Category Archives: Uncategorized

MID-CENTURY HOME-SEWN FLORAL FORMAL DRESS —PROM, ANYONE?

    Empire A-line styling with flutter sleeves and a floral print – couldn’t get more ’60’s early ’70’s than that. But, there are so many retro versions made recently – why would I decide to collect this one?

    Frocks that I might otherwise pass on if they were commercially – made, I will collect if custom-tailored. Hand-sewing always tells it’s own story, with special touches and unique designs or fabrics.

    So, this dress is especially pretty and versatile. It only needs a few TLC interventions and will be ready to go. I might lose the sleeves, as I like sleeveless styles so much, but will decide later.

    More finds from this general era, but very different. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    MORE TRUE VINTAGE FINDS COMING YOUR WAY . . . . . . .

    Yes, been too busy recently with guests and housekeeping chores to do any sleuthing – until yesterday. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    MERCURY RETROGRADE?

    Sorry to be tardy – my computer hasn’t responded and is in the shop. Will post soon – Thank You, and stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    MORE MID-CENTURY MODES

    Recent finds, again, from the early 1950’s, 1960’s and maybe into the 1970’s. A couple of these garments are directly in the categories of other recent finds – interesting how things tend to come in multiples . . . . . . . . . . .

    Won’t be posting until Sunday, as I have to spend time volunteering for abused and injured animals tomorrow. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    RARE HOME-SEWN BLOUSE FROM THE 1940’S

    Although this top is not haute couture and it needs a simple stain treatment, it’s a great find to me because of it’s age and all the interesting characteristics. It’s times like this when I really miss having access to my models – Madge or Stella would show off the unique features of this rare blouse and the true fit more clearly.

    Love the early mid-century collar design and the utility pockets. It’s got pinked seams and other hallmarks of hand-made garments from back in the day. Hard to know how it was originally worn; Either a smock, maternity blouse or shirt cut for a full-figured (though not large) woman. It’s fun to think what the seamstress had in mind.

    The fabric is a really nice color combo with an unusual feel to the weave. There are a hodge-podge of vintage buttons for one reason or another and I may see about replacing them with a matched set from the same era.

    So rare to discover a blouse from the war-time 1940’s and I’m really thrilled! Wonder what’s next – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    A VERY NEAT DISCOVERY!

    Busy weekend coming up, so I won’t publish till Monday but it’s a little war-time find. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    1980’s COTTON FROCK BY LAURA ASHLEY

    Made in Great Britain and definitely a genre of it’s own. For the women who love them, it would be a great find. Not my own personal style, but worth picking up when in such good condition.

    If it fits, I might do some restyling or use the nice fabric for something else. There’s ample yardage here to accomplish a variety of alternate things. Could be visualized as a nice 1940’s – style skirt and blouse combo, or a swing dress. Endless possibilities. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    FABULOUS FIND! EARLY 1950’S COCKTAIL FROCK

    Iconic evening style of the time – 3/4 length sleeves with fur cuffs. This one has the bateau neckline that I love, with a deep plunge in back. The hemline is below-the-knee, but not quite midi.

    An off-the-rack piece with only an inventory label, but very lovely. The tailoring is quite good, with a full lining, underarm gussets and the overall condition is exceptional. Obviously, the owner considered it a spacial frock and guarded it carefully over the decades.

    More to come, tomorrow . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    A HOME-MADE HAND-MADE 1950’S NOVELTY KITCHEN APRON

    What a great find! Not too many like this one left and it’s a real gem. The apron’s been sewn together of cotton fabric with our ’50’s housewife embroidered on. She has a cotton print pouf dress with a lace collar, pearl necklace and earring. In one hand she holds a coffeepot and in the other a cup, which doubles as the obligatory little pocket for a hankie or small tool.

    Finding something so unique and whimsical is a real treat. And, to think that it was made for fun 60 or more years ago is a bonus. So much better than anything modern, no matter how cute.

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    A COUPLE OF GREAT FINDS TODAY – WILL POST TOMORROW

    via A COUPLE OF GREAT FINDS TODAY – WILL POST TOMORROW