via YEE-HAW! GIT ALONG LITTLE DOGIES! AN ICONIC WESTERN-WEAR LABEL SINCE THE EARLY 1900s
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YEE-HAW! GIT ALONG LITTLE DOGIES! AN ICONIC WESTERN-WEAR LABEL SINCE THE EARLY 1900s


Yes, it’s a standard cotton cowboy shirt with snap closures. An embroidered patch on the back indicates that it was worn by a rodeo showman. It’s not that old – 1970’s – 1990’s probably, but the real treasure is the brand label. Again, look it up on Wikipedia – very interesting history.
Of course, I look mostly for garments and accessories that I’ll add to my own wardrobe but this field of espionage is so fascinating that I sometimes take a little detour. I wonder what may show up next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
THE SECOND POST IN MY ICONIC LABELS SERIES – A COUTURE SILK SCARF
SUPER-NEAT FIND FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES A STORY AND A BRITISH LEGEND

I’ll have to start at the beginning – – – the fabric was the thing which caught my eye and when I saw the old label and buttons, I decided to pick it up so that I could investigate further. Boy, was I surprised!
First, was an examination of the garment. This child’s dress was cut down from an adult’s or juvenile’s shirt by someone who REALLY knew how to sew. The little handmade tag in the neckline says Tilly Rose. I can imagine someone making this for a child who went off to care or nursery school when I.D. labels in their clothing was important.
Next, the label – a brand name that was completely unknown to me . . . . . . . . . . Tootal clothing was a company started in Britain in the 1700’s. (Look it up on Wikipedia). It’s gone through an evolution over the years (centuries!) and is still an iconic part of British heritage fashion. One thing that they pioneered in the early mid-century was wrinkle-resistant fabric innovations. The material in this little toddler’s dress is definitely one of their discoveries, trademarked as “fixaform” permanent press. How cool is that?
I love, love, love the stories that true vintage fashion and accessories have to tell, and especially ones that are as rich and detailed as this one. I stepped into true vintage history with another garment today, also. Tale to tell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BEAUTIFULLY-MADE VINTAGE BARBIZON COTTON NIGHTGOWN
BEAUTIFULLY-MADE VINTAGE BARBIZON COTTON NIGHTGOWN


I’d been looking for a lightweight cotton nightie and, luckily, discovered this wonderfully-constructed example by Barbizon, the women’s lingerie manufacturer that opened in 1933. This gown isn’t too old, made in the 1970’s – 1990’s time frame, but the brand label and quality made it worth picking up.
Though the name remains in the marketplace, the company is no longer in operation, as far as I can tell. Many lingerie and sleepwear pieces can still be found in vintage clothing stores, on eBay and Etsy. Barbizon garments were always well-made and pretty. Though not from the eras that I enjoy most, this gown is classic in design and construction, so I couldn’t be happier. Just what I was hoping for!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
MADE IN JAPAN – UNIQUE MID-CENTURY SCARF WITH ORIGINAL LABEL
A LITTLE BLACK DAY DRESS – JUST RIGHT FOR A TRIP TO TOWN
A LITTLE BLACK DAY DRESS – JUST RIGHT FOR A TRIP TO TOWN


Another elegant style, to be dressed up or down. Definitely needs a steam-clean, but we can discuss the details. Style is a simple, belted sheath (probably had a fabric-covered buckle belt originally) with 3/4-length sleeves and faux pocket detail at the hips. The fabric is a very nice shantung weave.
A dress like this is SO versatile that everyone owned at least one. It’s very basic and streamlined so looks smart for errands but dresses up beautifully for cocktails or dinner with high heels, pearls or a sparkly brooch.
I’m so glad to have it in my closet. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM