MYSTERY 2-PIECE SKIRT SUIT FROM AUSTRALIA

IMG_1057     This surprise find from October, 2014 looks a whole lot better on Stella than when I photographed it on a bed in the condo!  I simply cannot date it accurately, though it is true vintage.

Custom-tailored, the padded shoulders and bias-cut skirt panels are a Forties thing, while the bonded knit fabric looks more like Fifties or Sixties (maybe even Seventies) and the buttons are uncertain but the zipper is older.  Could it be Eighties Does Forties using some older notions?

Anyway, it’s a cute little casual suit and will be a LOT of fun to accessorize   It can be frustrating to be stumped, but you know I love a mystery . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

MID-CENTURY DRESSY FROCK IN BLACK CREPE WITH RHINESTONES

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERALOVE finding true vintage dresses!  This will look amazing on Stella, but here’s your preview look-see.  May have been custom-tailored, with hand-sewn details.  Could be ’40’s, ’50’s or ’60’s – needs more study.

Basic sheath styling with a dramatic cascade of white rhinestones in front.  The long sleeves add a demure air, with covered buttons at the wrists.  Back zip and slightly below-the-knee hem length.

Perfect for a dinner date, party or any night out.  Just the right combination of racy and conservative to keep ’em guessing . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

JUST FOUND! 1960’S LUXE NEIMAN MARCUS HOSTESS GOWN

IMG_3893

Embroidered all over with gold metallic thread, this designer dress from the famous high-end retailer is a fabulous find!  Couldn’t believe it.  Luxurious at-home wear that can easily  go out and about – there are no “rules” these days saying that would be “not done”.

I love true vintage hostess and patio dresses, as well as other at-home wear from eras past.  Often the better-quality items are in fantastic condition because they were worn sparingly and/or cared for so well by their original owners.

Just another marvelous day in Mid-Centuryland for the Magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SHIRTWAIST DRESS & COSTUME JEWELRY

IMG_0928IMG_0947
Classic shirtwaist styled day-dress from the 1960’s or ’70’s, made very special with a choice of jewelry sets from the 1950’s. Necklaces with matching bracelets or earrings (sometimes both) used to be super-popular and really dressed up even the most plain frock.

I love these examples, with enamel, rhinestones and Lucite. Just nice everyday stuff, but so eye-catching and colorful. My favorite would be something that coordinates with my outfit.  This time, I’d probably choose the white enameled metal flower.  I’ve got lots more to show, so stay tuned . .. . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE RED ENSEMBLES FROM THE 1940’S AND 1960’S

IMG_0977 IMG_0986 IMG_0987Now that Stella is part of my modeling crew, I can show more of my gorgeous dresses on more than just a hanger.  Madge (bless her heart, she’s beautiful) just can’t get into many of them.  These temperatures recently have kept 3-seasons garments in the spotlight!

Lots to tell about these.  The sheath on the left is pure mid-sixties mod.  The waistline is open, held together with a row of plastic circles that show your midriff.  In order to make it a little more versatile, I sewed a silk scarf into the waistline.  Easy to remove, but it takes the dress from pure casual to dressy, if necessary. It’s lined and very nicely made.

The printed shirtwaist is 1940’s in rayon – so fabulous to the touch and drapes like a dream!  One of my absolute favorite dresses.

The shoes are my choice, today, of what I’d put with them.  Johansen pumps from the 1960’s are great with the sheath and some ’80’s does ’40’s slingback peep-toes by NINA are perfect with the shirtwaist.  Both leather, of course.

And, for the final touch, anything from this 1940’s – 1950’s assortment of neckaces, bracelets, earrings and pins would be a great addition.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE TREASURE – PRETTY MID-CENTURY (1960’S & 1950’S) NIGHTGOWNS

IMG_3869

Whenever I encounter beautiful examples of sleepwear lingerie from this era, I always bring them home.  Although I love the pj’s, knee-length gowns are another favorite. While made of the same type of wonderful nylon, the gowns usually have more elaborate and prettier decoration.

The Fifties saw mostly pastel pieces similar to the one on right, though sometimes in red or black.  During the Sixties bright colors were popular, as on the left.  This was kind of backward to how lingerie slips were made – go figure.

Anyway, there was no debate or stopping-to-think-about-it for me, but always nice to know all about it . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JACKIE O – STYLE EARLY 1960’S DRESSY DAY DRESS ENSEMBLE

img_3872.jpg

Just came up with this one, too.  So many of the day dresses from this era were made to very elegant standards.  Although a lot of lace dresses have been made in the last few years, trying to duplicate this look, I’ve never seen one done to the level of quality and design as true vintage examples.

So, be vigilant and don’t be mislead by the vintage design charlatans and scam artists . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ANOTHER DISCOVERY! 1950’S ’60’S ZIP-BACK BLOUSE – GIRLY

IMG_3856

With polka dots, a flouncy neckline and full metal back zipper this rayon & acetate blouse is pure 1950’s – early 1960’s.  Can’t wait to wear it with my “new” black pencil skirt!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEW FIND! 1960’S PUMPS BY JOYCE

img_3855.jpg

Aren’t these the sweetest things!  Just love them.  Nothing much is cuter than 1960’s shoes.  Very Audrey Hepburn.

The Joyce company made nice sportswear during the 1960’s – worth a pick-up if you find anything true vintage by that label.  As always, be wary of cheaper latecomers . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RECENT FIND – MID-CENTURY PJ’S WITH BOTH ORIGINAL PIECES!!!!!!!!!

IMG_3854A lot of you might not get too excited about these, but I just love, love, love true vintage slinky nylon pajamas!  Nothing else feels like them.  They are so comfortable and fun to wear but, alas, usually the pieces are not found together anymore.  BUT, THIS TIME I did!

In a lovely coral pink that I also love, couldn’t be better.  Thanks for sharing my fun!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM