RARE, RARE ANTIQUE FIND!!! LADIES’ HAND-MADE CAPELET – 100 YEARS OLD??????

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA           What a huge surprise to

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA discover this little gem!  It’s a OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA capelet that may be from Victorian or OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAEdwardian times – maybe someone planned to take it on the Titanic voyage!!!  (From the looks of it, maybe it went on the Titanic voyage).  It’s so old that many theories and stories about it’s history could be possible. Some woman wore this covering her shoulders over a dress.  It might have been an evening gown, a day-dress or mourning dress – maybe a costume specialist could tell.

Manufactured trim with antique beads is sewn around the neck and the hem of the capelet.  So many hand-stitches!

As you can see, the outer layer of fabric is in tatters, but the black, silky lining is pristine.  If the cape were flipped inside out, the beading trim  removed and transferred to the other side with a replacement liner made it would be almost new again!  Even though non-sewers might think so, it’s not a big job.

Just amazing.  I haven’t decided whether I will want to restore it and wear it, sell it to another collector or donate it to a theater or museum.  As always, it just goes to show that – you just never know . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

JUST FOUND!! A BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE LOUNGE DRESS FOR SUMMER – PATIO PARTY, HERE I COME . . . . .

IMG_1481Despite the gradually-cooling temps, I’m ready for the BBQ – maybe not the volleyball or badminton game.  This gown was custom-tailored of a beautiful fabric (look at those colors to die for!)  Though synthetics are often not the most desirable material, that’s one thing that most have going for them – the way they take and hang on to colors.

Probably polyester, but it’s got an uncommon finish that feels almost like moleskin and a nice drape.  This is a perfect outfit for the iconic American entertaining genre – the Patio Party, inaugurated in the early 1960’s along with the basement party room with built-in bar.  Pretty soon, the days of the chic living-room cocktail party were over – replaced by the Cha-Cha party downstairs and the Patio Party & cook-out in the back yard.

Save those LBD’s for dinner dates.  It’s easier to do the Twist and the Limbo in shorts, capris or a long, loose skirt, not to mention a bikini – but I’m not exactly sure where the Pool Party got started.  Probably Hollywood, or Miami, or . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

JUST LOVE MID-CENTURY “TRADITIONAL” CLOTHING FROM MEXICO – PARA LOS TURISTAS

 I picked up this little beauty in lovely, soft cotton.  It could be from any time after the 1960’s – hard to tell since they’re continuing to sell them in Mexico and some stores …

Source: JUST LOVE MID-CENTURY “TRADITIONAL” CLOTHING FROM MEXICO – PARA LOS TURISTAS

CLASSIC VINTAGE WESTERN-WEAR SHIRT FROM THE SEVENTIES

From one of the best Western-wear dealers in the U.S., a vintage gingham men’s shirt in near-perfect condition.  (Actually, I found another really nice one, too, but way too big for Madge to …

Source: CLASSIC VINTAGE WESTERN-WEAR SHIRT FROM THE SEVENTIES

CLASSIC VINTAGE WESTERN-WEAR SHIRT FROM THE SEVENTIES

IMG_1484 IMG_1485From one of the best Western-wear dealers in the U.S., a vintage gingham men’s shirt in near-perfect condition.  (Actually, I found another really nice one, too, but way too big for Madge to model).

For casual wear in the U.S. there is nothing more classic than high-quality Western-wear, made in the U.S. to standards of design that have endured for decades.

Especially in the Southwestern states, this kind of shirt dressed up with a silver bolo tie and a nice sport coat can take you almost anywhere. Go with a plain color or a subtle pattern and you CAN go anywhere.  But, be careful about wearing jeans, and super careful about the quality and condition of your boots and hat . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC COTTON SUMMER BLOUSE

I’ve left the shirt un-ironed to show that it is 100% cotton, rather than poly or a blend.  And the feel of true vintage cotton – so soft and wonderful after being washed, worn and love…

Source: TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC COTTON SUMMER BLOUSE

TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC COTTON SUMMER BLOUSE

IMG_1486 IMG_1487I’ve left the shirt un-ironed to show that it is 100% cotton, rather than poly or a blend.  And the feel of true vintage cotton – so soft and wonderful after being washed, worn and loved for a while!

The close-up shows some of the detail that covers the front, with tucks and crocheted lace.  A 1/2 inch ruffle goes all the way around the hem.  Few blouses made in the U.S. have this amount of gorgeous, high quality decoration – even the old ones!

For that reason, I wonder if this one was made in Europe where they routinely made glorious cotton garments like this one – maybe still do . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ANOTHER 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S DRESS ENSEMBLE EXAMPLE – A STEP UP ON THE ELEGANCE LADDER

   What a gorgeous, tailored dress and jacket.  Glossy rayon fabric with a shantung – style weave.  The bodice treatment is so lovely. MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGES…

Source: ANOTHER 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S DRESS ENSEMBLE EXAMPLE – A STEP UP ON THE ELEGANCE LADDER

ANOTHER 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S DRESS ENSEMBLE EXAMPLE – A STEP UP ON THE ELEGANCE LADDER

IMG_1412 IMG_1415 IMG_1416  What a gorgeous, tailored dress and jacket.  Glossy rayon fabric with a shantung – style weave.  The bodice treatment is so lovely.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SEERSUCKER SKIRT & TOP SET – JUST THE CUTEST THING!

I love this little suit!  The skirt is shorter now than it was when the outfit was sold in the early to mid-1960’s, but the skirt lengths did change just a couple of years later when the mini…

Source: TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SEERSUCKER SKIRT & TOP SET – JUST THE CUTEST THING!