It’s the details and the fit that make these things so wonderful! That’s what I love about true vintage and hand-constructed clothing. Check out these photos from a 1950’s needlework magazine, given to me by a woman who did this every year.
For a woman who had the skills to make these, it must have been so much fun to look through the new knitting magazines. These weren’t runway styles that were out of her reach!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Found yesterday! A beautiful cotton sundress with matching bolero jacket. These lady-like dresses were popular in the early 1960’s for everyday wear. Perfect for a day at the county fair.
Another reason for the good condition is the quality of the fabric and the workmanship. A maker’s tag is still at the neckline and indicates that it was from an upscale mid-priced clothing line.
It’s another rare find. I’m always so thrilled with the lovely tailoring details on these older dresses. As usual, someone cherished this one and took excellent care – there’s hardly a bit of wear. Just another day in the life of . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Found two stores in Dublin today. The first, run by a long-time vintage clothing expert, stocks beautiful true vintage from mid-century and before. Men’s and women’s! BETTY BOJANGLES.
The second discovery, right next door, sells excellent quality by the kilo. I was able to find blouses and shoes while still meeting my standard for fabulous frugality. THE VINTAGE FACTORY.
The perfect treasure-hunt . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
Back to Western Europe and finding many vintage clothing shops here – concentrated in the Temple Bar area. This won’t be any surprise to Dubliners, but worth a trek to anyone visiting the city.
I scoped out stores that are already listed in the reference section of my book, and was told about more which tend to hide from the mainstream. A real gem is Jenny Vander, with a 40 – year history and full of beautiful true vintage from mid – century and before. HUGE collection of costume jewelry!
Most places stock little older than the ’70’s or ’80’s, but the hidden gem might be discovered. Prices are reasonable, but not a real bargain. For a seasoned investigator, however . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
Red, white and blue have been popular color combinations, especially in Spring & Summer, for many decades. Patriotic for some countries, but usually associated with a boating theme, in all kinds of clothing and accessories.
Lightweight jackets are always a must-have for Spring, Summer and Fall weather. This one has that classic look that goes over skirts and dresses, slacks, jeans and shorts. I was glad to come across it because I didn’t have one similar.
Yes, there are lots of modern jackets sold now that look like this one at first glance and Bobbie Brooks is still a modern label. What makes this one different? It was certain things about the material and the cut that told me, for sure. That is a skill I have learned which makes the “hit” rate high for me and multiplies the fun I have!
The magic and mystery are a daily thing for me, because you just never know what will turn up . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Beautiful footwear on display at the shoe museum I discovered in Mexico City last year.. This group is from the 1930’s. I’ve been showing a lot of shoes lately, but they’re always favorites. Enjoy!
Looking at old magazine and catalog ads, as well as when I observed these shoe displays, it was evident how much the styles slopped over from decade to decade or would repeat again several decades later.
Love the whimsical designs and decoration on many old vintage items! As always, it’s in the little details, the quality of materials and the workmanship that the truth comes out . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Here’s the flip-side of sweet – my favorite strapless number from the 1950’s. Rayon with beading and a killer fit.
I love to imagine where this one has or could have been. Smokey nightclubs come to mind. Maybe she was a singer.
It was a dark night in the city. The story you are about to see . . . . . . . ….. . .. . . . . … . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Beiges are always a smart alternative when you don’t want to go the black route for some dressy or special occasion.. This frock is a beautiful, glowing mocha that flatters like crazy. With a big crinoline underneath, it might even have gone to the Prom! It’s rockabilly – swing done elegantly.
The fabric is unusual – some kind of rayon or blend with a nice drape and gorgeous sheen. Wide scoop necklines and nipped waists are favorites of mine and I absolutely adore this dress. Perfect for cocktails, dinner, a dance party, etc., etc..
Although not a set, I might combine this little lace-overlay bolero jacket with it for some venues when it’s going to be chilly inside or out. The color is a perfect go-with. A simple cashmere cardigan, beautiful shawl or a true vintage fur would all work nicely, too.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVITAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This is one of my very favorite jackets – a lighter-weight rayon/synthetic number with an abstract print in brown on ivory, with black velveteen collar, cuffs & buttons. I wear it with a modern (80’s or 90’s) black silk skirt, at present.
Somewhere between the late Forties and the mid-Fifties this garment with an atomic print made a very stylish statement. It is utterly unique and I LOVE it!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
ANOTHER NEW FIND. SOME OF THOSE AWFUL MID-CENTURY SLACKS, IN BEAUTIFUL CONDITION. THESE ARE SO FUNNY, I COULDN’T RESIST!
With a sports shirt and maybe a dark brown poly sports jacket, you’d be right there in 1970’s style. Put on a different top and jacket and you could go late Sixties. Well, I guess they were cool then, and they’re cool now – for a different reason.
This pair was made by the Haggar company, which did make decent slacks, and they’re in great shape. The fabric feels very nice to touch and I’d wear them, too, if they were in a suitable size.
And the checked pattern – so iconic – much better than similar ones in a plain color. One thing about the poly knits, they did last pretty well if they were taken care of BUT it’s still not common to find men’s garments this well-preserved. So, it’s another treasure for the archives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Magicvintagespy 