Here’s Another 1940’s Frock, in a Dressier Mood

In a more substantial rayon, this dress would have taken Stella to an important luncheon, dinner date, Club meeting or business appointment. For any event calling for a sophisticated and dignified appearance this garment would have been appropriate. The high neckline, 3/4 sleeves and rhinestone buttons support this demure and elegant presence and the peplum waist keeps it from being too boring. Not exactly my style (a bit too demure) but such a beautiful example of 1940’s couture. I’m on the fence about passing it on.

Stuck in the 1940’s – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Wonderful 1940’s Day Dress in Cold Rayon

One of my most cherished dresses, probably from the post-war period but, possibly, from before the war ramped up in the early 1940’s. My favorite thing regarding this frock is the fabric print with the neckline detail a close second. Very artistic. The cold rayon of that era was so fabulous in it’s soft hand and exquisite drape – such a beautiful fit and supremely comfortable.

It’s always impossible for me not to go into a bliss state when I examine a beautiful garment like this; So much history and outstanding tailoring. There will be more – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL 100% SILK TAILORED WASP WAIST GOWN

Of course, I couldn’t pass up this Asian(?) beauty when I discovered it although I don’t know it’s history. There’s no label and it looks unworn so Where and When did it originate? The zipper gives me my best clue – it’s a Talon, in the style of the 1960’s and 1970’s – but not a definite answer, since this frock was hand-tailored.

The fabric, also, is a clue – pure silk with gold embellishments – which brings to mind others I have seen in garments made by Asian and Middle Eastern tailors; sometimes overseas and sometimes in North America. I love a mystery, but let’s get down to the real brass tacks. What makes this dress so exceptional and worthy of being categorized as True Vintage?

  1. Professional hand-tailoring which includes traditional features such as strap holders for undergarments sewn into the shoulders, other hand-finishing details and a full lining.
  2. True vintage styling most popular in previous decades i.e. wasp waist, ruching and midi length.
  3. The vintage Talon zipper. True, the maker may have saved this from previous times but still noteworthy.

So, there you have the initial conclusions of the investigation. Further clues may be uncovered in the future but this is enough to justify the acquisition. It’s a gorgeous example of tailoring history and garment design. However, the purge continues and it’s not a perfect fit for Moi, so off to the public auction house it has gone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER PERFECT 1940’S JACKET!!

Oh, the tailoring details! Decorative buttons, finished buttonholes, little fabric tabs on cuffs and pockets. To die for. Of course, it’s fully-lined. No label, so I’m not sure if this piece was purchased from a tailor or if the original owner removed the label, which so often happened.

Anyway, I love it to pieces and that’s why I have kept it even though it is a bit too small for me. And, we know what that means . . . . . . . . . . . . yes, the archives must continue to be purged. So, more fun for my loyal followers and more room in the closets for me. Because, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STAY TUNED

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S LADIES’ JACKET – PERFECT CONDITION!

Look at all these wonderful design and tailoring details. It even has both the maker’s label and the National Recovery Board label inside. And, WOW, I didn’t find a single piece of wear evidence – somebody loved this jacket, cared for it scrupulously, wore it gently and guarded it fiercely!

Obviously, it’s too big for both Stella and Moi, so it’s gone onto eBay. Another casualty of the archive purge and more continue, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Lovely, Slinky Retro 1940’s Black Velvet Cocktail Gown

I’m not big into retro fashion, as you know if you have followed me for some time, but once in a while I discover a stand-out. This beautiful frock qualifies, with velvet fabric that has a luscious hand and many of the right tailoring details.

Of course, the shoulder extension and midi length create the correct silhouette. Simple elegance is always a plus and long sleeves are great on cool weather fashions. They were more common on party dresses back in the day than they are now. I love this keyhole back and the rhinestone button accents on the back of the neckline. Though you can’t see it in the photos, the upper back of this dress has a crossover design which adds a lot of interest and also makes putting it on and off much easier.

Though it’s an ’80’s – ’90’s does ’40’s retro, it was definitely worth collecting.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Perfect 1960’s -1970’s Vintage Coat for a Rainy Fall Day

It’s raining today (Yea! We need it) so I’m posting photographs of a beautiful Mary Lane all-weather coat that has been in my closet. So well-tailored with big sculpted buttons and braid trim on a very practical rain-repellent fabric. Full lining! Bound buttonholes! Mary Lane was a company which made women’s clothing to a high standard for decades.

How could I give it up? Well, ongoing investigations keep on bringing in new clues and one can only keep so many archives so something had to give and I’ve put it on eBay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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Another True Vintage Accessory – Fabulous Spanish-made Boots

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These beauties were made in 1979! Wow, do I ever love them!! Soft, supple glove leather with leather soles and heels. All the beautiful workmanship that was expected in European-made footwear. Shoes from Spain and Italy, especially. Not sure if that’s true now, but it certainly was up to a couple of decades ago. Still have the original everything and they’re going strong!

Oldies really are the best goodies! And, on top of that, they don’t contribute to animal cruelty or inhumanity in the marketplace today. True vintage purchases, especially from a reputable charity shop or individual (do your research) is VEGAN and responsible. That can go for anything made of leather, skins or fur several decades ago. We can appreciate and get service from these vintage items without doing any harm to life or the environment today. That’s how to enjoy the best of the best. Stay tuned . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

My Mid-century 1950’s Wayfarer – style Men’s Glasses

Iconic as as can be, and of course I loved them, but had to let them go. Just a little too big and heavy for my face so sometimes we must be realistic. This pair was made by well-known true vintage eyeglass maker Liberty U.S.A. These were not heavily used, but some wear shows that they were just so well-made that they kept their like-new looks for decades. Perfectly right for the Rockabilly/Geeky/Mad Men look.

By the way, I’m on eBay but not under my cover name. Must protect my incognito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Another of my recent Discoveries – a 1940’s Repro day-dress!

Love it, love it, love it so much! Believe it or not, this is the 5th cotton dress I’ve found over time – in the same place, made from the same pattern, probably by the same person. I’m thrilled to find another one. The fabrics and buttons are such high quality and the pattern fits me to a “T”. So flattering. So fun!

I’m guessing that this pattern is an authentic design from the mid-1940’s, with a wartime shorter hemline and, always, shoulder pads. Would love to know it’s history – did it belong to someone’s mom or grandmother once or was it purchased as a re-issue of the original? Original patterns from decades past are being re-issued by the original companies (I know that Vogue Patterns has done this) and, while pricey, they’re worth it. Love seamstresses who have the skills to reproduce vintage styles with accuracy and excellent tailoring.

Eyes open, always. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM