Tag Archives: 1940’s

NEW TO ME – GORGEOUS 1940’S – 1950’S LINGERIE SLIP

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I just had a windfall of finding a whole armful of lovely pastel full slips from the ’50’s and early ’60’s, but I’m going to show you this one first, which I found a few days ago.  It’s older, and longer, and more elaborately-styled in a design which I rarely find.

This slip is from the era when lingerie was made as if it were the main attraction of your whole outfit.  Forget what you’re wearing on top of it – the beautiful underthings is what’s really going on.  Look at those stunning crystal pleats on the bodice and the flounce at the hemline.

A slip that is so well-styled, carefully-made and of a wonderful, heavy nylon or rayon (or cotton, for summer) that it could stand alone as a dress is the kind of slip that our grandmothers wore every day.  Some were fancier than others, but even the more day-to-day items were elegant.

More pretties to come, and more to discover.  Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER “NEW” BRIDAL ENSEMBLE – FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S

When it rains, it pours!  Wedding dresses have been coming my way.  This beautiful frock would also do nicely as a semi-formal dress for Prom or something similar.

Pretty taffeta with a brocade design woven in – the head-dress is very sweet with little pearls and flowers and a short veil.  The dress is really a straight sheath, with a poufy over-skirt lined by a netting crinoline.  I think that elbow-length sleeves are so chic and elegant – it’s nice to see them here, finished with a little bow.

I don’t need a wedding dress or a Prom dress so this set may end up going to another bride or to a high school dance, but either way it will be a fabulous find again for some lucky girl . . . . . . . .. .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

“NEW” ACQUISITIONS – TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY AND 1980’S RETRO FOOTWEAR

Just picked these up as curiosity items, in the case of the boots, and fashion finds in the case of the wedgie sandals.  Great additions to my collection!

Let’s start with the boots.  They look like Sixties style(?) and have old metal Robin zippers up the side.  Made for super-practicality, as most fashion rain-wear was back in the day, they are one-piece rubber construction.  Not meant to wear in your garden like English Wellies, these were street-wear for very wet (or snowy) days.  Waterproof below the zippers.  I just love these everyday examples of true vintage products’ sensible value. Nothing frivolous or impractical here, but with a nod to fashion, as well.

Next we go on to a 1980’s brand that I collect whenever I find them – Penaljo made some wonderful 1940’s – 1950’s retro sandals and I show my latest find (the grey ones) along with some I already had (the green and cork pair).  Just love these for summer – so wartime/I Love Lucy.  ADORE wedge heels – very cute with shirtwaist and sun-dresses, capri’ pants or skirts. Leather construction with good attention to detail.  Worth picking up.   So, we’re on a roll.  Stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE BLACK, ORNAMENTED MID-HEEL PUMPS FROM THE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S

TRUE VINTAGE BLACK, ORNAMENTED MID-HEEL PUMPS FROM THE 1940'S - EARLY 1950'S

I just love, love, love the look of round-toed pumps! These are sweet and sassy at the same time, and oh, so of-the-period. When I really want to be back-in-the-day, these are some that I’ll wear.

Black suede, 100% leather construction with elegant bows on the vamps – this pair is made by Air Step. Another fabulous discovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL 1940’S – 1950’S NYLON NIGHTGOWNS

IMG_3007BEAUTIFUL 1940'S - 1950'S NYLON NIGHTGOWN

These gorgeous lingerie gowns were another surprise find – always so much fun! The shoulder detail is what really makes them stand out – the way the straps are joined in the front. They just don’t make ’em like this anymore.

The sheer panels and the gathers are also lovely, as well as the cloud-soft feel of the nylon fabric.

Sigh – to die for . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A LITTLE SWIMSUIT SERIES – TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC BLACK MAILLOT

A LITTLE SWIMSUIT SERIES - TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC BLACK MAILLOT

This one is so elegant and well-made that I can’t tell without getting it out and examining it again whether it’s from the 1940’s, 1950’s or early 1960’s.  That’s the way that all our wardrobe fundamentals should be!

Even looking at the photo, I believe that this suit comes from the earlier end of the time spectrum than the end of it.  It’s all in the fabric.

Next time I want to channel Esther Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE TANK BATHING SUIT – 1940’S – 1950’S

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE TANK BATHING SUIT - 1940'S - 1950'S

This suit has two layers.  The way they used to do the little briefs or shorts underneath was such a figure-enhancer for most women.

Almost like a tankini, but all in one piece.  Look at those great design details, too. You won’t see that on modern suits, nor the exceptional construction.  Black & white makes another appearance for Spring and Summer, as always.

Just right for sitting beside the pool, under a big sun-hat, with a Mai-Tai . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BE A LUAU MAMA OR A CHIC WAIKIKI WAHINI

BE A LUAU MAMA OR A CHIC WAIKIKI WAHINI

Since I’ve started getting out the patio frock, here we go – – – – – – Nothing rivals the beautiful workmanship and fabulous fabric found in true vintage Hawaiian fashions from the early Seventies and before.  The colors are incomparable.  The cottons and rayons are practically indescribable.  Men’s shirts are also incredible.

Since at least the 1940’s, dresses made in Hawaii were very desirable for their quality and fit.  Some are exceptionally comfy and relaxed. Others are high-volume sexy or very chic.

Think Mata Hari of the islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEW ACQUISITION – CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE RETRO 1940’S SHIRT DRESS FROM THE 1980’S

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Made in the U.S. by The American Shirt Dress company, this is not an unusual find – I come across these dresses now and again.   They are faithfully-made to the basic design of true vintage shirt dresses from the wartime and post-war days, so they are not a bad buy, but the tailoring is not anything to write home about.  The reason I picked this one up is because of the fabric.

Although it’s a cotton/poly blend, the finish is marled and glossy like many fabrics in the Forties and early Fifties were.  It’s fun to see what can be done with standard materials when a specialized weave or finish is applied.  This gives it an extra ‘elan which most retro fashions don’t have.

So, I’ll enjoy running around in this one on an everyday basis – just like my female relatives from generations back used to do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

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