Tag Archives: 1930’s

JUST FOUND! A SHIMMY-SHAKE LITTLE BLACK DANCING DRESS FROM THE LATE FIFTIES OR EARLY SIXTIES

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I had one other 1960’s sheath dress with fringe like this several years ago, and it was a surprise.  Looks like a hoochie-coochie 1920’s or ’30’s frock but that kind of fringe is so GREAT for Sixties dancing, too.  I guess some women thought so . . . . . . . . . . .

The interesting thing about this particular one is that the body of the dress is made of a soft fabric that feels like cotton with chenille stripes.  I thought chenille was just for bedspreads, bathrobes and sweaters.  That’s one thing I love about this investigating – you learn something new every day (and get to play dress-up every day, too).

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

THREE OF MY OLDEST TRUE VINTAGE HAWAIIAN GOWNS

THREE OF MY MOST VINTAGE HAWAIIAN GOWNS

From the 1960’s back to, maybe the 1920’s, these three are my oldest vintage examples of Hawaiian gowns.  From the farthest left, to right –

Psychedelic hues and patterns on the far left – not hard to see the late Sixties here.  The center dress is from the 1950’s and is fashioned in the traditional Hawaiian style, with a panel on the back that is almost like a train, without the dragging hem.

On the far right is a mystery dress with a metal side zipper. It has images in the print that are not your standard Hawaiian shirt variety and the fabric is very different –

instead of being the heavy cotton that I’d usually expect, it is a fluid material that I’d guess is rayon. If the label did not indicate that it was made in Hawaii, I’d say it had come from Japan.  The toggle closure at the neck is also something often seen on Chinese and Japanese garments. It’s also got a very 1930’s cut – close to the body.

Hmmm . . . . . . . . . this is REALLY Mata Hari undercover espionage stuff.  I wonder how she wound her way to the place where I discovered her . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

IT’S TIME FOR MID-CENTURY COTTON DAY – DRESSES TO COME OUT OF THE CLOSET

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These fun and beautiful frocks are what EVERYBODY was wearing as everyday-wear between about 1935 and 1965.  The cottons are sturdy but wash and wear to a fabulous softness.  The colors are bright and the motif’s go from traditional floral or medallion prints (like the one here) to atomic geometrics and cartoon novelty images.

I absolutely cannot get enough of these!  The typical fit and flare styling is very forgiving, allowing  me a reasonable fit across about 3 sizes.  A belt can work wonders with almost any garment.  If shoulder pads are appropriate to the era, that makes a big difference, too.

With the exception of the Sixties shift style, this basic shirt-waist design is just about the most comfortable, practical and versatile for day-wear ever; still, it allows for elegance and the irreplaceable look of true vintage fashion.  I’ll keep showing more of these wonderful everyday styles, and whatever turns up.  Stay tuned . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE TAP PANTS FROM THE 1920’s, 1930’S, 1940’S AND ?! 1970’S

TRUE VINTAGE TAP PANTS FROM THE 1920's, 1930'S, 1940'S AND ?! 1970'S

To wear with a pretty brassiere or camisole, these were the underpants of the ’20’s, ’30’s and ’40’s.  In the 1970’s they also came back for a while, though not as sumptuous or luxurious as the originals.

Clockwise, 12, 3 and 6 o’clock are the older ones, made of silk with hand-done embroidery and lace.  They also close with buttons on the left side.  At 9 o’clock, the newer pair from the ’70’s is of nylon and has nice lace, with an elastic waistband.  It also has a matching camisole.

Look at those luscious colors!  And, the silk is so smooth and comfy.  In most cases, a garter belt and hose would also be worn with these, since women were usually wearing skirts or dresses, and those were often loose-fitting.  Nothing there to cramp your Charleston, Lindy or Jitterbug style.

You know what I’d rather wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL VAL MODE RETRO 1940’S PEIGNOIR

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There are already at least a couple of dressing gowns  in my collection that date from the 1930’s – 1940’s and are made in a similar style.  So, although this was was made 30 to 40 years later and the fabric isn’t as nice, it’s pretty true to the design.

I’ll sometimes pick up retro items made by famous vintage makers because they do a pretty good job.  This one still qualifies as “true vintage” because of being at least 30 years old, but the real 1940’s would always be my favorite!

Anyway, a pretty find and worth adding to my treasures.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS AND RARE FIND! WARTIME RAYON BLOUSE – NEAR “MINT CONDITION

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Can hardly believe my good fortune – but then, I always say that though I really DO believe it.  Here is a home-sewn rayon blouse from the late 1930’s to early 1940’s.  The colors are a bit washed-out in the photograph, but are brilliant and glossy in reality.  Someone made this pretty shirt with french cuffs and cute buttons from a glorious rayon fabric and guarded it carefully for 80 years!

The seamstress (or tailor) used machine and hand-stitching.  Beautifully-done.  The cuff buttons are hidden inside.  Expert clothing-makers in the early 1900’s knew how to do things properly, even when sewing at home.  It’s such a skill worth having!

As usual, I’ve started this segment of recent discoveries from the oldest up to the most recent so you will be seeing lots of mid-century treasures.  Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CLASSIC SUNDRESS BY HENRI BENDELL

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Here’s the example I promised yesterday – by the iconic Paris designer, Henri Bendel, a summer frock of exceptional fit and construction.  Although this dress may be no more than 8 years old since the company stopped selling clothing in 2009, it’s quality and pedigree made it worth picking up.

I also have a suit by Henri Bendel, made in the 1960’s.  The design and tailoring of his garments are exquisite.  Although this sundress does not look like anything special hanging here, it fits beautifully (my size!) and is very well-made.

If only for the legacy of this classic Parisian designer, I was happy to find it and will wear it with pleasure . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS RETRO ’20’S,’30’S,’40’S ERA DRESS RE-MAKE – S0000 SEXY!

IMG_1058     Here’s a lovely retro frock from my collection.

It’s a beautiful re-creation of an early 1900’s up-scale day dress style.  Wonderful rayon-type fabric, cut on the bias with all the figure-following qualities that has and very well-tailored.  Designers from those early decades really knew how to enhance the figure and the designer of this one (no tag or label) – probably from 1980 – 2000 – did a wonderful job of imitating their style.

I prefer true vintage and don’t usually wear a lot of retro, but this frock was too good to pass by. It’s a sheer dress with it’s own rayon slip underneath.  The long necktie that wraps around as a belt is perfect.  Of course, it’s also my size . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

ANTIQUE QUILT TO TRUE VINTAGE RETRO CLOTHING: LET’S START WITH FABULOUS COTTON FABRICS FROM THE EARLY 1900’S

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JUST A SAMPLING –  NO MATTER HOW IT LOOKS, THERE’S NOTHING LIKE IT TODAY!

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These wonderful cotton prints may have come from clothing that had worn out and had to be re-purposed.  Love the pink check that’s in the apron!  The quilt has many blocks that are not damaged at all, though some show wear.  For being about 100 years old, it was well-looked-after and still holds together.

What I love most about a find like this is the rare materials that all have a story.  The prints are so great – little anchors, fleur des lis, vines and flowers, paisley and plaid, checks and stripes.  There are more, but I can only show so many photographs at once.

So, I know it’s not a piece of clothing (excepting for the apron accessory) but it’s such a wonderful trip back to fabrics and garments from the early 1900’s.  This quilt was probably made between 1920 and 1950.  It’s not often that we get to see these, so I jump at the opportunity!  It’s one that I only come across now and then and, you just never know . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

A FUN FROCK FROM THE FORTIES

A FUN FROCK FROM THE FORTIES

More from my favorite(?) decade.  This little cutie is a crepe number – very popular in the 1940’s. It’s a day dress and I love the cute trim details!  Heavy enough to wear in the cooler seasons, too.

I had another very much like it with plain pockets which I saw worn in a popular movie from that time – just about the same color as mine, too. That was a thrill.

This one is really more gold than yellow but, between the digital camera and the funky light, it’s hard to tell. Women enjoyed fashions like this with their quirky details in the forties. A lot of the clothing from past decades really makes me smile.

This is another teeny one with a side zipper and front buttons to the waist. The trim gives kind of a peplum effect – peplums were also a popular style feature then. I’ll show at least one more soon.

I just love shirtwaist dresses from that decade – one of my favorite true vintage styles. The crepe fabric doesn’t move as much as rayon, but still drapes really nicely – a hallmark of many 1940’s garments for men and women. Swish!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM