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
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
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
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
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 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
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
Very basic, faux suede – which leads me to think that they might have been made during wartime. Perhaps they were just an economical brand of everyday shoe. 2″ Cuban heels – couldn’t be more practical – just right for Lucy or Ethel in the day of an average 1950’s housewife, or classic rockabilly style.
Love these old standard brand names – “Vitality Shoes”. Certainly put a spring in my step when I found them! . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
For some woman, before the popularity of pantyhose, these nylons would have paired nicely with the panty-girdle I showed a couple of days ago. They could be from a few years earlier, too.
These beige beauties are a real keepsake. I love the look of stockings with seams, but will probably never wear this pair. They’re too precious!
Imagine when keeping your seams straight throughout the day was another thing to have on your mind! Well, you wouldn’t have had to check email . .. . . . . . . . …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is a rare blouse, in a silky rayon fabric. If it weren’t for being a war-time garment, I might think it was a silk/rayon blend but, since the war effort used silk for other purposes, it was rare to find it in any clothing (or hosiery!). Rayon was King, and it’s a fabulous fabric. I just LOVE 1940’s and ’50’s blouses!
This one I’ve had for a while. It is finished at the hem to be worn un-tucked. Rather big for me, so I wear it as a tunic style. About 2 sizes smaller, it would be beautiful under a suit, no? Great design over a skirt, however, and dynamite with slacks.
The beautiful coffee-colored embroidery is what also “makes” it. Mocha-colored items are a bit unusual, and a nice year-round color. Neutrals are just about the most elegant, and versatile, of all hues.
It’s the gorgeous details and workmanship on this shirt that really cause it to stand out. Back in the day, this kind of craftsmanship was “de rigour” and now we really have to search to find it – and usually only in true vintage garments like this one . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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