Category Archives: vintage expert

Practical and Perfect Mid-century Coat for your Party Nights (and an antique echo . . . . .)

Mid-century velveteen vs. Victorian silk and beads. I was thrilled and surprised to find each of these. Couldn’t be a bigger contrast in two dressy outer-garments!

The velveteen coat is both very simple and beautifully designed. I love the practical velveteen in an all-weather fabric plus the fabric-covered big buttons and foldover collar. The straight cut and roomy sleeves make it easy to wear no matter what your outfit might be underneath. It’s one of my very favorite coats.

Imagine my surprise when I encountered this antique evening cape in a jumble sale! Absolutely falling apart, but it was very pretty in it’s day. Silk exterior and lining with a beaded stand collar. Definitely worth collecting for the archives.

Both these wraps could have been perfect whenever sleuthing incognito at an evening event. Smashing but very inconspicuous on a dark and stormy night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Happy New Year! Maybe a New Decade – 1960?

The most sophisticated gal would still want some glitz for the party tonight, but would do it in high style from one of the best stores. A jacquard weave shell blouse with a long black skirt and luxurious golden leather clutch purse (with it’s own pocket mirror, of course) make a stunning ensemble for cocktails and dinner beforehand, and which will take her through the whole evening.

Madge shows off the blouse beautifully with her buxom figure and tiny waist. Her bag is of quite good quality and size – larger than most evening bags and more modern than the beaded silk variety which were still popular the year John F. Kennedy was elected President.

The New Year has always represented a time of hope, joy and the anticipation of turning over a new leaf. The moon is awfully bright in the sky tonight – What do you say? Let’s go! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Lighter Brighter Rosy Red Party Dress from the Kennedy Era Mid-century

This little frock has the hallmarks of being from the Kennedy Era – the 4-5 year period around the transition from the 1950’s to the 1960’s. It still has some of the fussy tailoring of the Fifties, but is simpler. The fabric is heavy, though not true taffeta, and the A-line skirt still has a somewhat stiff underskirt to support the all-important shape. Elbow-length sleeves are great for the season and are a little more informal than sleeveless designs. Could be worn to a cocktail party, though very different from the usual LBD.

The bow detail is iconic of the time and emphasizes an empire waistline, still with the wasp waist fitting. If you look closely at the photo of the back, you can see one of the best styling features, in my opinion. the bow has LONG and WIDE tails that extend to the hemline and add a bit of sophistication and very interesting movement to the design. Again, very demure and tiny but could have been styled for and worn either by an older Teen or by an adult woman. Only a size label or, less likely to be found, a brand label will help answer this question. I’m sure this was an off-the-rack garment, so best guess is you’d be lucky to find, if they haven’t already been removed, a tag with size and/or inventory info and/or a Ladies Garment Worker label. Valuable clues all!

An interesting time for ladies’ dressy garments. So much change happening. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

True Vintage 1950’s to early 1960’s Semi-formal Special Occasion Dress

Powder pink frock for a special occasion. Love the long sleeves with our current weather and I’m happy with the color that doesn’t feel like Winter. It’s not a Prom dress, but could have been worn to any dressy dance party, a recital or . . . . . . . . . . . . . Very demure, but gives a nod to formal wear with a sheer bodice and scooped back. Of course, it has the 3-layer pouf skirt with stiff attached crinoline, acetate/rayon opaque layer and a gauzy synthetic overskirt that was iconic in the Fifties, up to the very early Sixties. Naturally, the stiletto pumps are mandatory.

Despite it’s tiny size, I believe that this frock was sold in the Misses Department (probably size 10) rather than as a Junior size. Just goes to show how our Misses sizes have changed over the decades. A modern size 10 now would hang like a tent on Stella – a 1950’s size 10 is equal to a current size 2. Perplexing, but the clues all fit together. Go figure (no pun intended) and stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Late 1960’s – early 1970’s Victorian Style Dress

Perfect for this season – No matter where you are, the long sleeves and high neckline will provide some warmth and the warm peachy pastel color points toward Spring. The end of the year is traditionally when heavy, dark and jewel tones are abandoned in favor of lighter, more colorful shades. This oh-so-proper frock with a Sixties/Seventies Victorian Prairie vibe is still very appropriate for Winter.

Never been my style or color, but it’s very flattering with the fitted cut. Size 6 Madge looks killer in this! We’re going back about a decade and to shorter hemlines tomorrow, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Home for the Mid-Century Holidays: Part 4

Sorry to be so late – trouble with my WordPress account, but so far so good.

Here’s a pretty velvet knit gown from the late 1960’s – early 1970’s which I would say is perfect for at-home, though there is a matching purse! Perfect for Boxing Day, which was yesterday in Great Britain and it’s former colonies. That’s traditionally the day to unbox all the gifts, clean up the mess and relax. This easy-fitting, soft and comfy dress allows for movement. Adds warmth, without being restrictive.

Although it’s very plain, the empire waist and embroidered trim, plus the fabric and zipper allow me to date it. The fact that it was custom-made helps, too. I must give kudos to the seamster who took on the project of creating a matching shoulder bag. That requires some skill and, probably a simple machine to attach the hardware. Cool!

Although it’s Christmas Past now, we’re still in a holiday week and the party spirit will continue in the archived files I will show you in the coming days. It’s so fun to review the clues and data from previous sleuthing investigations! Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Home for the True Vintage Holidays – Part 3

It’s Christmas morning, Yay! Time to get down to business in a 1970’s Quiana nylon dress with a little bit of 1940’s style. Although it looks orangey in the photo, it is a brilliant lipstick red color that nylon fabric holds so intensely. A nice mid-century chain belt adds the perfect touch. Appropriate for any gathering, no matter how you do the celebrating. Couldn’t be more perfect for today’s activities – easy to wear, lightweight and comfortable. The dress smoothly transitions to anything you have planned – well, maybe not a game of touch football but you get the idea. Won’t be restrictive during all the cooking, eating, visiting and package opening. You can comfortably sit on the floor with wrapping paper piling up all around you.

Fa la la la la la la la la! Nothing to do today but enjoy. So much to be grateful for and a New Year is just around the corner. Though the weather won’t change much for a while, the sun is kissing us longer each day and true vintage fashion trends will gradually be changing. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Home for the True Vintage Holidays – Part 2

After the guests, if there were any, are gone it’s time for the serious waiting-for-Santa to begin. Best behavior is still very important (he can always chuck your present into orbit, you know) but comfort and relaxation are essential until you just can’t avoid the bed any longer.

What could be more comfy than a 1980’s does 1940’s cotton flannel jumpsuit in a classic lumberjack weave? I just love this, shoulder pads and all! In a warmer clime, a ruby red negligee’ from the Fifties to early Sixties is perfect and I’ve never found a prettier one than this. As the sun settles out of sight, the temps do tend to cool and this 1970’s Vanity Fair plush robe will do the trick. I love having snuggly true vintage at-home wear for every season and occasion.

Good luck staying awake. See you in the morning. Blessings and Ho, Ho, Ho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

True Vintage early 1950’s Wasp – Waist Party Dress for Holiday Celebration

This RED beauty is pure 1950’s. The skirt is a full circle, or nearly, and could be worn with a crinoline. Love the boat neckline and 3/4 length sleeves. Simple elegance with no decoration – just fabulous fit and style. The fabric is substantial, but not a taffeta. It’s unlined and still allows for lots of movement in the skirt, especially if it is worn as in this photo without stiff undergarments. No label, so it might have been custom-tailored.

Just like Scarlett O’Hara’s entrance to Melanie’s party in Gone With the Wind, show up in this frock and you’d create a scandal. I wonder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

True Vintage 1940’s – early 1960’s Red Velveteen Party Dress for Christmas Holiday Celebrations

A fun little frock while the parties are still free-wheeling with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music and dancing. You could also bring it out again at St. Valentine’s Day. This dress is a pure home-sewn creation made or commissioned by some gal who was definitely in the party spirit and looking forward to a great time. Some clues date the dress as early as the 1940’s, but I suspect it’s not quite that old. That skirt is definitely styled for dancing, though.

The festive holiday clue is the sequin decoration on the bodice, which makes me think more of the 1950’s. No other clues to the details of the stories that it has to tell, but I’m sure we can invent quite a few . . . .. . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM