Tag Archives: 1980’s

TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC BLACK CREPE SKIRTS

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The pencil skirt on the left is my favorite, authentic from the 1950’s by a California company called Lorrie Deb.  The skirt on the right is 1980’s does 1940’s from Holt Renfrew – a Canadian high-end retailer.   It’s also a classic style and both fit me to die for.

Nothing is more classic, chic and elegant than black crepe.  It’s also extremely versatile. So many ways to wear it, to so many places.  From cocktail parties to dinner to cotillion dances to funerals and beyond, it can’t be beat.

So thrilled to find both of these perfect pieces at one time!  I’ve got blouses and jackets that will go with them just beautifully.  They’re rare and you can never have too many . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND – NEW WAVE DOES FORTIES DAY DRESS

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A very fun side-zip-waist poly/synthetic frock that was home-sewn – much of it by hand – in the styling of wartime and postwar day dresses  This is a retro re-make from maybe the Sixties up to the Retro years with a ’60’s – early ’70’s Talon zipper.

Love the art print fabric.  If not for various signs, I might have taken it for 80 years old. Anyway, it’s a great find with lots of evidence for it’s story.  With a nice black belt cinched at the waist and some ’40’s – ’50’s pumps, I’ll enjoy it!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

CLASSIC SUNDRESS BY HENRI BENDELL

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Here’s the example I promised yesterday – by the iconic Paris designer, Henri Bendel, a summer frock of exceptional fit and construction.  Although this dress may be no more than 8 years old since the company stopped selling clothing in 2009, it’s quality and pedigree made it worth picking up.

I also have a suit by Henri Bendel, made in the 1960’s.  The design and tailoring of his garments are exquisite.  Although this sundress does not look like anything special hanging here, it fits beautifully (my size!) and is very well-made.

If only for the legacy of this classic Parisian designer, I was happy to find it and will wear it with pleasure . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS RETRO ’20’S,’30’S,’40’S ERA DRESS RE-MAKE – S0000 SEXY!

IMG_1058     Here’s a lovely retro frock from my collection.

It’s a beautiful re-creation of an early 1900’s up-scale day dress style.  Wonderful rayon-type fabric, cut on the bias with all the figure-following qualities that has and very well-tailored.  Designers from those early decades really knew how to enhance the figure and the designer of this one (no tag or label) – probably from 1980 – 2000 – did a wonderful job of imitating their style.

I prefer true vintage and don’t usually wear a lot of retro, but this frock was too good to pass by. It’s a sheer dress with it’s own rayon slip underneath.  The long necktie that wraps around as a belt is perfect.  Of course, it’s also my size . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

JUST FOUND – GREAT TRUE VINTAGE EIGHTIES DOES FORTIES SEPARATES!

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I love these!!  Beautifully-made 1980’s retro ’40’s separates that fit me really well.  I’ll swap out the buttons on the blouse for true vintage ones, but otherwise it’s all perfect.

The neatest thing about the skirt is not the flattering gored swing style (though that’s GREAT) – it’s the fabric.  This skirt is made of wool gabardine twill.  That’s a fabric that was super-popular during the  wartime 1940’s and is rarely seen today.

I love finding well-tailored garments that are cut and constructed beautifully from quality materials – much rarer today than back in the day, so I’m thrilled to discovery these!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WOWEE AGAIN!!! MORE GREAT FINDS TODAY

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-11111211111112111Today, on a more-or-less routine survey, I had wonderful good fortune.  I’m just about to re-examine and photograph my newest acquisitions and get them ready to post on the blog.  Because I have already scheduled postings for the next three days, expect to begin seeing these on Sunday, Nov. 13.

Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE CINCH BELTS – AN ESSENTIAL ACCESSORY

Whenever I discover a great vintage belt, I pounce.  Even if I don’t have a specific outfit to pair it with, it’s always worth the investment.  These two are probably from the ’70’s or ’80’s.

What makes these different? We see so many cheap, giltzy things now that it would be easy to miss them if you’re not a skilled investigator.

The gold-color serpentine belt is well-constructed. The black sequined belt is, as well, with a metal buckle. Both have stretch built in, so they are great to dress up frocks and tunics that need a little “extra”, with an adjustable fit.

Makes completing a mid-century vintage outfit a snap, while staying true to the era.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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GOOD-BYE TO EUROPE WITH A TRUE VINTAGE 1980’S NEW WAVE BLOUSE

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1980’S NEW WAVE BLOUSE

This is the last of the blouses that I picked up in Dublin, for two reasons.  First is the New Wave design, which was a fun and rather avante garde style element of the early 1980’s, even in some mainstream clothing.  Second is the brand name – Shapely.  That company made some nice pieces in the 1980’s, so I often pick them up when I find them.

Otherwise, it’s not a remarkable garment, as most things made from that time on have not been.  Tomorrow we’ll head back to the 1960’s, 1950’s and 1940’s again – much more interesting territory for a true vintage hunter . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FINE TRUE VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY BY TRIFARI – THE SMART WOMAN’S CHOICE 1930’S – 1980’S

FINE COSTUME JEWELRY BY TRIFARI - THE SMART WOMAN'S CHOICE 1930'S - 1980'S

Trifari made lovely costume jewelry – here are a few examples of pins and earrings from several decades. Always high quality. Pick them up if you find them . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

MORE “NEW” FINDS! TRUE VINTAGE “TEA” DRESS A’LA SCARLETT O’HARA

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Here’s another mystery dress with regard to dating it exactly.  It’s a tea-length party gown which has done some duty over the years and has a very interesting neckline, made to be worn on or off the shoulder.  The bodice is boned, front and back, and the color is a rip-roarin’ red!  Scarlett would approve.

Always fun, and I know that it’s at least forty years old.  I doubt that it was custom-tailored, but there is no label.  Interesting tailoring details in a seldom-seen style, which fits me to a T!  However, I think I’ll need to invest in a corset for the best fit – I’ve never owned a regular brassiere that would do it justice.

When I get back to Headquarters, however,  I’m sure that Madge will be able to do it justice.  More tomorrow – stay tuned  .. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM