Genuine mink fur novelty jewelry had a bit of mid-century popularity during the 1950’s. Kind of a fun idea at the time, BUT –
if we could go back in time to advise our young grandmothers, we might say “Be careful what you ask for!” This whimsical little mink “brooch” may not be exactly what Ethel had in mind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here are great nylon slips for Spring into Summer wear. When the weather has us in the doldrums, these will pick up the spirits and coordinate with the lovely pastels we are beginning to wear again.
Gorgeous lace and embroidery – the slip on the left may even be 1940’s. We know we’re getting into the 1960’s with the one far right because of the fabric and construction – not just the length – .some pre-WWII slips were short, too, depending on the style.
It’s fun to know all the details but I love each one . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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These slips, on top of the beautiful colors, have some of the nicest lace and embroidery decoration! They’re very similar in the construction techniques, but each one is unique.
The 1950’s were so big on vivid colored lingerie and, of course, the nylon had a wonderful “hand”. The one on the far left, especially, could almost double as a dress. In the early 1960’s some variation in length became more available, which will work under shorter styles.
They make dressing such a pleasure and sleuthing always an adventure . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I’m on a roll finding mid-century dresses and there’s more to come, but first –
Let me show you the neatest thing that also revealed itself . . . . . . . . . . .
COTTON SCARF PRINTED AS A COMMEMORATIVE ITEM FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH II’S CORONATION IN 1953
It’s written in the right-hand lower corner. Love the kitchy illustrations. Perfect for my 1950’s home!! Not to mention the closets . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Wow again. Tons of fun! This one didn’t cause the mystery and the “a-ha” moments that the dress did, but it was just an immediate Back to the Future experience!!
The moment I spied these crazy cats, I was transported to the early 1960’s. There is a cartoon show from that time called The Jetsons, still available to watch online. I can see Mrs. Jetson wearing this in the kitchen or, maybe, their pet cat looked like this. It just made me laugh. And, guess what else I found – the elusive but ever-present safety pin inside. Seems like no mid-century homemaker wanted to be caught without one at hand.
Lots of clues here – no mystery about getting it right. . . . . . . . I take back what I said yesterday – it is just as fun to get knocked over the head with all the information as it is to solve a mystery, just not the same fun. But, hey – fun is fun, right? Sounds like a silly argument to me . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Very tidy and elegant, these small hats would look lovely with many outfits, from black to pastels. From the Fifties or early Sixties, they are a quintessential lady-like finish to your ensemble. Beautiful face-framers – perched on the crown.
They are made of cellophane straw, a popular mid-century hat material. Subtle and chic, but oh, so glamorous. . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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More slips! I’m not near done yet . . . . .
These are beautiful with unusual decoration, in the smoothest, softest nylon. One may be in silk, which was also popular then, for the nicer things.
I love the beige color and the lovely lace and embroidery to die for – different from the vast majority made later.
How could you ever feel less than wonderful wearing one of these? Marvelous to have hidden assets . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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These are perhaps the only black slips I’ll show, for now, even though I have lots of them. The details don’t photograph well, but in this case you can see the gorgeous lace on the hems and bodices.
This lace is unusual and the two black slips are somewhat longish – 1940’s or early 1950’s. They’re almost little dresses themselves.
Each of my slips has a unique decoration of some kind – even the plain ones that I probably won’t be photographing have some interesting features or an unusual color.
Fun to wear with your beautiful true vintage dresses or even if you have to wear boring clothes . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This begins the main showing of my beautiful slip collection. They will be grouped, generally, by color. Overall, they’ll range from 1920’s – 1960’s with most from the ’40’s and ’50’s. We’ll start off with some golds and bronzes.
Materials will be silk, acetate, rayon and nylon – most will be of nylon. The trims are lace and netting, sheer nylon, embroidery, ribbons and applique’ – I think that covers it.
Most times the body of the slips and the decoration are of the same hue, but in many fine pieces – as shown here – the decoration is done in a contrasting color. They’re almost too pretty to cover up!
Isn’t it luscious to know that while you’re all bundled up in your wools and corduroys, jackets and sweaters and coats that underneath it all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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From the West and Down East – a vacationer’s mid-century mementos of a fun holiday!
Fun cotton linens for the kitchen and dining table were big favorites during the 1950’s and 1960’s. Many a traveler picked them up as souvenirs, too. I just love the funky and funny prints!
As always, these items tell a story. You could have practically driven through California without a map after buying this muslin tablecloth. Although the apron doesn’t have any words, the cute illustrations of pilgrims/immigrants in their native dress and the border designs contain a lot of information about the communities or cultures that they came from.
Also, if you can do a close-up look, you’ll see a small vintage safety pin stuck in the waistband. I always like to leave things like this in place because that’s just how the cook or housekeeper wore it during her daily routine.
These linens will last forever if they’re looked after well – remove stains quickly and wash gently. I’ll bet that I can channel some very interesting vibrations with these in my kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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