Pretty lingerie doesn’t get much better than this – at least not in the mid-priced range. Back in the day, almost any woman could afford to dress herself in this one. No, it’s not silk or designer-wear, but it’s lovely – by the MOVIE STAR company.
Pretty soon it’ll be time to wear nighties like this, whether you’re a bride or not. Can’t wait!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is really something! Mid-century play-suits are rare as hens teeth, so I’m thrilled to discover another one. So cute – flower-power mod print in cotton, with a long metal zip up the back.
So much fun! Fashion used to be both and either restricting and full of novelty. Now we can wear everything and anything we want but you’ve gotta go Indie designer, independent artist or true vintage to be unique. I guess there always has to be both sides of the coin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s that gorgeous presto-change-o formal that I found a few months ago, showing properly on Stella. Demure and elegant with elbow-length sleeves, thanks to the removable camisole – sleeveless, svelte and sexy without it.
As I said when I first showed in on a hanger, I’ve never seen a style like this one before. True vintage couture styling is often so clever and beautifully-made while being very versatile. Two dresses in one, without going anywhere near the bargain basement!
Such magic can be created with a simple needle, thread and a bolt of fabric. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Love this fit! So Marilyn Monroe in the movies . . . . . . .
The fabric is really pretty, even though this is just a very average dress for the time. It’s probably a woven rayon blend but has nubby black thread going through the plaid and the beige has a real pinkish tone – one of those unusual materials that make true vintage clothing so interesting and attractive. On the fold-over collar there’s a little buttonhole thing that you can see and there’s a big button in the middle of it – but not in the picture. I had taken it off to do a little stitching. I love the large button touches on so many dresses of that time.
Anyway, it’s a very fun fashion in a lot of ways and I’m so glad that it was waiting for me! And, it wasn’t the only one. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
So innocent and sweet! Fashions from the late Sixties and early Seventies were really into retro styles, from Edwardian, Victorian, Prairie to 1940’s. They’re fun and pretty, but sometimes too many buttons on long cuffs or front and back closures. Just like the real women of those times had to contend with.
Anyway, for a blast from the past it’s worth it when I find an example from that time that’s so perfect. This one was maybe worn once and then was treasured and preserved for decades. How could I resist?
Possibly this was custom-made though, if so, someone spent a lot of time on the ruffles, extra lining and putting in the little loops for each cuff button. However, at that time there were still lots of women and girls who did that kind of needlework happily and had the skills to create something as nice as would come from a store (even nicer than the things that come from stores today, sadly).
But, regardless, this is a HAPPY DRESS and maybe someone will enjoy it for Prom again. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
True vintage late 1960’s 100% leather hand-made stiletto heels. What shoes should be!!! Black patent leather with fabric bow decoration.
These were originally sold at a well-known mid-western department store. They were made to last, and they have. Small metal taps at the toes to prevent wear. The soles have not been repaired, but they can be forever as needed. That’s the beauty of these beautiful vintage items.
More on the way – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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
So, here you go – with the bullet bra shown yesterday, this is what you need beneath your sweater and pencil skirt. Because, ladies, a firm foundation is mandatory.
Without it you’d look just, well, . . . . . . . . sloppy, to put it nicely. Of course, I say this with a smile but that was very much the standard of the time.
Watch old movies from about 1960 to see how it’s supposed to look. And, after all, you do need a garment to support your stockings. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
One of the most bizarre silhouettes in fashion was the “bullet bra”, which made women’s breasts look like torpedoes under their sweaters. Quite unnatural-looking and strange, but it was definitely the thing for a while.
It’s hard to ID in this photo and it’s not right for Madge to model, but the surest way to recognize these brassieres is from the pointy shape of their cups. Also, the construction of older bras is characteristic, too. Maybe it will suit Stella better . .. . . .
1950’s and early 1960’s bras often have heavier elastic and lots of stitching on the cups, with a more definite shape, even if they aren’t of this particular style. A “foundation garment” really was that – like building a brick house.
Thank goodness, now we prefer more subtly-tailored lingerie, physical strength and fitness to give us the body shape we prefer. But, many ’50’s and early ’60’s garments require a firm girdle and bra underneath to support their characteristic lines – looks great and its FUN!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
One of the finds that I picked up during an investigation in New Orleans was this lovely ladies’ suit. Oh, so proper in 3 pieces with a knee-length skirt, back-button blouse and high-hip length jacket, it’s just perfect for lunching or for a business appointment.
The styling is plain, but elegant and well-cut. Hand-tailored and fully lined, with VERY unusual buttons – kind of like woven ropes – to make it interesting.
This is a basic that is flattering, well-styled and versatile – a staple to have in your wardrobe for decades and with many possibilities. Of course, the pieces can be worn separately and accessories can vary the look.
I always LOVE finding gems like this when I’m out on the prowl. They look back to an era of couture-quality fashion that was available to many people – when even the casually dressed woman with a moderate budget could dress with elegance and style in high quality apparel. . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 