Tag Archives: 1940´s

1940’s -1950’s ROCKABILLY PROM DRESS

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It’s pretty gaudy, but somebody loved it back in the day!  It can be worn off the shoulder, peasant-style, too.  There’s nothing expensive about it, with simple workmanship and “cheap” fabrics so it makes me wonder if this was a wartime frock.  If not, it was post-war early Fifties.

Anyway, it’s fun and the second dress I’ve come across in the past couple of years in this style.  Must have been at the back of someone’s closet or basement for a long, long time – just safeguarding those special memories of a dance or party date.  Hmmm, you just never know. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND – NEW WAVE DOES FORTIES DAY DRESS

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A very fun side-zip-waist poly/synthetic frock that was home-sewn – much of it by hand – in the styling of wartime and postwar day dresses  This is a retro re-make from maybe the Sixties up to the Retro years with a ’60’s – early ’70’s Talon zipper.

Love the art print fabric.  If not for various signs, I might have taken it for 80 years old. Anyway, it’s a great find with lots of evidence for it’s story.  With a nice black belt cinched at the waist and some ’40’s – ’50’s pumps, I’ll enjoy it!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

TRUE VINTAGE HIGH-HEEL STILETTO PUMPS FROM THE UK: A CLASSIC WARDROBE STAPLE 1940’S – 1950’S

TRUE VINTAGE HIGH-HEEL STILETTO PUMPS FROM THE UK: A CLASSIC WARDROBE STAPLE

According to moi, one can never own too many pairs of beautiful pumps.  They can be worn with almost anything, are easy to walk and dance in and are tremendously flattering to most women.  Some lucky girls look just as good in anything, wearing flats, but most legs and overall stature are improved by the height and lift provided by a heel.

This pair are sturdy, standard issue, with no particular brand name (I’m not altogether familiar with branding in the UK).  The important thing is the cut and the materials, which are both exceptional.  Though it’s hard to see in the photo, there is a black leather detail on the outside vamp.  Love it!

I’ll have these for decades. The mid-high heel is very versatile and the neutral brown is good any time of year.  Looks great with white and beige in the summer.  I found them in Canada, where British goods are more common, but I find items made all over the world in places far from their origin. That is half the fun and excitement of the hunt. As always, you just never know . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1940’S RAYON SWING DRESS FROM PARIS

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JUST MADE FOR SWING DANCING – AND DON’T YOU LOVE THE NOVELTY PRINT?!

This discovery came from a different arrondissement, but still within the city of Paris.  It is another treasure that only Stella can fit into.  I’ll get her to model it after returning to headquarters.  Also will be busy scouting out belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Couldn’t be more pleased, though, to find another wartime rayon frock in a fun, fun print. These are some of my favorite garments.  This one tells the story of WWII as it was custom-tailored and shows the signs of saving on fabric and notions.  The design is very simple with no extra decoration and a very narrow hem allowance, though the tailor did indulge in a big sailor collar with piping.

Such fun to find another rare novelty print – atomic squiggles with goofy birds and other animals.  The color combos are also unique.  Won’t ever find another one like it . .. . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CASUAL TRUE VINTAGE DAY-DRESS FROM PARIS, FRANCE

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A PRACTICAL BUT CUTE MID-CENTURY COTTON FROCK FOR MAKING THE DAILY RUN TO THE MARKET . .. . . . . . . . .

In the same color(?) palette as yesterday’s dress, this one seems more down-to-earth but still has important elements of style.  It was probably custom-tailored, too.  The buttons are clear plastic with a Deco design.  Like the other it needs a belt, but that’s not a big challenge.

Although knock-your-socks-off styles and fabrics send me over the moon, I never pass up a simple true vintage frock that is well-made.  The material, notions and tailoring are always interesting.  Plus, they usually look really good on, because the cuts tend to be so superior.

Giselle is feeling right at home and we’ll be getting a bit more exotic tomorrow . . … . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A TRUE VINTAGE SUCCESS STORY FROM THE 1940’S AND A CAUTIONARY TALE

WHAT YOU SEE IS NOT WHAT I GOT!! A SUCCESS STORY AND A CAUTIONARY TALE

I absolutely adore this jacket. AND, it’s got a real story – The silk pants are not original, but the greenish bronze is a good match to the trim and I wear them with the jacket as loungewear.

When I first bought this jacket, it was a light lemon yellow, with emerald green embroidered trim, in a very large size.  From the  1940’s, the fabric was  a mystery – probably acetate or some blend.

It had been sold by a well-known (back in the day) Denver department store and carried their label.  I enjoyed wearing it as a wrap over strappy dresses or with skirts and light blouses. Yellow is not my best color, but it still worked.

After several years, I wondered how it might be to dye it a more flattering color – so, out came the scarlet dye and into the washing machine it went.  I’ve done this a number of times and have a system that USUALLY works – it’s ALWAYS a gamble.

So, what I got was a beautiful orange-red jacket with bronze embroidery (love it!) and in a size that fits me perfectly. Surprise!!

Could have been a disaster if I was not somewhat experienced and prepared.  Colors can turn out blotchy, seams can rip, fabrics can pucker and shrink beyond belief!!  Just a heads – up – the possibilities for success are endless, but so are the hazards, so here’s a word to the wise . . . . . . . . . … . . . . . . . . . learn your stuff well, then you can be adventurous!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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BEAUTIFUL DELICATE COLOR TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – 1960’S SLIPS TO WEAR WITH YOUR PASTELS

BEAUTIFUL PASTEL TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S - 1960'S SLIPS TO WEAR WITH YOUR PASTELS

Here are great nylon slips for Spring into Summer wear. When the weather has us in the doldrums, these will pick up the spirits and coordinate with the lovely pastels we are beginning to wear again.

Gorgeous lace and embroidery – the slip on the left may even be 1940’s. We know we’re getting into the 1960’s with the one far right because of the fabric and construction – not just the length – .some pre-WWII slips were short, too, depending on the style.

It’s fun to know all the details but I love each one . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSES FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S IN SILK, LINEN & RAYON

Here’s the perfect shirt to go with those 1940’s pants, right here on the left – ivory silk by Lady Manhattan.  Nothing more classic and beautiful  – unless . . . . .

We move center to a waist-length linen blouse that buttons up the back. Look at that fabulous lace neckline.  How feminine and chic!  Under a little suit or just with a skirt . . . . . .

And, the blouse far right can do the same job in sumptuous rayon.  It shows more of the gorgeous hand-done tailoring detail that is so characteristic of true vintage garments.

They’re all treasures . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

MORE BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BED JACKETS

MORE BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BED JACKETS

Just look at the gorgeous trimming details on these luxurious early mid-century items. Such a pleasure to wear!  Can’t you imagine relaxing in one of these some time during the holidays?  Heaven!

Nothing could be more feminine or comfy than these heavy nylon bed jackets; for just a little extra warmth while reading a book or the paper, or enjoying a leisurely coffee or breakfast in bed.

Whenever I find these, I cannot resist.  A lady can never have too many . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE EARLY MID-CENTURY NIGHTGOWN – SEXY, SIMPLE ELEGANCE

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Don´t know for sure if this gown is from the Forties or Fifties, but I´ll bet on the early 1950´s.  This sweeping, silky style is so gorgeous on!  No frills and fussy details, just the most wonderful nylon that feels fabulous.

You might remember the gown I discovered a year or two ago which has a similar treatment of the front straps.  I just love this – no hardware or bulky seams.  Looks like origami.

Palest pink is always flattering and perfect for lingerie or sleepwear.  I´ll enjoy this one so much . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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