Tag Archives: 1940’s

NEAT, NEAT FIND! A 1970’S – 1980’S MIDI-BLOUSE

Another true vintage retro-style discovery. I love, love, love finding super vintage separates!! This rayon blouse by Esprit will be great with my white 1940’s – style sailor pants, my 1970’s white suit, and, and, and, etc. The style era is about 1935 – 1955. It’s in beautiful condition and fits. The only thing I plan on doing is adding some modest – size shoulder pads to perfect the fit on my body. This also may help the keep the collar in line under jackets. And, I might turn up the cuffs on the sleeves. They are perfectly finished to do this without any additional sewing.

A little style tweak here and there is always fun, as well as making sure that the fit is just right for you, which can make all the difference in the world. With well-made garments, as so many true vintage ones are, alterations are often easier. When a piece is cut well, changing the size a bit doesn’t throw the lines off in a wonky way or require a lot of restyling. It’s harder to do with clothing made for imprecise sizes and without attention to detail.

So, there. A little snooty? But, so true . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TAILORED BLOUSE THAT IS BOTH TRUE VINTAGE AND RETRO . . . . . . . . . .

1940’s styling from the early 1970’s, when a Forties wave was happening in fashion. Under the Shirt Accent label, this blouse has Dolman sleeves, a ’40’s style wing collar and side seam vents at the waistline.

As is often seen with vintage tailoring, the blouse is purposed to be very versatile. It can be worn casually, un-tucked with jeans, pants or shorts. However, dressed up a bit with skirts and high-waist slacks it will tuck in nicely.

No doubt, this garment had been someone’s staple for 45 – 50 years with only one tiny seam repair needed. Now it will be mine for another 50?

Tomorrow we’ll be traveling back in time to a much earlier era . . . . . . . .. . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1980’S DOES 1940’S VELVET EVENING GOWN

Beautiful acetate/rayon velvet fabric and a gorgeous sweetheart neckline with pretty drop shoulders. Love this style! Also, it has nice tailoring as in the dress I showed yesterday. Whereas the shirtwaist from yesterday is WAY too big for me and will be sold, this dress will be simple to make a little smaller if I wish. We’ll see – it might end up on the eBay block, also, depending on what I think when standing in front of the mirror.

The only style element that I don’t like since it seems a little over-the-top is the thigh-high front slit. Fortunately, that should also be easy to change. Though you know that I always prefer a garment that is from the same decade as it’s style, rather than a re-make, I’m willing to pick up well-done pieces from the 1980’s and 1990’s. So, stay tuned. More to come . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEW FINDS – 1980’S DOES 1940’S

Nicely-done reproduction of a wartime 1940’s shirt dress. The fabric has a nice hand and finish. Plus, there are attractive tailoring details such as a hook and eye at the waistline and 1″ hem allowance.

I came across two more repro dresses that were worth picking up during my recent travels and will post them for you soon . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMPASSION FOR ANIMALS

On Monday I found a 1980’s retro 1940’s true vintage mink coat and there’s been a low response and no LIKES for my post about it. I interpret that as your lack of support for the use of animal skins in fashion, and even historic examples of it. I’d much rather see that than a lot of unthinking enthusiasm. You’re so awesome!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A BITTERSWEET BUT FABULOUS FIND IN FUR – TRUE VINTAGE, OF COURSE

Although seeing any fur in fashion – even true vintage ones – stabs at my heart, I can’t help loving the elegant design, art and craftsmanship showcased in these old garments. This surprising full-length mink example is retro 1940’s from the 1980’s! All in all, it’s a super and rare find. I’m happy to see it enjoyed in a responsible way while it survives and look forward to equally beautiful faux fur creations in the future.

Loving the Forties style features such as notched collar, shoulder pads and cuffed sleeves (as well as the small size)! The brand is “Miss O” by Oscar de la Renta and the neckline label says Albrect. Even though it is a more modern piece than it’s wartime grandma, the seller followed the tradition of embroidering the buyer’s initials inside the lining.

She won’t get out much, but on some starry night over a Post-war frock . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A WONDERFUL REFURBISHING SUCCESS!

I found this old shirt made of wonderful rayon fabric several years ago – the collar and sleeves had been cut off but I couldn’t pass it up. The feel and print have such a 1940’s vibe. With a little piping around the raw edges and a touch of lining here and there plus some buttons replaced, it’s become a great vest or even a sleeveless blouse.

It’s rare that I decide to do this type of rehab, but sometimes it’s definitely worth it! And, the possibilities can be almost endless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HERE’S STELLA WEARING THE MYSTERY DRESS FIND

Love this dress with it’s slinky, sexy fit. It has 1960’s style features i.e. bell sleeves and decorative trimming and a nylon Talon zipper BUT it is placed in the middle of the back with no opening at the top, like some 1940’s dresses. The fabric is also heavy cotton(?) and has an unusual art print. So, several indications of an older garment though it may have been styled the way it is just to enhance the fit.

No matter! Fits me well and looks fabulous on Stella. It’s a keeper, at least for a while . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1940’S SLINKY KNIT DAY DRESS FIND

It’s great to be back at Headquarters where I’m able to show this dress on Stella. A hanger could never do it justice because of the hour-glass fit.

What a treat is always is to discover wartime and post-war garments! I also love the slinky synthetics that were popular at that time. So comfy to wear and the drapey fit is always flattering.

Love the old zippers, too. This one has a metal TALON brand. And, it’s an unusual style for that time, not often seen, but you just never know . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND – GORGEOUS POST-WAR 1940’S OR EARLY 1950’S WEDDING GOWN

What a surprise! I wasn’t expecting this one, but that’s how it goes for the magicvintagespy. Beautiful, heavy ivory satin fabric, with covered-button and loop front closure, fitted waist and full skirt. Custom-tailoring with hand-finishing on the seams as well as the bead decoration around the wide collar. Vintage metal side zipper.

Though I see many gorgeous wedding gowns in my sleuthing investigations, it’s rare that I will pick one up. In this case, the pristine condition (just a little soil around the hem) and the period-perfect styling made my decision. It will fit in well with my half-dozen other elegant bridal gowns dating from the 1930’s to the Kennedy era early 1960’s.

Can’t wait to see it on Stella (my 1950’s mannequin, for those who are not regular followers). What next – can hardly wait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM