Category Archives: WWII

PRETTY (AND ALMOST PERFECT!) IN PINK – A MID-CENTURY PILLBOX HAT THAT LUCY, JACKIE AND DIANA WOULD LOVE

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Marlene is mesmerizing in this gorgeous veiled hat.  Just covering the eyes, it adds a bit of mystery to a bright and open face.  She was so inspired by the Spring hue that she even changed her haircolor . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’ve honestly not seen a veil made this way before and am a bit unclear about how it is supposed to be worn. However,  it’s situated in the right direction so maybe this is it. Perhaps it could be worn tipped a little farther back on the head.  Many hats from the Forties had parts hanging over the shoulder in kind of a gypsy touch.

Anyway, it’s beautiful and just right for the season.  When flowers and grass are coming up,  here we go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL 1940’S – 1950’S WHITE STRAW HAT WITH GROSGRAIN BOW

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I found two wonderful mid-century straw hats on my last expedition!  This one is summer-perfect and great with Marlene’s coloring.  It’s a simple style that suits almost everyone and the big bow gives it a coquettish allure.

Straw hats are so lovely and grosgrain ribbon a classic and elegant trim.  More tomorrow . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER 1940’S HAT FIND – THIS ONE WITH THE BOX!

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I’m always tickled to have the original box for any of my hats!  In this case, I don’t know the brand of the hat (if there was one) but I know WHERE it came from.  The department store Famous-Barr in St. Louis, MO was a division of the Macy’s chain for decades and finally closed in 2013.  It had evolved in the early 20th century from two other store members of the Federated Department Stores organization and opened in 1914.  The old department stores were such fun and so exciting for women, where they could receive very personal and professional service – now we just see glimpses of them in classic movies.  Modern malls and superstores can’t compare.

Anyway, this “pretty” with a black velvet crown, bow decoration and a lacy woven ribbon brim is elegant without the weight of heavier styles that might dominate during the colder months.  This one lets you carry the season-less drama of black into Summer and early Fall.  Works for me . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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GORGEOUS AND LUXURIOUS 1930’S – 1940’S SLEEPWEAR FOR ST. VALENTINE’S NIGHT

GORGEOUS AND LUXURIOUS 1930'S - 1940'S SLEEPWEAR FOR ST. VALENTINE'S NIGHT

There’s nothing like a silk or fine nylon gown against the skin. These also have beautiful lace on the bodices.

If you dream of being in the movies, here’s your wardrobe. These are real special prizes of mine.

Forget all the lace and frills on anything modern; one of these gowns will give you complete amnesia.

Have a lovely day, and night . .. . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE NAVY AND WHITE SPRING STRAW HATS WITH FLOWERS

CONTINUING WITH THE HAPPY BLUES FOR THE NEXT 10 DAYS OR SO - PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE NAVY AND WHITE SPRING STRAW HATS WITH FLOWERS

Gorgeous little Spring hats from the Fifties, or maybe a little earlier – these definitely remind me of April showers and Easter egg hunts.  Nothing more classic than navy and white any time of year.

These styles that perch on top of your coiffure are easy to wear and very flattering and can be worn over almost any hairstyle.  I’m always thrilled to discover one, as they’re a rare find.

Specimens like this sometimes lurk in dark areas, in hidden containers.  Sometimes they come out at special events.  Occasionally they can be coaxed into view . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1940S – ’60S CORDUROY JACKET/SMOCK

TRUE VINTAGE 1940S - '60S CORDUROY JACKET/SMOCK

Okay, we’re back to the jackets and coats that will take us out of late winter and into Spring! Since I’ve been doing a lot of red lately, here’s a cute shirt-jacket that I suspect is from the early 1960s but could be older. It had a girls’ school patch on front (which I have, of course, saved) and zips part-way down the front with a metal zipper.

This is cute and very different, easy to pop on over slacks, jeans or even a shift dress or skirt and blouse. I try to picture how it was worn by the original owner.

The corduroy is of a quality rarely seen today. The photo doesn’t do it justice, as the color is actually very bright and there’s no damage and very little wear.  100% cotton and, though it is fairly lightweight, is a dense weave that stands up for years rather than breaking out in thin patches or holes quickly. That’s what I love about the older fabrics. Although some of them have some vulnerabilities and require special know-how to care for them, they all have benefits that make them special in the way the color pops or how they hang or drape on the body. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to find something as good now. Although this is just a simple item, I love it and you can see how it has held up despite its age.

In a couple of weeks, I’ll begin publishing photos of a few true vintage things that I’ve kept at this second home for the warm weather, and my most recent finds! I like to keep the posts seasonal to North America, so stay tuned. You just never what will show up!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
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TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940S – EARLY 1950S SWING JACKET

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940S - EARLY 1950S SWING JACKET

I just LOVE this one, too!   From the same era as the coat shown yesterday, but could have been a bit earlier.  It looks best on the body, rather than on a mannequin, because the cut shows off when the body moves.

Made of rayon or a rayon blend with a beautiful drape and is fully lined with acetate satin. The buttons are just for show because it is an open-front style. The pockets sit diagonally and also have button decoration. Lots of details!

Although the swing style has been repeated at times, this authentic design is unique and never to be found except when it was new.  There’s absolutely nothing like true vintage! It looks great over dresses, skirts and tops, slacks or jeans – just keep the lines sleek underneath; nothing full or poufy.

You ain’t got a thing if you ain’t got that swing . . . . . doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop doo wop doo waaaaaaaaaa. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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RARE FIND!! THE SWEETEST LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE BABY JACKET – A MID-CENTURY TREASURE

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SUCH FUN FINDING VINTAGE CHILDREN’S CLOTHING!  THIS COAT WAS HAND-MADE WITH LOVE.

What a gorgeous little sweater-coat!  So well-made.

It’s so unusual to discover baby clothes and toddler’s outfits.  Other than special-occasion garments like christening gowns that are made to wear only once and then folded away as keepsakes, children’s-wear tends to disappear after it’s been through months of dirty diapers, falls and messy meals.

Although this little coat probably wouldn’t have been worn every day, it would have experienced some wear and tear and has been beautifully preserved.  The style and the buttons put it smack-dab in the 1940’s – early 1960’s, when the wool yarn would also have been more common for an infant’s garment than something made since then (too hard to clean when easy-care acrylic yarn is available).  The knitter’s label, however, would have been attached some time in or after the 1960’s – or it could have been made with vintage materials and a vintage pattern at a later time.

Since the blue-for-boys, pink-for-girls thing was pretty rigid until recent years, I feel safe to say that it was made for a little girl.  It’s so intriguing to wonder about the story behind it.  Was it made by a relative or close friend or even purchased at a craft show?  I’ll always wonder – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE FUR ACCESSORIES FROM THE ’30’S, ’40’S, ’50’S & ’60’S

TRUE VINTAGE FUR ACCESSORIES FROM THE '30'S, '40'S, '50'S & '60'S

It’s still not too late to glam it up with fabulous fur accessories, especially during the variable March weather . . . . . . . our mothers and grandmothers had to be prepared to look chic no matter what!

Marlene and Celia have been waiting for another chance to get into the picture.  Here you see them modeling a variety of mink accessories, with the exception of the black muff far left, which I believe is of rabbit fur and has a small zipper compartment and the black hat, which is curly lamb.

Whole skinned animals, with heads, feet and tails (and little glass eyes) were popular as stoles in the 1930’s & 1940’s, maybe the ’20’s, too.  Big “Eeew!” factor for a lot of people now.  I’ve already covered the fur issue so, if you love real furs (and animals) stick to 1960’s and before.

There’s a dark brown mink scarf that closes with a big mink-covered button (very elegant) and a blonde mink “dickie” to wear at the neckline under your coat.

The hats are probably the most visible accessory when you’re first seen – these are super-flattering but also will be warm. So, when you’re forced to take to the sidewalks, just remember —- to be well-dressed at all times is a gift to yourself and everyone who sees you.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE SHORT BLACK GABARDINE JACKET FROM THE 1940S.

TRUE VINTAGE SHORT BLACK GABARDINE JACKET FROM THE 1940S.

Even though I’d want a heavier coat or jacket over this for winter, I’m often wearing a jacket inside all day this time of year.  For cool days and evenings, I love the trim, square shape of this jacket though the shoulders are not heavily padded.

Nice nipped waist, zip front, cuff detail, front welts and it may have tab detail at the waist and, maybe, the wrists.  It’s simple and tailored with a crisp look.

Not many of these are around now in excellent condition like this one.  Very special – I was thrilled to find it!  Looks equally good with pants or a skirt – that’s the beauty of this short style.  The lack of length means that I could wear it with any style skirt – pencil or full.  So versatile!

Love the ’40s.  This one takes me right into film noir, walking the dark city streets with my private investigator boyfriend, looking out for the murderer . . . . . . . . around that corner?  You just never know . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGSPY.COM