Category Archives: vintage blogger

TIME FOR GLAM AGAIN – LUXE WOOL KNIT BEADED JACKET FROM THE KENNEDY-ERA 1960’S

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Despite the flash glare, the color of this evening jacket is elegant black black.  There were several companies and up-scale department store brands who made high quality clothing in dense wool knit in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s and here is one example.

Some have survived so well because of their quality and because owners looked after them.  I have a few garments of this type, but not a black jacket so was thrilled to discover this one.  Nothing could be more classic, versatile and wearable for evening.  As always, I look forward to photographing my latest discoveries on the models back at Headquarters so that they are properly displayed.

More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MID-CENTURY COTTON DRESS BY POLLY FLINDERS

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Children’s vintage clothing is not my specialty, but when I see a classic dress that has survived in such good condition I usually pick it up.  Polly Flinders brand made pretty, traditionally-designed frocks for babies and children during the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s.

What could be more classic than cotton with hand-smocked design.  Babes, toddlers and pre-schoolers have been wearing similar little day-dresses for decades.  Unfortunately, we all know what usually happens to children’s garments . . . . . . . it’s lucky if they last long enough for the next  brother or sister to wear them before they’re ready for the rag bin.

So, here’s a piece of history that WILL get passed along many decades later.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST RIGHT FOR SPRING! A TRUE VINTAGE COTTON HANKIE WITH NAUTICAL DESIGN

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Traditional for Spring since I-don’t-know-when.  Red, white and blue nautical and sailor motifs have been standard fare forever when the new February fashions come around.  This one is a perfect handkerchief to carry in my “newest” purses!  No well-groomed mid-century gal would have been caught without one.

Fine cotton with a neatly hand-finished edge.  I’ve never seen a design like this before, though hankies for daily use were just as common as packs of paper tissues are now.  Most seemed to have floral motifs, however, so I cherish something unique like this one; also souvenir hankies and other unusual pictorial designs.

True vintage accessories are always fun and daily-use items like this example are rarely found in such pristine condition.  My discovery experiences have been full of amazing surprises lately and they’ll keep on comin’.  Stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LOVELY MID-CENTURY LINGERIE FULL SLIP – A FAVORITE TAILORING DECORATION ON THIS ONE

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Although I have so many pretty true vintage lingerie slips, when I find one this nice I always pick it up.  It will be just perfect under the dress I found a couple of days ago (look back on the blog) – right length and color.  The best thing about this one, though, is the design.

I love it when lace is sandwiched between layers of sheer fabric.  So subtle and beautiful, but also protected so it will wear well.  The picture doesn’t do it justice – you really have to see these garments up close to appreciate them.

Light and pretty – fortunately they don’t take up much space to store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RARE AND UNUSUAL FIND – A BEAUTIFUL HAND-MADE KIMONO

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Here’s that gorgeous kimono found about a week ago.  It has been pieced together by hand, as as far as I can tell.  Some of the basting stitches are still present.  The blue-tinted edge dying around the lower hem (and also inside the sleeves) is something beautiful and I can’t figure out how it was done.

Don’t know how old this garment may be, but it’s been around for a while.  The lovely colors illustrate chrysanthemums and cranes – both, I think, traditional Japanese decorative motifs.  I’d love to know more about it’s origin and the history of the design.

It’s also VERY long, so might have been made for a man in spite of the floral pattern (?).  Not my area of expertise.  What next – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEW FIND! BEAUTIFUL UNION-MADE DAY DRESS FROM THE 1950’S TO EARLY 1960’S

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The first thing I uncovered on a recent sleuthing adventure!  This dress is made of a glorious glossy fabric which may be a polished cotton.  I just love the finishes put on many of the old textiles that far excel anything that is sold today in the mainstream market.

With cap sleeve styling, wasp waist, full skirt and, of course, excellent tailoring which includes a hem width of several inches, some lucky girl looked stunning.  The ladies garment workers union label testifies to the care and expertise of these tailors half a century ago.

When I spied this one, I could hardly wait to see what else the day’s expedition might uncover.  The treasure hunt continued, and you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SWEATER – BLOUSE IN LIGHTWEIGHT WOOL

A 1940'S SWEATER - BLOUSE IN LIGHTWEIGHT WOOL

Very feminine, very versatile.  I photographed it on Madge and it fits her “VA –  VOOM” like a Fifties sweater-girl but I think I’d like to see it on more petite Stella, instead.

This little blouse is a fine sweater-knit.  Looks great with pants or skirts.  Although it doesn’t show well in the photo, the small collar is decorated with delicate applique and beads.  I haven’t tried it yet with the ’40’s slacks shown yesterday but the color is close so it might be perfect!  What a fabulous find.

This blouse is a cross between sportswear and dress-wear.  In the Forties, daily outfits were usually more finely tailored and sophisticated than what is worn now, no matter how “cute”.  If you really want to be well-dressed, take a lesson from true vintage fashion . . . . . . . . . .. ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

FOUND A HANDMADE, SILK KIMONO YESTERDAY!!!

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Beautiful floral colors and hand-stitching throughout.  Very unusual find, too.  It needs a little attention, but will be coming your way soon.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

VERY UNUSUAL DISCOVERY: TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S WOMEN’S(?) SLACKS BY THE HAGGAR COMPANY!!!

via VERY UNUSUAL DISCOVERY: TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S WOMEN’S(?) SLACKS BY THE HAGGAR COMPANY!!!

MORE RED! VA-VA-VA-V00M TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S LINGERIE SLIPS

via MORE RED! VA-VA-VA-V00M TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S LINGERIE SLIPS