SUPER-NEAT FIND FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES A STORY AND A BRITISH LEGEND

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I’ll have to start at the beginning – – – the fabric was the thing which caught my eye and when I saw the old label and buttons, I decided to pick it up so that I could investigate further.  Boy, was I surprised!

First, was an examination of the garment.  This child’s dress was cut down from an adult’s or juvenile’s shirt by someone who REALLY knew how to sew.  The little handmade tag in the neckline says Tilly Rose.  I can imagine someone making this for a child who went off to care or nursery school when I.D.  labels in their clothing was important.

Next, the label – a brand name that was completely unknown to me . . . . . . . . . .  Tootal clothing was a company started in Britain in the 1700’s.  (Look it up on Wikipedia).  It’s gone through an evolution over the years (centuries!) and is still an iconic part of British heritage fashion.  One thing that they pioneered in the early mid-century was wrinkle-resistant fabric innovations.  The material in this little toddler’s dress is definitely one of their discoveries, trademarked as “fixaform” permanent press.  How cool is that?

I love, love, love the stories that true vintage fashion and accessories have to tell, and especially ones that are as rich and detailed as this one.  I stepped into true vintage history with another garment today, also.  Tale to tell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFULLY-MADE VINTAGE BARBIZON COTTON NIGHTGOWN

via BEAUTIFULLY-MADE VINTAGE BARBIZON COTTON NIGHTGOWN

BEAUTIFULLY-MADE VINTAGE BARBIZON COTTON NIGHTGOWN

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I’d been looking for a lightweight cotton nightie and, luckily, discovered this wonderfully-constructed example by Barbizon, the women’s lingerie manufacturer that opened in 1933.  This gown isn’t too old, made in the 1970’s – 1990’s time frame, but the brand label and quality made it worth picking up.

Though the name remains in the marketplace, the company is no longer in operation, as far as I can tell.  Many lingerie and sleepwear pieces can still be found in vintage clothing stores, on eBay and Etsy.   Barbizon garments were always well-made and pretty.  Though not from the eras that I enjoy most, this gown is classic in design and construction, so I couldn’t be happier.  Just what I was hoping for!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MADE IN JAPAN – UNIQUE MID-CENTURY SCARF WITH ORIGINAL LABEL

via MADE IN JAPAN – UNIQUE MID-CENTURY SCARF WITH ORIGINAL LABEL

A LITTLE BLACK DAY DRESS – JUST RIGHT FOR A TRIP TO TOWN

via A LITTLE BLACK DAY DRESS – JUST RIGHT FOR A TRIP TO TOWN

A LITTLE BLACK DAY DRESS – JUST RIGHT FOR A TRIP TO TOWN

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Another elegant style, to be dressed up or down.  Definitely needs a steam-clean, but we can discuss the details.  Style is a simple, belted sheath (probably had a fabric-covered buckle belt originally) with 3/4-length sleeves and faux pocket detail at the hips.  The fabric is a very nice shantung weave.

A dress like this is SO versatile that everyone owned at least one.  It’s very basic and streamlined so looks smart for errands but dresses up beautifully for cocktails or dinner with high heels, pearls or a sparkly brooch.

I’m so glad to have it in my closet.  Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TWO MORE TRUE VINTAGE LBDs – THIS TIME FROM THE 1950’S

via TWO MORE TRUE VINTAGE LBDs – THIS TIME FROM THE 1950’S

TWO MORE TRUE VINTAGE LBDs – THIS TIME FROM THE 1950’S

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Little Black Dresses keep coming my way.  Love this one, with interesting tailoring details.  Since these don’t show up in the photo, I will explain while you use your imagination.

Short, short sleeves are very flattering and the front of the bodice is sheer to show off the lace or trim on a beautiful black slip from that era.  There is a fabric tassel at the waist, to be tied into a bow.  From the hip to near the hemline, horizontal pleats add interest to the pencil skirt.  Very elegant and becoming and –

there’s more coming your way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

BEST EVER PANTS FIND – 1960’S BELL-BOTTOMS

via BEST EVER PANTS FIND – 1960’S BELL-BOTTOMS

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SEPARATES FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

via TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SEPARATES FOR SPRING AND SUMMER