Category Archives: Uncategorized

MY FIRST – AND FAVORITE(?) FIND FOR 2020

Beautifully – decorated pale pink cardi sweater from the Fifties or early Sixties. As you can see, it needs some TLC, but I can do that. In fact, I’ve already eliminated the stains since photographing it a few hours ago.

The missing beads will take a little more time – when I get back to headquarters some replacement pearls and a few rearrangements will have it in street-ready condition in no time. Is it really my favorite of the recent haul? I don’t know, but it’s so iconic, sweet and miles better than any of the lookalikes made in recent years. With a skirt or a pair of jeans it sends me right back in the day.

So, more to come . . . . dresses, dresses, dresses, and shoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

OH, BABY. . . . . HAPPY NEW YEAR!

OH, BABY. . . . . HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well, hiya all. Just back from almost 2 months of travels, and not a single sleuthing opportunity abroad (although I have cataloged a dossier of half a dozen suspicious sites for future reference). However, after returning to home ground, I did hit a fabulous jackpot in one unsuspected spot and will share those finds with you in the coming days.

Meanwhile, happy 2020 and gear your thoughts and expectations to wonderful developments in spite of what seems to be going on right now. We have a brilliant NOW on the way and it is being created by us as I write. Keep that in mind when you speak and dream.

Looking forward to showing my “newest” true vintage treasures . . . . . . . . .. .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE FINDS – TRUE VINTAGE HOME-SEWN HOUSE DRESS 3 WAYS

I’ve seen many classic house dresses like this one in the rural mid-west. I’ll bet the woman who made it had sewn lots of them for herself over the years. It’s got decorative vintage buttons and a waist seam, but no pockets.

And, it’s a BIG size – the sleeveless style turns into cap sleeves – much too big for size 2 Stella, but look what happens with the addition of a belt. Belt around the waist seam at the hip level and it’s a 1920’s day dress. Cinch the waistline and it’s stylish in the 1940’s and 1950’s. So much can be done with a classic design. Leave it to those farm women to make the most cool and comfortable frocks for daily household chores, with a quick shopping trip into town thrown in.

Next, we’ll look at a dress for a city gal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

VINTAGE HOME-TAILORED COTTON SWING DRESS

Can’t say exactly when this dress was made – definitely 1970’s/’80’s or before – but isn’t it cute! Again, it’s too big for me but will be an easy alteration because of the style and construction. LOVE the print and colors and the swing design. I’ve added this bright red belt for fun but it would look just as nice with a navy belt, which would be much more subtle.

Can’t wait for next summer!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1980’S DOES 1940’S VELVET EVENING GOWN

Beautiful acetate/rayon velvet fabric and a gorgeous sweetheart neckline with pretty drop shoulders. Love this style! Also, it has nice tailoring as in the dress I showed yesterday. Whereas the shirtwaist from yesterday is WAY too big for me and will be sold, this dress will be simple to make a little smaller if I wish. We’ll see – it might end up on the eBay block, also, depending on what I think when standing in front of the mirror.

The only style element that I don’t like since it seems a little over-the-top is the thigh-high front slit. Fortunately, that should also be easy to change. Though you know that I always prefer a garment that is from the same decade as it’s style, rather than a re-make, I’m willing to pick up well-done pieces from the 1980’s and 1990’s. So, stay tuned. More to come . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEW FINDS – 1980’S DOES 1940’S

Nicely-done reproduction of a wartime 1940’s shirt dress. The fabric has a nice hand and finish. Plus, there are attractive tailoring details such as a hook and eye at the waistline and 1″ hem allowance.

I came across two more repro dresses that were worth picking up during my recent travels and will post them for you soon . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A BITTERSWEET BUT FABULOUS FIND IN FUR – TRUE VINTAGE, OF COURSE

Although seeing any fur in fashion – even true vintage ones – stabs at my heart, I can’t help loving the elegant design, art and craftsmanship showcased in these old garments. This surprising full-length mink example is retro 1940’s from the 1980’s! All in all, it’s a super and rare find. I’m happy to see it enjoyed in a responsible way while it survives and look forward to equally beautiful faux fur creations in the future.

Loving the Forties style features such as notched collar, shoulder pads and cuffed sleeves (as well as the small size)! The brand is “Miss O” by Oscar de la Renta and the neckline label says Albrect. Even though it is a more modern piece than it’s wartime grandma, the seller followed the tradition of embroidering the buyer’s initials inside the lining.

She won’t get out much, but on some starry night over a Post-war frock . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FOUND YESTERDAY – VINTAGE CROCODILE BELT WITH MEXICAN SILVER

Look what I discovered and picked up for pennies! Although I avoid buying any modern pieces of leather, skins or fur, I’m still captivated by the style and quality of true vintage examples which have endured in the second-hand market.

Made in Mexico, this belt from a bygone era combines the best features of beauty and craftsmanship. (And, it’s my size!)

Someone enjoyed this lovely accessory for years and perhaps was reminded of a great trip south of the border. I’ll carry on the fantasy while I nip the waists of pants, skirts and jackets. Ole’!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BLACK SATIN JUMPSUIT WITH MESH AND SEQUIN OVER-DRESS: THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOST-EST!

Can’t you see Stella greeting her cocktail party guests at the door of her penthouse on Park Avenue? At first glance, in photos 3 & 4, this looks like a sumptuous but sedate evening gown. However, when she begins to walk . .

there’s a strapless jumpsuit underneath! Wide embroidered mesh panels with streams of shiny sequins from shoulder to hem, finely tailored with satin binding, waft and swing across her legs as she fetches your martini. I have never, ever discovered one of these and I’m so excited!

It’s Joan Leslie by Kasper and it’s a late 1960’s – early 1970’s vintage. Almost looks like ’40’s – ’50’s to me, but that would pre-date the label. Just a continuation of the glam costumes which began to appear in the 1920’s when women’s hostess outfits started showing up with wide-leg silk and satin pants.

So, I always love a party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAEGSPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM