Category Archives: Uncategorized

A PERFECT “WRAP” FOR YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY NIGHT

I love posting this stole because it is a winner on at least 3 counts: It’s true vintage from the 1970’s. It’s CRUELTY-FREE! and It looks great. Even many of the faux furs available as far back as the 1950’s (and a few in the 1940’s) are beautifully-done fakes. Those available today are as good or better.

So, although I have many gorgeous and some unusually-styled actual fur garments from the early 1960’s and before, FAUX FUR IS THE GOLD STANDARD TODAY. I have nothing against buying and wearing a true vintage fur as long as they last, but please do not support the people who are trapping, raising and killing animals now by buying their products. Be wary of bits of fur trim on modern garments, too. By our responsible actions as consumers, the market for fur from living animals will die out and become only a part of our fashion history.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FROM FORMAL BACK TO COCKTAIL – A LATE 1960’S NON-TRADITIONAL FIND

I LOVE this dress! It’s so different, but with all the hallmarks of a perfect true vintage cocktail frock. 1. It’s black 2. It’s sophisticated, elegant and well-designed 3. It is not too revealing (didn’t I mention elegant?) The BEST thing about this particular dress is the asymmetrical 3/4 sleeves, trimmed in marabou (another inhumane vintage-era material, like fur, that is definitely off the table today). So Sixties.

A great length, Easy to wear. comfortable and flattering body-skimming cut. Sleeves add a bit of warmth if you don’t want to be forced to wear some kind of shawl, etc. in a cool room. Flattering scoop neckline sets a perfect stage for your pearls (or diamond pendant, or emerald, or ruby, or sapphire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Definitely bling-worthy.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL 1970’S ALYCE FORMAL GOWN

Gowns by Alyce are always so beautiful.. Many for sale are newer than this one, but I love the fabrics and tailoring detail on the older versions. The bodice has boning and lovely beading. The skirt is swishy with two layers. It would be a keeper but, alas, is too large for me (and for Stella, too) so it’s time to pass it on.

Black is always classic and stunning, but I’ve seen Alyce gowns in many colors. When you’re looking for a special formal dress, I recommend this brand and especially if you can find one that is true vintage. The older the better!

AND, TO ALL YOU SPOOKY SLEUTHS, HAPPY HALLOWEEN! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1930’s VELVET REPRODUCTION GOWN

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! This dress is stunning for nightclubbing. Spectacular in dark green velvet; I loved finding this one. Such an unusual style. It’s the only gown I have with long sleeves and bare shoulders – not often seen, but was a Thirties style at one time. Very dramatic with the high neckline. The only drawback of gorgeous velvet clothing, if you have crowded closets, is that they need room to hang or will become wrinkled (like many other fabrics). So, since I don’t trust my own steamer with some special materials and don’t want the considerable expense of frequent trips to the drycleaners, these archive photos are less than ideal.

However, that’s what understanding the true magnificence of these garments and having a good imagination is all about. Hanging overnight above a tub of hot water also works – (the dress, not you). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER PRETTY PARTY SWING DRESS FROM THE 1940’S

Love this color so much, and it’s been fun to wear. The previous two frocks shown have been reproductions but this one’s the real deal. Side metal zipper, generous hem allowance and hand-applied sequin trimming. I believe that this dress was home-tailored.

And, instead of being made from a jacquard or faux satin, it’s a plush red velveteen fabric; couldn’t be more winter-holiday-festive than that! Whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s or Valentine’s Day – just perfect for dancing the night away. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1980’s DOES POST-WAR 1940’s LUX COCKTAIL FROCK

This gorgeous dress is made from a beautiful, glossy fabric which is reminiscent of vintage rayon satins. The styling elements are true to era and the tailoring is impeccable. This garment was made by a professional, even if in his or her own home! It’s a little big on Stella but you can still see the lovely fit. The back-tie sash helps with that while making a big fashion statement from the rear view.

A woman living in the post-war United States with some money to spend would have been delighted with the renewed availability of fine fabrics and flattering luxury designs with full skirts and long hems – a perfect style in which to celebrate the new peacetime. Made in the more modern version, this frock is easy to wear, easy to store. The purchase was a winner but, though I love the persimmon color, it’s just too big for me. So, time to pass it on to a new home for the holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1970’s DOES 1940’S FESTIVE SWING DRESS

This dress is made very faithfully to style elements of the wartime 1940’s. The zipper told me that it was made during the early 1970’s during the Forties fashion revival of that time, but otherwise it could have been original. Sometimes well-done reproductions are even better in some ways such as ease when dressing (zippers are not in hard-to-reach places) and laundering. However, there’s NOTHING as wonderful as original vintage so I love finding beautiful reproduction garments from eras where a lot of the originals no longer are with us. More to come, in colors and styles just right for the coming season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

– – – – – – – – UPDATE – – – – – – – –

The closet clean-out and de-classification process mentioned in a previous message is on-going and the winter months are perfect this year for clearing old evidence files from the archives. Sales of items moved into the public domain will begin in the first week of December on Ebay. In the meantime I will be publishing previews of a few of the discoveries. Although some of you may have seen them before, they’re always worth another look.

So, stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

KENNEDY-ERA COCKTAIL FROCK #2

Nothing to write home about style-wise. Obviously, this one was made just a bit later with a higher hemline. It’s still got a maker’s label, but just not a well-known one. Same type of fabric as the one from Saks and fully-lined, too, so there’s no skimping on the basic quality elements.

However, the neckline treatment is the real star feature. Done as a thick band of bugle-beading to look like a ribbon collar – it’s far from the more boring sequins and embroidery used on the version shown yesterday. Never seen this before or since . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

KENNEDY ERA LITTLE BLACK COCKTAIL DRESS #1

This baby has a good pedigree – Saks Fifth Avenue. Made from, what else? – rayon crepe. The stand collar was super-popular at that time, with the expected fancy trim. This dress is, of course, fully-lined and well-cut. The style is nothing revolutionary, but you can’t beat this kind of quality.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM