If I do say so myself, this season of investigations has been great so far and looks fabulous ahead. Finds continue to turn up at my usual $1 – $5 per. Though I did spend a little more in mysterious South America, all were incredible bargains.
With some of the gorgeous garments I’ve uncovered recently, I’m just as much in search of venues to wear them as the clothing and accessories themselves! Stay tuned, because the fun and excitement keep on coming and – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It’s not as fine as a couple others I have, but just as wonderful with the big shoulders, pockets, arm slits and silky lining. Very good condition, too – just a little wear to the fur along the seams here and there. I’ll be able to wear it more casually than I would my others.
Some woman who didn’t have the money then for a more expensive fur enjoyed the glamour of that time in spite of the Depression and looming war. By a furrier in Winnipeg, the animals whose pelts were taken would have been trapped in the midst of Canada’s woodland and prairie country and might have represented the livelihood of some rural family. As much as I reject the modern fur trade, the hardships of those times were real.
As it is, I can enjoy this antique piece, too, and wear it until it’s done. Today, faux fur pieces have become so sophisticated and beautifully-made that there’s no reason to support the fur trade. Cherish the old furs for their bygone charisma and say good-bye forever to animal cruelty.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although very similar, I might place this dress as having been made a little earlier than the one shown yesterday – looks late 1940’s to me. It might or might not have been worn with a crinoline underneath. Like the other, it’s completely hand-made and this one has the tailor’s label sewn into the neckline.
One of the best things about this gown is the fabric – a plush, heavy velvet that feels like old rayon. Love the sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves that, to my taste, are done a bit more artfully than those on yesterday’s dress. I think it’s mostly a style change that took place over a couple of years around the turn of the ’40’s to ’50’s decade.
Anyway, who wouldn’t love it! I so wonder what events these dresses were made for and where they went. That part of the mystery is as yet unsolved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This gown is hand-tailored with extreme attention to detail. It would be worn with a crinoline for a full, bell-shape. Because of the styling, I would guess that it was made in the early 1950’s but, possibly, as early as the late 1940’s. A special occasion dress, of course, and there’s hardly any evidence of wear. Maybe it was even made for a Prom or Homecoming dance back in the day.
Women were so happy to dress in longer skirts, sumptuous fabrics and new styles after the austerity of the war years.
I’ll be showing a sister gown tomorrow – very similar style and probably made a few years earlier. What fabulous discoveries!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
OK, head back 10 to 20 years for another frilly, girly piece of boudoir lingerie – a beautiful bed jacket, the likes of which has disappeared from our modern wardrobes. This was another of the lingerie luxuries that women enjoyed until the 1970’s.
Delicate and beautiful, items like this were common in average women’s closets. They seem a bit over-the-top for everyday wear today, but in mid-century life were (and are) very practical for before bed and early morning activities while women were wearing their nightgowns, without sacrificing feminine mystery.
Gotta tell ya’ – it beats throwing a hoodie or sweater over your pj’s in a cool house. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although the phrase “made in Japan” used to connote (in Western countries) some cheap trinket back in the WWI, WWII and Post-war days before their technological revolution, Japan is also the country that is known for gorgeous kimonos and traditional garments of the most elaborate embroidered silk.
Another unusual and surprising find. I’m not sure exactly how to date this 100% cotton robe, but it’s beautiful and well-styled in it’s elegant simplicity. The fan motifs are very wonderful and I love the colors (as does Stella – with that auburn hair it’s dynamite on her!).
Definitely a keeper. More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
Another nod to the 1940’s, 1970’s style. Cool! I’ll have so much fun wearing this one, right away! Lovely knit with covered buttons on the cuffs – although it was a mid-priced item, it’s still been well-made by the fabulous Ladies Garment Workers Union.
Just the right weight for the transitional weather that we’re about to step into and perfect Autumn colors. I’m looking forward to a Labor Day weekend music & beer party in a few days but, I think I’ll wear one of my mid-century Mexican skirts this time – just because. These fabulous jumpsuits only have one little drawback . . . . . . . . . . . . In spite of the similarities with cat burglar leotards, not good for sleuthing in, either . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Puffed, very girly sleeves on a plain, black crepe dress that was a very common part of most women’s wardrobes. Almost everyone had a black crepe dress – often more than one and not just for evening wear. Crepe was such a frequently-used fabric that made even ho-hum garments drape beautifully and look fabulous!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 