Tag Archives: 1940s

CUTE TRUE VINTAGE RED HAT FROM THE 1950’S OR BEFORE . . . . . .

CUTE TRUE VINTAGE RED HAT FROM THE 1950'S OR BEFORE . . . . . .

Here’s Marlene in a great hat – might look good with that bright red ’40’s suit shown a few days ago . . . . . . .. It’s a beanie style with a tassel, all in Valentine red wool.

This is another example of what I call “witty” vintage style – fun, even amusing, details or designs that just make us smile. True vintage is full of that in a much better way than I ever see it done now.

Take a look at the necklace, too. I’ve got another picture of it coming later, but this one might even have better detail resolution.

Time to switch a bit, away from the truly Wintery-looking things. The hat collection is coming, plus some jewelry – though most of that will be later – maybe this summer. Got to get through the LBD’s first, and the shoes, some more Springy things plus the odd this and that which always turns up.  In other words, stay tuned . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER ‘POWER SUIT’ FROM THE 1940’S WITH DYNAMIC STYLING

ANOTHER 'POWER SUIT' FROM THE 1940'S WITH DYNAMIC STYLING

I just love the hugely distinctive tailoring on this jacket!!  The ensemble, of course, is woven of wool.  Big shoulder pads and a belted jacket which leaves the back hanging free.   The belt passes through slits in the waistline of the jacket that allow the back to fall straight. There is decorative button detail at each shoulder-blade area in the back, too.

The jacket, alas, was found without a matching skirt. But, by searching high and low I discovered one almost a perfect match. The original was probably longer than this one is, however.

Although this suit doesn’t have a fur collar, the collar is very high for warmth and a sweater could easily be worn underneath, rather than a blouse.  it could be worn alone, without a coat, on a cool or cold day.  Very practical, standard dressy day-wear for wartime and post-war women.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BRIGHTLY COLORED MID-CENTURY (’40’S & ’50’S) SUITS WITH LOTS OF DETAIL

BRIGHTLY COLORED MID-CENTURY ('40'S & '50'S) SUITS WITH LOTS OF DETAIL

Showing some reds here together – always a favorite color! The most amazing things about these are the pocket details and, of course, the overall quality cut and styling.

I can always depend on a true vintage suit of my correct size to fit beautifully. Even off-the-rack garments were made to such a higher standard that the things made today can’t compare.

I have hemmed the red skirt on the right (folded up, NOT cut off!) but otherwise haven’t had to do a thing. These babies were well-looked-after by their first owners and I continue by storing them properly, since they are wool.

That’s another topic – SO much vintage clothing was made of wool back in the day. Even lightweight weaves and knits that we could mistake for synthetics are actually wool. The important thing about this is to learn what the fabric is when you buy a vintage garment so that you don’t make mistakes when caring for it.

It’s no fun to throw something in the wash and have it come out as doll clothing or horribly misshapen. Nor do we want to find little moth holes in our favorite blouse, sweater or pants. LOVE delightful surprises, but not those!

Just another little tip from . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MY VERY FIRST TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S LADIES’ SKIRT SUIT

MY VERY FIRST TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S LADIES' SKIRT SUIT

This is just about my favorite suit because it was one of the first things I found when I started to be interested in vintage clothing.  It’s perfect for me, too, and I love wearing it.

It’s got little braided belt loops at the sides, so I usually put a skinny belt on.  It’s plain, but the fit is oh, so attractive!  I always get compliments.

I did do a couple of things to it due to my inexperience that I wouldn’t do now – I shortened it a bit to knee length and may have cut off the excess (horrors! – not the thing to do.  if you really want to shorten something, just make a deeper hem so that it can be changed back).   Thank goodness that I didn’t make it into a mini!  I also put the little slit in the front, which I now would probably have opened in back, if I did one.  That, however, is no big deal as it can be reversed.

Another reversible change was replacing the shoulder pads, which were VERY big, with smaller ones to make it more work-wearable. They can easily be replaced for authenticity.

Oh, well – I still love the thing so much and am very happy with it, but experience is a wonderful teacher and I’m so grateful for all that I have learned. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A FAVE WASP-WAIST SUIT FROM THE LATE 1940’S

A FAVE WASP-WAIST SUIT FROM THE LATE 1940'S

Here’s a wonderful post-WWII skirt suit that has that superb hour-glass shape that I love. To me, it’s an era that produced some of the most flattering clothing – like the suit from yesterday, also.

In wool, with stripes of charcoal, mid-blue and wine. Padded shoulders. Cheeky little turned-up cuffs. And, a longer skirt which is very versatile on it’s own, too.

Although thoughts of Spring are definitely in mind, we could wear these gorgeous garments for at least another month in this kind of weather and I take advantage of every chance I have!  Let’s see what else I can find . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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AN ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS LADIES’ SKIRT SUIT FROM THE 1940’S

AN ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS LADIES' SKIRT SUIT FROM THE 1940'S

This one belongs in the classic wartime or post-war movies, on Greer Garson, Ingrid Bergman or someone of their poise and stature.  It’s so beautifully cut and made, you can see why it’s a love of mine.

How could you not feel confident and beautiful wearing this?! It’s of wool, but not too heavy.  Even though the temperature is getting a little higher is some places now, suits like this can be comfortable even into the 60’s degree range – no need for a coat!  LOVE the slash pockets – they create such a flattering line.

I’m so inspired, I might just put it on with my Cuban heel oxfords and go to the coffee shop . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TAILORING DETAILS OF A PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE WOOL JACKET FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S

TAILORING DETAILS OF A PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE WOOL JACKET FROM THE 1940'S - 1950'S

I’m showing the back view of this jacket because it has the most interesting features. The front is nice, too, but plainer – vintage clothing can be very witty in this way, with little unexpected surprises.

The collar detail at the back of the neck is something I’ve seen several times. The little back “belt” and the bows on the cuffs make it so interesting.

The placement of the details makes this a somewhat unusual jacket – usually the decorations are on the front. Dresses, also, are likely to have really fun details sewn in.  I think this is especially true with garments from the wartime and post-war eras late 1930’s to early 1950’s.

Finding garments like this is always a thrill. You just never know when one will turn up . .. . . . .. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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THE FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE MYSTERY DRESS FIND EXPERIENCE!!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

FABULOUS CUSTOM-TAILORED GOWN

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 

Wow!  Another nice little journey that made my day!!  Not only did I spy this little number by turning a corner in a place where I don’t usually look, but when I got her home and made a closer examination, many elements of her story revealed themselves.  What a fun surprise!

The second two photos are what I first saw.  I knew it was true vintage right off the bat, but the lace puzzled me.  It looked a bit too modern and odd in it’s placement, but then I’ve been surprised before doing a little research in the past, so that didn’t stop me.  There were other factors which testified to her era . . . . .

Later on, I found more.  And, the lace was tacked on as an afterthought.  Did the original seamstress just want to gussy it up a bit or was it adapted as a costume years later?  It has a bit of a dance-hall girl flavor to it . . . . .

So, off came the lace and look what happened to the skirt when it wasn’t tied up a bit! Not a full circle, but with lots of movement.  And the fabric is incredible – a heavy rayon with a double-sided pattern that you could almost wear inside-0ut.  I’ve got a two-piece jitterbug dress from the pre- or post- WWII era that is made of similar material, so I think that I’ve got my time frame.  I’m going to go with that . . . . . . . . how cool!

It’s always fun to spot something that immediately leaves no questions, but those that reveal an on-going mystery story are the real icing on the cake.  More tomorrow . . . . .

 

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITE 1940’S TO EARLY 1950’S JACKETS

ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITE 1940'S TO EARLY 1950'S JACKETS

From my just-about-favorite era, this is one of the items I have acquired from a vintage clothing shop and I just LOVE it. The shape and all the contrast trim is so smart!  It has a bit of a military vibe, which so many wartime  designs tended to.

As always, it is very well-made and tailored in mid-gray wool with charcoal accents on the collar, buttons and cuffs.

Alas, the original skirt was not with it, but it was not difficult to find a charcoal skirt that matches well, though is shorter than most skirts would have been, except during the war when they were shortened due to rationing of fabric.

This color and style is easy to mix and match with different-style skirts and slacks, especially if you stick with the charcoal color. A go-to jacket forever . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TWO LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE 1920’S – 1940’S

TWO LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE 1930'S - 1940'S

These kinds of lingerie items are so special and rare. Dainty, lightweight robes like the one on the left were standard bedroom wear in the ’40’s and before – the thing to wear between rising and dressing.

The contrasting colors of the rayon gown on the left are so unusual and little details like the tiny buttons and shoulder-augmentation make this a distinctive garment – not just something to throw on absentmindedly.  It’s from the late 1930’s to 1940’s.

The gown on the right is even older. It is of white/ivory rayon satin, with side snap or hook closure in a plain sheath style. I’ve paired a  bed jacket with it, made of similar fabric. This could be adapted to a formal dance or wedding gown and would be from the late 1920’s to the 1930’s, similar to a Coco Chanel design of that time (the dress – not the bed jacket).

Anyway, they are wonderful finds and gave me a real thrill to discover them! The fun never ends . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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