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

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

WOW! JUST FOUND A BEAUTIFUL POST-WAR WEDDING DRESS

A rare find with all kinds of collectible features. I’ll work on getting it posted for you this weekend. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE JACKET FIND: 1970’S OR 1980’S DOES 1940’S

Rare and unusual short-sleeved jacket with many of the best features of the wartime / post-war originals. I have several of the real Forties examples in my collection for comparison. Look at the detail photo for a better view of the covered buttons, sleeve pleats and crepe-style fabric.

Love the fitted cut, all the tailoring detail and smooth lines. Made before quality really hit bottom, it’s an honest and true attempt to simulate the real deal.

These jackets look wonderful over pencil skirts, cigarette or wide-leg pants and skinny sheath dresses. A super find!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1980’s COTTON FROCK BY LAURA ASHLEY

Made in Great Britain and definitely a genre of it’s own. For the women who love them, it would be a great find. Not my own personal style, but worth picking up when in such good condition.

If it fits, I might do some restyling or use the nice fabric for something else. There’s ample yardage here to accomplish a variety of alternate things. Could be visualized as a nice 1940’s – style skirt and blouse combo, or a swing dress. Endless possibilities. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MYSTERY PATIO HOSTESS GOWN WITH SUCH INTERESTING BACKGROUND . . . .

Long, sweeping gown in a beautiful, heavy cotton(?) – the photo on left shows the cut while the photo on right gives the true color and close-up of the interesting print.  This dress has many construction contradictions; some point to 1940’s and some to 1960’s.  Undoubtedly, it was custom-tailored.

Maybe our mid-century tailor was very experienced and knew how to use various methods to achieve exactly the slinky, hourglass fit she wanted.  The bell sleeves and commercial braid trim say 1960’s but the mid-back zipper placement, dip in the front waistline and fabulous art print fabric say 1940’s.  Looks like a film noir hostess gown.    I love a mystery!

Anyway, it’s an absolute beauty and fits me like a glove.  Dresses with the zipper placed mid-back are always a trick to get into and out of – pays to understand the method.  However, when the fit is right and the construction good, it’s a snap.  Tomorrow I’ll show you a cute shift with a clear Sixties pedigree.  Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS MID-CENTURY COCKTAIL OUTFIT

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No, it’s not a dress for Siamese elephants – this is a first-ever-seen hostess/cocktail one-piece “thing” with embroidered and sequined mesh over lined satin pants and bodice.  Not exactly a jumpsuit, though it has those elements.  I’m going to say early 1960’s, but it could be earlier.

This is a well-tailored garment with long panels front and back which are completely open at the sides.  The upper part of the bodice is lined with flesh-tone mesh, also.  Extremely well-made, with two labels – the brand and the store which sold it.

To be worn with a pair of black sandals or mules and, of course, diamonds . . . . . . . . . . . . .

More to come.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM