it’s not clear exactly when these were made. Some of the techniques are vintage by our standards, but European shoes – especially by a traditional maker – are probably made to a different (and higher) standard than in the U.S., with more things hand-done.
I’m not going to quibble on these. Cute 1950’s style, high quality and they fit!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
From the 1960’s back to, maybe the 1920’s, these three are my oldest vintage examples of Hawaiian gowns. From the farthest left, to right –
Psychedelic hues and patterns on the far left – not hard to see the late Sixties here. The center dress is from the 1950’s and is fashioned in the traditional Hawaiian style, with a panel on the back that is almost like a train, without the dragging hem.
On the far right is a mystery dress with a metal side zipper. It has images in the print that are not your standard Hawaiian shirt variety and the fabric is very different –
instead of being the heavy cotton that I’d usually expect, it is a fluid material that I’d guess is rayon. If the label did not indicate that it was made in Hawaii, I’d say it had come from Japan. The toggle closure at the neck is also something often seen on Chinese and Japanese garments. It’s also got a very 1930’s cut – close to the body.
Hmmm . . . . . . . . . this is REALLY Mata Hari undercover espionage stuff. I wonder how she wound her way to the place where I discovered her . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 