Category Archives: Uncategorized

SMARTLY TAILORED MID-CENTURY LEATHER JACKET

I love this leather jacket from the 1950’s. Such a flattering fit and cut for comfort, with lots of room across the shoulders and back. Darts at the elbows also make movement easier without binding. Plus, slash pockets at the waist add convenience without adding bulk. So, we’ve got a nipped waistline! Covered buttons are always a plus in the quality department, too.

Just a bit tiny for me, so I had to let it go but the photographed evidence will remain in the files. Stay tuned, as transmissions will continue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A CLASSIC 1940’S WOOL GABARDINE TOP COAT

oplus_32

Absolutely worthy of any movie star. In near-perfect original condition (I just have to re-stitch a little part of a seam in the lining). Another “couldn’t-believe-it” find. So absolutely classic and beautiful.

Looks great on Madge and it fits me, too. Can’t be better!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS 1960’S 100% CAMEL HAIR COAT

oplus_32

Well, seems that the warm weather is behind us. Let’s get back into the classic true vintage groove with a cold weather gem. Like a cashmere coat, this camel hair garment is pure luxury. The finest materials, the finest tailoring. Very flattering fitted A-line cut. It’s a find of and for a lifetime and absolutely a keeper. I may go back into the ’70’s tomorrow, though, for a comparison. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Really Popular Late 1970’s 2-piece Style

Skirt and vest things were seen a lot in the late 1970’s. Although this style is classic and turns up regularly, seems as though it had a trend moment at that time. I picked this one up because of it’s quality and pedigree.

Made by Mr. Leonard, a well-known (though now re-owned or out of business) women’s mid-priced clothing maker in Canada. They made a variety of ladies fashions of very good quality and I have run across the label several times.

I admit, it’s not terribly exciting but extremely well-made; 100% cotton, fully-lined vest, comfortable and easy to wear. A clue worth collecting, but subject to the closet-cleaning. See it on eBay. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Another 1940’s Frock – for an Evening of Cocktails and Dancing

With ruched sleeves and velvet ribbon decoration on black taffeta, the label tells me that it was sold from a ladies-wear shop in Texas, where it was discovered. A pretty dress with lots of room to move, from a time when dressing up for cocktails and dancing to live music was probably more popular than it is today. Everyone was exuberant over the end of the WWII rationing that, for one thing, had made extravagant clothing unavailable. We apparently owe the title of “Cocktail Dress” for early-evening semi-formal frocks to Christian Dior, beginning in the post-war 1940’s when hemlines went down again and showy tailoring details came back.

I’ll need to check on how it fits me to decide it’s fate. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Here’s Another 1940’s Frock, in a Dressier Mood

In a more substantial rayon, this dress would have taken Stella to an important luncheon, dinner date, Club meeting or business appointment. For any event calling for a sophisticated and dignified appearance this garment would have been appropriate. The high neckline, 3/4 sleeves and rhinestone buttons support this demure and elegant presence and the peplum waist keeps it from being too boring. Not exactly my style (a bit too demure) but such a beautiful example of 1940’s couture. I’m on the fence about passing it on.

Stuck in the 1940’s – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Wonderful 1940’s Day Dress in Cold Rayon

One of my most cherished dresses, probably from the post-war period but, possibly, from before the war ramped up in the early 1940’s. My favorite thing regarding this frock is the fabric print with the neckline detail a close second. Very artistic. The cold rayon of that era was so fabulous in it’s soft hand and exquisite drape – such a beautiful fit and supremely comfortable.

It’s always impossible for me not to go into a bliss state when I examine a beautiful garment like this; So much history and outstanding tailoring. There will be more – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER PERFECT 1940’S JACKET!!

Oh, the tailoring details! Decorative buttons, finished buttonholes, little fabric tabs on cuffs and pockets. To die for. Of course, it’s fully-lined. No label, so I’m not sure if this piece was purchased from a tailor or if the original owner removed the label, which so often happened.

Anyway, I love it to pieces and that’s why I have kept it even though it is a bit too small for me. And, we know what that means . . . . . . . . . . . . yes, the archives must continue to be purged. So, more fun for my loyal followers and more room in the closets for me. Because, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STAY TUNED

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Lovely, Slinky Retro 1940’s Black Velvet Cocktail Gown

I’m not big into retro fashion, as you know if you have followed me for some time, but once in a while I discover a stand-out. This beautiful frock qualifies, with velvet fabric that has a luscious hand and many of the right tailoring details.

Of course, the shoulder extension and midi length create the correct silhouette. Simple elegance is always a plus and long sleeves are great on cool weather fashions. They were more common on party dresses back in the day than they are now. I love this keyhole back and the rhinestone button accents on the back of the neckline. Though you can’t see it in the photos, the upper back of this dress has a crossover design which adds a lot of interest and also makes putting it on and off much easier.

Though it’s an ’80’s – ’90’s does ’40’s retro, it was definitely worth collecting.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Perfect 1960’s -1970’s Vintage Coat for a Rainy Fall Day

It’s raining today (Yea! We need it) so I’m posting photographs of a beautiful Mary Lane all-weather coat that has been in my closet. So well-tailored with big sculpted buttons and braid trim on a very practical rain-repellent fabric. Full lining! Bound buttonholes! Mary Lane was a company which made women’s clothing to a high standard for decades.

How could I give it up? Well, ongoing investigations keep on bringing in new clues and one can only keep so many archives so something had to give and I’ve put it on eBay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

'50's '50s '60's '60s 1950's 1950s 1960's 1960s blogger buy buying classic classic clothing clothing dress dressy elegant fashion Fifties fifties find frock guidebook how to ladies ladies' magicvintagespy mid-century photos references retro shopping shopping-tips shopping tips Sixties sixties stores summer true vintage Uncategorized vintage vintage blogger vintage clothing vintage expert women's