THIS WAS A REALLY FUN FIND . . .
This dress is very intriguing to me.
I strongly suspect that this frock was custom tailored; very well done. Putting in all the lace edging is not easily accomplished by someone who is not a good seamstress..
The buttons are also very interesting. They are delicate, lacy and iridescent, though I feel sure that they are not made of mother of pearl. They seem to be a plastic of some kind – or possibly celluloid. The belt was made to have a slide-through buckle, which is missing. I have 2 or 3 that could replace it beautifully – another reason to collect these things when you can.
The material is a floral print and has a feel which makes me question exactly what it is made of. It doesn’t swing like the rayon dress shown yesterday, but it’s not a plain old cotton either. Hmmm . . . . …
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How’s this for holiday dressing? . . . . .
This dress is somewhat majestic. The material is a heavy rayon with sheen – almost satin. It has black beaded designs around the neckline and each sleeve.
It’s an example of the design introduced by Christian Dior in 1947, I believe, called the “New Look” because it was so different from the severe, short and relatively plain clothing that women wore during WWII in order to conserve resources. Tiny waists, long skirts, luxurious material and extravagant decoration were “in” again.
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Enough history lesson! It’s just a beautiful, feminine and stunning dress. The original owner had shortened it by 2 – 3 inches, so it was definitely mid-calf length when new. Fortunately, she didn’t cut off any material, so it could be let down again.
This is certainly something that you might wear to see the Queen, or the King, or the President or just your favorite male person …
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Even though I’d want a heavier coat or jacket over this for winter, I’m often wearing a jacket inside all day this time of year. For cool days and evenings, I love the trim, square shape of this jacket though the shoulders are not heavily padded.
Nice nipped waist, zip front, cuff detail, front welts and it may have tab detail at the waist and, maybe, the wrists. It’s simple and tailored with a crisp look.
Not many of these are around now in excellent condition like this one. Very special – I was thrilled to find it! Looks equally good with pants or a skirt – that’s the beauty of this short style. The lack of length means that I could wear it with any style skirt – pencil or full. So versatile!
Love the ’40s. This one takes me right into film noir, walking the dark city streets…
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Lovely nylon knit sweater-blouse in soft green. Perfect for making a transition to the cold weather. By Canterbury – a company which was known for beautiful cardigans, too. What’s the special magic about this one?
Look at the fit. The knit drapes so nicely and it is full-fashioned, which always improves the way that a sweater fits the body. At the neckline there are many tiny vintage shell buttons – the kind that are substantial and well-shaped, even though they are very small. They do allow you to close the neckline, if desired, but are mostly for decoration.
As long as you protect it from snags and stains, an item like this is very easy to care for. Hand washing (or delicate in a newer machine) is best, with similar colors. This avoids stretching and, also, protects the color. Nylon can absorb other colors in the wash so it’s always…
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PERFECT MID-CENTURY ACCESSORY FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER
This beauty is one of my favorites. I really had an OMG experience when I found it because alligator skins had been outlawed in North America for decades. If I did see a purse in a shop that sold vintage it would be very expensive but, I was able to buy this one “for a song”, and with a song in my heart!
It shows it’s age a bit, but is entitled to. I like to think of Mata Hari carrying it while on one of her undercover missions. Lined in leather, the maker’s stamp in gold tells that it was made in Panama. Love the interesting clasp.
True vintage alligator, crocodile, lizard and snake skin purses are good any time of year and with almost any outfit because they are a classic. I always use a good leather conditioning product on my collection at least once a year …
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Magicvintagespy 