Category Archives: WWII

NEW FIND – DEPRESSION ERA HANKIE WITH BEAUTIFUL HAND-MADE APPLIQUE’

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I still come across true vintage handkerchiefs once in a while and always collect them.  This one is not fine linen or even high quality cotton and started it’s life as a commercially-made piece that probably had no decoration excepting the machine-done edging, BUT the delicate applique needlework down in the left-lower corner is the real story.  Some woman who couldn’t afford more expensive linens made a dainty item with her own hands.  It is almost unbelievable with the tiny, tiny stitches and the steps taken to prepare the pieces that were sewn on to make the flower.

Girls used to be taught this kind of hand work in almost every home before WWII time, and many still afterwards.  If not lace-making, tatting or applique’ by the late mid-century, girls at least learned some embroidery, crochet or knitting.  My own grandmothers still knew how to do it.

Even though paper tissues are more convenient now, a fabric handkerchief is very elegant and just the thing when attending a wedding or other private affair.  The decoration on most of them is gorgeous, whether hand-done or by machine.  Even the printed patterns are lovely or at least colorful and amusing.  If you’re into home sewing, I’ve seen these hankies pieced together and turned into pretty pillow tops, table linens and even blouses, skirts or dresses.

So, another little story unfolds for me to share with you. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WELL-MADE 1980’S DOES 1940’S DAY DRESS

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This is a very cute dress, faithful in many ways to the styles and fabrics of the 1940’s.  Women of that time with moderate means would wear designs like this for work and general day-wear.

Although I’d prefer the real thing,  many 1970’s and 1980’s garments that were doing the Forties thing are worth adding to the wardrobe.  Not much since then.

Notice the interesting buttons, geometric print, slash pockets and waist treatment.  It was also made by Damon’s, a division of Damon and Draper, well-known clothier since the early 1900’s.  This one has found a place!

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

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

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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!!!

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S OR ’50’S SATIN & LEATHER PLATFORM HOUSE-SLIPPERS

TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S OR '50'S SATIN & LEATHER PLATFORM HOUSE-SLIPPERS

Imagine gliding around the house in these, wearing your newest peignoir and gown or a lovely hostess ensemble.  At-home leisure wear became a significant part of many North American and European women’s wardrobes in the 1900’s.  In the mid-century decades when movies gained popularity  sophistication and glamour were very important to the average gal.

These are so much fun!  Platform shoes have always been a favorite of mine (since they came out in a fashion revival for the 3rd or 4th time in history!)  For me, nothing can beat 1940’s and early 1950’s footwear.  And, to find a pair in excellent condition is always a dream come true.

Although these are a decade or two older than the hostess gowns I’ve found lately, their classic elegance would make them wearable with either of them.  That’s the beauty of the best . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE NIGHTGOWNS – 1940’S TO 1950’S

TRUE VINTAGE NIGHTGOWNS - 1940'S TO 1950'S

More things that I love about colder weather – it’s a time when we feel like wearing something a little heavier at night (or just wearing something, period).  Here are 3 beautiful nylon gowns with applique’, embroidery, bows, lace and gathers.

Back when it was a pleasure to get dressed!  The longest is from the ’40’s, I believe, or the very early ’50’s.  Nylon was rationed during wartime,  so that would put it into the late ’40’s at the earliest.

The two shorter gowns would be from the ’50’s and show a little more decoration – when items were more lavish after the Forties, and hemlines higher.

Like ’50’s lingerie, you can’t beat the nightgowns of that time for feminine detail and, sometimes, over-the-top frills!  On the other hand, early ’30’s and  ’40’s silk gowns are to die for.  We’ll see some of that, too.

Dressing for day or dressing for bed – could be an adventure in itself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

MORE GORGEOUS TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE FROM THE 1940’S & 1950’S

MORE GORGEOUS TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE FROM THE 1940'S & 1950'S

Exquisite nylon bed jackets, in lovely pinks.  There’s nothing that feels so luxurious as sitting in bed or in a boudoir chair with one of these over your beautiful nightgown while enjoying a cup of tea.

These are so comfortable and pretty, almost any time of year.  As always, the fabric, decoration and details can’t be matched by things sold today.

Sweet dreams! . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY CUSTOM-TAILORED CLASSIC SUIT

TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC WOMEN'S SUIT - JACKET/SKIRT FOR FALL

 

The style is so un-fussy and classic that it could be worn casually  like a day-dress or dressed up.   It could have been made anywhere from the late 1940’s to early 1960’s, but I lean toward the ’60’s because of the cotton velveteen-type fabric, which was popular then.  Hard to be sure, in this case.

I am certain that the suit was custom tailored.  It might even have been done at home. It’s amazing that many women were able to do this. Tailoring requires a lot of skill!

Look at all the covered buttons. And, the buttonholes are also bound. Amazing! Not to mention the lining, interfacing and padding required to make a garment like this fit properly.

Although it looks very elegant as pictured, imagine all the ways it could be worn and accessorized.  As separates, the jacket and skirt add more possibilities.  Simple suits like this can be great additions to any vintage wardrobe, making a variety of quick-changes possible . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE ROBES AND DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE LATE 1930’S – 1940’S

TRUE VINTAGE ROBES AND DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE LATE 1930'S - 1940'S

We’ve done a little film noir leisure dressing for the men, so here are 3 of my very favorite women’s things of the same era.  The fabulous ’30’s robe with shoulder pads and tassels, the cute little wartime rayon dressing gown and the glam  ’40’s rayon dressing gown.  Hollywood movie star all over!

Imagine Veronica Lake or Joan Crawford sweeping into the room. Deanna Durbin would have looked sweet in that blue and white dressing gown.

I like to recline in one of these while sipping a cognac and reviewing the latest assignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM