BEACH BLANKET BINGO! TWO GREAT FINDS FROM THE 1950’S

Super-rare finds! A fluffy two-piece swimsuit for a “beach babe” and baby blue short shorts. I’m really glad these swimsuits have seen their day but it’s fun to look back at the way women used to dress themselves like baby dolls. Both are well-made by iconic labels which were known for their quality. The little glimpse of interior construction shows some of this. The bottoms have a back metal zipper, which was often used on suits of that era.

Although it’s difficult to photograph these garments in a really good way, these short shorts are actually much more smart and flattering than the style which is popular now. They zip on the left side and the fit is sleek. The high waist accents an hourglass figure and prevents any tummy roll. Though the hem is very high on the thigh, nothing hangs out behind. Much more sexy, if that’s what you’re going for. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BACK TO THE FORTIES WITH A RAYON DAY-DRESS

Don’t you love the color combo? And, of course, that wonderful 1940’s rayon fabric that is soooo comfortable. Simple design, but it’s far from a house dress. It would have gone from city shopping to business meeting. Alas, was too big for me and I sold it some time ago, but I always keep the files . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SMARTLY TAILORED MID-CENTURY LEATHER JACKET

I love this leather jacket from the 1950’s. Such a flattering fit and cut for comfort, with lots of room across the shoulders and back. Darts at the elbows also make movement easier without binding. Plus, slash pockets at the waist add convenience without adding bulk. So, we’ve got a nipped waistline! Covered buttons are always a plus in the quality department, too.

Just a bit tiny for me, so I had to let it go but the photographed evidence will remain in the files. Stay tuned, as transmissions will continue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A CLASSIC 1940’S WOOL GABARDINE TOP COAT

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Absolutely worthy of any movie star. In near-perfect original condition (I just have to re-stitch a little part of a seam in the lining). Another “couldn’t-believe-it” find. So absolutely classic and beautiful.

Looks great on Madge and it fits me, too. Can’t be better!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A “NEWER” VERSION OF THE CLASSIC CAMEL COAT FROM 1972

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Isn’t she a beauty? Purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chicago. The label says that the camel hair is also blended with cashmere. Classic is always classic and this trench coat styling is always “new”, especially in a very well-made garment. Makes me feel just like Ingrid Bergman in Casa Blanca.

However, wonderful as this coat is I’ll have to show you a real 1940’s version, truly worthy of Ingrid’s character Ilsa and, of course, any Agent such as Moi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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FABULOUS 1960’S 100% CAMEL HAIR COAT

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Well, seems that the warm weather is behind us. Let’s get back into the classic true vintage groove with a cold weather gem. Like a cashmere coat, this camel hair garment is pure luxury. The finest materials, the finest tailoring. Very flattering fitted A-line cut. It’s a find of and for a lifetime and absolutely a keeper. I may go back into the ’70’s tomorrow, though, for a comparison. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Really Popular Late 1970’s 2-piece Style

Skirt and vest things were seen a lot in the late 1970’s. Although this style is classic and turns up regularly, seems as though it had a trend moment at that time. I picked this one up because of it’s quality and pedigree.

Made by Mr. Leonard, a well-known (though now re-owned or out of business) women’s mid-priced clothing maker in Canada. They made a variety of ladies fashions of very good quality and I have run across the label several times.

I admit, it’s not terribly exciting but extremely well-made; 100% cotton, fully-lined vest, comfortable and easy to wear. A clue worth collecting, but subject to the closet-cleaning. See it on eBay. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Pretty 1960’s – ’70’s Party Dress by Miss Elliette of California

I pulled this little beauty out of the archives to decide whether she gets a permanent place in the closet or the chopping block . . . . . . . . . . . ..

The 1970’s was not a banner decade for high quality fashion, in my opinion, but this is a lovely example of the mid-priced garments available then so worth collecting. It’s nicely designed and tailored with gathers at the neckline, knife pleating and piping finish at the neck and wrists; a flattering style with well-done tailoring details and features that were popular in some of the better dresses. Of course, a full matching lining in the body is essential.

Alas, it’s not a perfect fit nor the best color for me so it’s off to eBay. Sometimes, spycraft must be ruthless. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Retro 1930’s Frock that I couldn’t pass up . . . . .

When I spied this dress I was immediately aware of the loyalty to 1930’s style in the fabric and design. Though it’s not true vintage, it was worth collecting. Love the sheer material, the drape and hemline. And, IT FITS ME! Will be seen on the street next summer. The purge does continue. Stay tuned . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Another 1940’s Frock – for an Evening of Cocktails and Dancing

With ruched sleeves and velvet ribbon decoration on black taffeta, the label tells me that it was sold from a ladies-wear shop in Texas, where it was discovered. A pretty dress with lots of room to move, from a time when dressing up for cocktails and dancing to live music was probably more popular than it is today. Everyone was exuberant over the end of the WWII rationing that, for one thing, had made extravagant clothing unavailable. We apparently owe the title of “Cocktail Dress” for early-evening semi-formal frocks to Christian Dior, beginning in the post-war 1940’s when hemlines went down again and showy tailoring details came back.

I’ll need to check on how it fits me to decide it’s fate. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM