Category Archives: vintage clothing

PRETTY AND GLAM 1980’S DOES 1940’S RAYON SHEATH GOWN

Definitely retro (not REAL vintage), but I love the styling and the drape of the rayon fabric.  It’s got the iconic fit of 1930’s – 1940’s sheath gowns that were so elegant and dramatic.

The huge hibiscus flower is probably a bit over-the-top in terms of designs from wartime, but some very bold floral prints were made then, too.  Anyway, I think this one rocks!

So, Mata Hari, move over!  The Magicvintagespy is on a roll . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SUPER – FUN LATE SIXTIES DRESS FIND – FROM AUSTRALIA

IMG_1054IMG_1055 Here’s a better look at my street – market find.  When I saw the print and colors on this, I just HAD to have it!  When I touched the slinkiest of slinky nylon/poly/whatever fabric, I was over the moon!

Just a simple shirt style, with an elongated collar, but the open sleeves are a really fun touch.  It will be a very cool Spring statement dress – hard not to get noticed coming down the street in this.

And, so much fun to meet the daughter of the woman who had made it.  Getting family stories along with the great clothing is the best!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S SPECIALTY LINGERIE SLIP – MADE IN BRITAIN, FOUND IN AUSTRALIA

IMG_1076IMG_1077     This undergarment is so unusual – it could be worn as a dress itself, like many beautiful mid-century slips could be – but not because of exquisite decoration.  It  has extremely rare construction and is also made, at least in part, of a rare fabric – Bri-nylon, a nylon blend made in Britain.

The top is sheer lace, but the bottom is substantial and opaque; made to act almost like a girdle under a slinky sheath dress.  Notice the back metal zipper that lets the wearer into the tight-fitting skirt.

A slip like this would be absolutely essential under many a wiggle-dress from back in the day.  I’m so glad to have one now!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

VERY NICE TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S BLOUSE FROM AUSTRALIA

IMG_1067 This is a beautifully-made piece from a smaller, upscale company from the ’50’s and ’60’s “down under” – Hibodress.  It’s been fun doing research on the vintage clothing labels that I encountered there.

The woman who started this business really appreciated smart design and quality construction.  It shows in this garment and made it such a pleasure to own and wear. Kudos to her!

That’s still true today, of course, if you can find clothing of that caliber . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BLOUSE FIND FROM NEW ZEALAND

IMG_1072     This one is made by Brooklin, the same maker of the mink-trimmed cocktail blouse that Stella modeled recently.  I love the way the hem is finished, and, though it’s hardly visible, the fabric is embossed with a crocodile pattern!

It’s so rare to find true vintage blouses in wearable condition that I just flip with happiness when I do.  This one is very versatile and a lovely, neutral mocha tone.

Doesn’t get much better  . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

SHEER 1950’S PARTY DRESS AND SILK SLIP

IMG_1149IMG_1147IMG_1150IMG_1148These pieces were found on opposite sides of the world, several years apart, but they work here.  Mid-century sheer dresses require beautiful, but pretty plain, lingerie slips of the right length to carry them off properly.

From Canada, the lovely peach-colored silk slip can double as a dress.  Bias cut and the slinky, sexy fit points to the 1930’s as it’s era.  Pretty embroidery makes it really special and it has little hardware which make the shoulder straps adjustable..

The sheer party dress, which I found in Australia a few years ago, was probably custom-tailored.  Dropped waist and tea length.  See the photo showing metallic piping that is sewn around each sleeve and the front of the neckline, with a cowl in back. The fabric also has metallic flower and leaf decoration stamped on.  So fabulous to find pieces like this in near-perfect condition!

Picky work to construct this dress, and I’m so astounded by the skill of seamstresses back in the day.  Yes, it was a lot of work, but how fun it would be to have something exactly as you wanted with personalized fit!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ONE OF MY FAVORITE 1960’S TUNIC BLOUSES

IMG_3853

Since I haven’t shown this top in a LONG time, thought I’d give it a showcase today since it’s so perfect now (still needs a pressing).  A wonderful rayon or acetate fabric with gloss and a fabulous print. Made by Alex Coleman.

Last week, I got this blouse out to wear and decided to do a few modifications to the hemlines and add light shoulder padding, just to tweak the fit and got so excited about it again.  That’s the fun of classic, quality vintage clothing – it’s good to go forever and can even be refurbished a little with great success – because it starts out so wonderful . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A MID-CENTURY BLOUSE FROM THE AUSTRALIA TRIP – LOOKS LIKE SIXTIES TO ME

IMG_1071     Here’s a nice picture of that great rayon blouse that I found there.  Love the fitted shape, which is a rare find in itself.

I suppose that this shirt could go all the way back to the Forties.  Somewhere between 1940 and 1970, with my bets on the late Sixties.  As much as I love being able to pinpoint the age of my discoveries, there’s also some fun in the things that keep you guessing a bit.

Won’t this look GREAT with the jacket I showed yesterday?  A perfect combo!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S MINK-TRIMMED EVENING BLOUSE FROM NEW ZEALAND

IMG_1074     Stella rocks this wonderful find from my recent trip.  Can’t wait to wear it over a long black skirt or with black cigarette pants!

This was not a high-end item, in spite of the mink trim  – like so many lovely things from mid-century, the average woman was able to buy and wear it. It is open-weave in a glossy synthetic material, lined with black fabric.  The floral fantasy pattern reflects the colors of most, if not all, of the treasures I found in that country.  Stay tuned to see more . . . . .

It was made by a New Zealand clothing company back in the day.  I was told by other vintage experts there that New Zealand used to have a very excellent clothing industry which has, sadly, gone now.

But, so much more FUN for a modern sleuth . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

AUSTRALIAN TRUE VINTAGE SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS IN SILK – 1950’S (OR BEFORE)

IMG_1056     This very pretty frock has an unusual neckline.  The collar is of 3 layers, and each one is bordered by covered wiring which allows the wearer to shape the neckline as desired.  A friend of mine said that she remembers dresses of this type from the 1950’s.  The style would certainly fit in with early ’50’s and late 1940’s fashion.

It’s also very tiny, so it all points to a time when average women’s figures and clothing sizes were much smaller than they are today.

The fabric appears to be silk.  So lovely and flattering.  Obviously, this dress was made to be worn to a party or other special occasion.  Imagine my delight when I discovered it!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM