A gorgeous 1950’s nylon full slip by Dorsay. Such beautiful lingerie! The workmanship and materials can’t be rivaled by modern versions.
Just look at the tiny pleats on the bodice and embroidery at the hem – plus lace, etc. and wider straps. the heavy fee of the nylon fabric is a delight, too. I’m sad that it’s too big for me, but I have many lovely others and, I’m sure, more on the way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Found these two pieces separately, but aren’t they perfect together? The pencil skirt is a true vintage 1950’s design by the vintage California Lorrie & Deb label. It fits like a dream – looks as good on me as it does on Stella.
Later, I came across this blouse. It is a more modern retro design (might still be true vintage by the definition of 30 years old or more) and I fell in love, also knowing that it would likely look great with my skirt.
Well, guess what – how wonderful can you get? I was over the moon when I tried them on together and will remain so every time I wear them. So, chalk up another one for serendipity and the Magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Not a really finely-made example, but a really rare one that I’ll have lots of fun with. Just because of the similar color, I’ve paired it in this photo with a well-made 1980’s gored skirt in 1940’s style.
Whenever I feel like hanging out in jeans and penny loafers or saddle shoes on a fall day, I’ll reach for this top. Great disguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Love, love, love the graphics here! Although this dress was never more than a lower-end bargain fashion, the style and construction testify to the superior quality and value of garments made several decades ago. I’ll enjoy wearing this one, but I’ll take special care of it, too.
The label is no longer legible, so I’m not sure of the exact fabric content or the brand name. Also, the original belt is missing, which was probably a tie belt. Like many of the knits back in the day, it has a really nice feel and hangs and drapes beautifully. I like this shiny buckle belt now – dresses it up a bit.
Keep on watching, because it only gets better . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Finding this dress was a real sleuthing success! I’d been hunting for a vintage silk Cheongsam style in my size for years, then uncovered this one at a teeny, teeny price. The original color was a yellowy beige and there were several brown stains and a little rip near the hem. But –
The Magicvintagespy knows what to do. So, I mixed a couple of dye colors that I had leftover from another job and expected to have a soft, neutral brown. Instead, I got this WONDERFUL lavender/bronze color! LOVE IT!!! The stains are history and the hem needed raising anyway et voila’.
The moral : Put out the vibes and never give up. KNOW YOUR STUFF, and the perfect find will materialize in your wardrobe.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
OK, head back 10 to 20 years for another frilly, girly piece of boudoir lingerie – a beautiful bed jacket, the likes of which has disappeared from our modern wardrobes. This was another of the lingerie luxuries that women enjoyed until the 1970’s.
Delicate and beautiful, items like this were common in average women’s closets. They seem a bit over-the-top for everyday wear today, but in mid-century life were (and are) very practical for before bed and early morning activities while women were wearing their nightgowns, without sacrificing feminine mystery.
Gotta tell ya’ – it beats throwing a hoodie or sweater over your pj’s in a cool house. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
So pretty and feminine, so slinky and comfy. Mid-century lingerie sleepwear just can’t be beat for quality and style. Wearing it always makes me feel like I’m in a film noir or an early 1960’s sit-com.
The details on older lingerie are so beautiful and artfully-made, much of it truly by hand even on commercial gowns and robes. We’re so lucky that these items can still be discovered, with a little persistence and discrimination. With care, they’ll last you the rest of your life and that’s a long time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I always pick up these old cotton or cotton blend housecoats when I find them. Although there are similar ones being made now, the older ones tend to have the best quality and most interesting styling and decoration.
Such fun to know these little differences that make a big impact on your satisfaction when you wear them!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Gingham again – it’s always classic and often found in lots of casual clothing from mid-century. 
In this example, we have a custom-tailored design – sort of Western-wear, but just CUTE! Simple shift style, but when I wear it I’ll probably add a belt and cinch the waist. The ruffle at the hem, cross-stitch decoration and interesting elbow-length sleeves all make it unique and would even be a good Halloween costume.
Dresses with these features were popular in mid-century in the United States, when there was a big Western/cowboy craze going on. Ever hear of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans? I’ve learned so much by being interested in true vintage fashion! Happy trails to you, until we meet again. Have fun tonight – arroooooooooooooooooo . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Classic true vintage ’40’s – early ’50’s style, custom-tailored by Rosalie Couturier. I loved finding this dressmaker’s personal label in the waistband of this beautiful frock! What a nice surprise since it was hidden. The best labels, like this one, were embroidered on cloth.
It’s amazing that this beautiful garment has survived 60 – 70 years in such wonderful condition. Its original owner obviously loved it and cared for it well.
Lovely rayon fabric, with stitched-in pleats on front and back – bodice and skirt. So many little hand-done details. Beautiful, big sculpted shell buttons, fabric-covered belt. A little wear there on the buckle, but that is the only flaw.
And, when I got it home it fit Stella beautifully. Perfection!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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