
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Another pretty pink lingerie item with an impressive pedigree. Although this particular piece was made late in the company’s history and was probably one of the final batches, it’s still beautifully constructed and made from one of the company’s proprietary fabrics, Blendaire.
I understand why these special fabrics were so distinctive and important to the popularity of Barbizon garments. Blendaire is a batiste made of cotton, nylon and rayon. The look and feel of it is so special that I’ll treasure it forever. If you have followed me for some time, you’ll know that I have enjoyed collecting many styles of bed jackets from the 1930’s through to the time of this one.
Although the maker’s label has been made and attached in a modern, ordinary and ugly way, this bed jacket has still been constructed with the precise care and tailoring of older Barbizon pieces. The tiny crystal pleats are perfect, the lace and embroidery trim is carefully stitched, the hem is perfectly finished, the elastic at wrists is stretchy and all the buttons are present. There are even two sets of snaps discreetly sewn at the neckline and mid-bodice to enhance the fit and prevent gapping. I always sigh with joy when finding this kind of careful tailoring and attention to detail.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

This one is definitely a keeper! The photograph can’t do this dress justice (yes, I really do miss my modeling team) but you, vintage fashion enthusiasts, have the imagination to see it for what is truly is. I’m showing it here with a recently-discovered chain belt which is a perfect accessory in the Sixties style.
A garment such as this one never goes out of fashion. The original owner knew this since she had it tailored or made it herself from excellent quality fabric in a beige tan shantung weave. It has been worn, but is in wonderful shape with no flaws found and a sturdy metal zipper. The icing on the cake, of course: it fits me.
No huge fireworks display or parade with floats and bands, but continued finds like this one make regular undercover sleuthing adventures well worth my time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

During my most recent investigatory episode, this garment is the first that I spied. Aside from the lace trim and piecing on the bodice, there’s nothing remarkable here – no pockets, extra trim or embroidery and the tailoring isn’t exceptional. However, I did zoom in on the fabric. Looks like a heavy woven cotton in a red, green and black plaid. Hmm . . . . . . . . what was in this seamstress’s mind? Holiday cheer? Little House on the Prairie, the winter months? In virtually original condition, it was worth picking up.
So, I got it home and tried it on. It looked very small, but fits me to a T! You’ll see later how good it may look on Stella. (I really miss my assistants when working at satellite locations.) It’s doubtful I’ll keep it in the long run, but it does have it’s own story to tell. More to come. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

I’d been thinking of finding something light that would be good summer sleepwear for hot and sticky weather; so that was what was on my mind when I spotted this fabric. I took a good look and said “Oh, my goodness!” Even hanging in my hands, I could see what a good pedigree this style has and, when I was able to try it on at home, OMG!!! Can’t wait to photograph it on Stella. I’m really hoping to find the right slip and to be invited to a New Year’s party.
It fits me like a glove and is so flattering with an hourglass cut, elbow-length sleeves and knee-length hem plus a deep V-neckline. The soft, pretty lace and excellent construction don’t hurt, either. It even has a side zipper. Obviously, this company takes their design and quality seriously.
So, I did a little research about the maker and discovered that Vintage Stories opened in 2017 in London, England with styles inspired by famous people in past decades. I know little more than this about them and am not sure if they are still producing items or exactly where they are sold. Each garment is said to have a story behind it, so I wonder what the story is here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM