Category Archives: Uncategorized

1990’S RETRO ’60’S MOCK-NECK SWEATER FOR THE LADIES

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Although this top was made only 20 years ago and wouldn’t be true vintage in my book, it’s got the good retro design and quality construction that made it worth picking up.  It’s also a soft wool, with the back neckline zipper which was so popular several decades ago.

I like the design and even the color, which is actually a dark navy but it’s made for a larger gal than I so will probably find another home some day.  This blast from the past will last some girl for several decades more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TWO WELL-MADE KNIT FROCKS FROM THE EARLY 1970’S

I’m showing these dresses together because they have so much in common.  The biggest similarity is the heavy-weight knit fabric that was so characteristic of clothing made between 1973 and 1976, more or less.  It is beautiful, sheds wrinkles and drapes like a dream.

These examples are not high-end, but are very well-tailored.  Neither has a label, so I’m not sure if they might have been custom-made.  In any case, the original owner of the red one altered the hemline at some point.  Both still have about 3″ of hem allowance (such a luxury!).

I haven’t tried them on yet, but predict that they will fit me and will be very flattering.  Well-made garments of quality fabric and good design usually are – another reason why I adore true vintage fashion!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

THE ICING ON THE CAKE! 1950’S EVENING GOWN

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Again, my good fortune kicked in with this find.  Gowns of this genre in almost perfect condition are rare discoveries.  The only flaws are a few small tears at the bottom of the netting skirt (it is so hard to keep heels from catching there) and some shoulder strap repair needed.  One could hardly expect the original owner to make it through a night of dancing and partying  without suffering a casualty or two (even in 1955).  She did very well!

Very easy to fix or disguise, and the dress is otherwise beautiful.  Makes me wonder where it was worn and what the evening was like.  A tailor or experienced seamstress can easily make a new strap from original material in the skirt and no one will notice the little tears near my ankles so, party on!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL COTTON SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS IN THE MID-CENTURY STYLE

via BEAUTIFUL COTTON SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS IN THE MID-CENTURY STYLE

BEAUTIFUL COTTON SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS IN THE MID-CENTURY STYLE

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Right on the heels of that gorgeous hand-knit dress shown yesterday I discovered this beauty, very faithful to the classic shirtwaist style of the 1940’s, 1950’s and early 1960’s.  It’s of a sheer cotton, with pretty floral embroidery.  Perfect to wear with a pretty, but plain, cotton lingerie slip.

It is beautifully-tailored  and in perfect condition.  I suspect that it is a more recent retro style, but cannot date it exactly. No label.  No matter, it is so lovely that I’m over the moon.  I may change out the buttons to old pearl ones but otherwise am completely happy with this discovery.  Glad to stay in the 1950’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SO RARE! FABULOUS EARLY 1950’S DRESS

DSC00659This 2 – piece dress is a super-rare find and in fabulous condition!  Handmade in the early 1950’s, the yarn is a very glossy, heavy type and the overall style makes it a dressy garment.  I’m amazed at the condition of an item like this after more than 60 years!

Some woman did her needlework magic in order to have a frock that was the current style, in a color and pattern that suited her.  Such a pretty soft pink, it is perfect for cocktails.

I’ve only had one of these so far, but my incredible good fortune lets me understand the details – a friend’s mother gave me one very similar that she had knitted for herself in 1952.  It was also very carefully conserved.  Thank you, Rosalie!

More Fifties finds on the way . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE NYLON SLIPS USHER US INTO THE 1950’S

via PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE NYLON SLIPS USHER US INTO THE 1950’S

PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE NYLON SLIPS USHER US INTO THE 1950’S

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Last, but not least, in Santiago I uncovered this lovely lingerie.  The wonderful colors of the 1950’s always make them worth collecting – but I buy good examples even if they’re white!

The quality and decoration can’t be beat by anything made since the mid-1960’s.  As always, they’re so comfortable and important under garments from the mid-century era.  My latest finds are just around the corner – well, a little farther than that . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

STICKING WITH 1940’S STYLE . . . . . . .

via STICKING WITH 1940’S STYLE . . . . . . .

STICKING WITH 1940’S STYLE . . . . . . .

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This frock is a retro version from the 1980’s.  Of heavy cotton in a pretty floral print and with an attractive design, it was worth picking up.  Although you can’t see the detail well in this photo, it has a wide, ruffled neckline, padded shoulders and puffed short sleeves, covered buttons and a gored, full midi-length skirt.

Looks very nice on!  I will enjoy wearing it and not having to be quite so careful of it – investigations can sometimes get a little messy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM