MORE FINDS! GORGEOUS GOWN AND PEIGNOIR SETS

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These are only 20 – 30 years old, so they hardly qualify as vintage clothing, but – they do, and are so pretty and perfect that I couldn’t pass them up.  Although the materials aren’t as nice as in 1950’s sets, it’s the designs here that more faithful to beautiful lingerie from that Post-war time.  And, they fit me . . . . . . . .

So, I’ll glide around the house in them on the odd lazy morning and not fret about spilling a little coffee, scattering a few crumbs or holding the dog on my lap.

More than this came my way today, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BABY-DOLL BRIDAL GOWN & PEIGNOIR SET FROM THE KENNEDY ERA

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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

EMMA DOMB 1950’S PARTY FROCK AND JACKET

EMMA DOMB 1950'S PARTY FROCK AND JACKET

Always right any time of year – an exquisite little number from a famous designer of the time.  Wasp-waisted and embellished with rhinestones and netting.

Love halter necklines – this rayon dress is so lovely.  The pinkish net in the decolletage keeps things relatively modest, but it’s certainly not a conservative choice!

I treated myself to this one when I won a raffle!  It was still, as always, a bargain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LET’S BE ELEGANT – LUNCH AT SARDI’S ANYONE?

LET'S BE ELEGANT - LUNCH AT SARDI'S ANYONE?

True vintage from the 1950’s, this one was not made for a lunch date at the local diner.  We’re in to Spring-weight fabric here, but black and white is always season-less (or is it dark navy? It’s close . . . .)

Just look at the beautiful drape on the bodice, and the sweet cap sleeves.  The jacket, again, has 3/4 sleeves to show off the elegant gloves and fine bracelet or watch.

Another of those outstanding ensembles which can take you almost anywhere . .. . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ELEGANT TAILORED FORMAL FROM THE EARLY 1960’S

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

 

MOD FLOWER-POWER 1960’S 2-PC. DRESS – “NEW” TO ME TODAY!

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Too cute to pass up – I couldn’t believe a knit dress from the  mid – Sixties in such perfect condition.  it’s a real blast from the past.  Pictured here on size 4 Giselle, it’s a vintage size 8 with no room to spare!

Cut for the more conservative set – no mini-skirt here.  But, that’s how fashion always goes – everybody has to follow the trends one way or another.  Such a thrill to find a style that’s been made over so many times in the last decade in it’s original form – back when it was really hot on the streets everywhere.  I can almost see the fashionable housewife who wore it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A VERY SWEET TRUE VINTAGE NIGHTGOWN & ROBE SET FROM THE 1960’S

A VERY SWEET TRUE VINTAGE NIGHTGOWN & ROBE SET FROM THE 1960'S

This is a really nice little nightwear combo.  The early ’60’s is just about the last time we’ll find the truly beautiful things.  With the exception of some exclusive designer or handmade item, the trims are not nearly as lovely as during the ’50’s and before and the quality of the nylon or silk is noticeably inferior when you get into the mid ’60s and ’70’s.

As I’ve said before, in my opinion you can’t improve much on 1930’s, 1940’s and 1950’s lingerie/sleepwear when it comes to overall quality and luxurious beauty.  The fabrics from that time and the craftsmanship of the trimming detail is the best!

This is not a va-va-va-voom ensemble, but it is lovely and, if you wish it to be, very sexy in its own way.  The embroidery trim is done well and the buttons are the nice, sturdy and well-formed little pearlized ones that I always love on true vintage nightwear and sweaters.

Sorry I can’t tell you the maker as I write this, that is, if the tag is still in – since many of the similar items I find no longer have theirs.  Sometimes it’s easy to trace their identity despite that – when you’ve been in this racket for a while you know ’em by sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE TWO-PIECE KNIT DRESS FROM THE LATE ’50’S/EARLY ’60’S – MOD MEETS MAD MEN

TWO-PIECE KNIT MAD MEN DRESS FROM THE LATE '50'S/EARLY '60'S

For dinner or after-work cocktails, this little number would fill the bill.  Pair it with some matching blue pumps and you’d really be swank.

Simple as can be, but with the neckline decoration and the little vents at the waist, it’s very stylish.  And, like a sheath dress, the fit is classic and really flattering.

If you are a DIYer, this style is very simple to sew.  I have another very similar in lightweight soft green wool – made by the grandmother of a friend in mid-century, as a 3-season dressy day dress.

Just the thing to have in your closet for that unexpected invitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

KENNEDY ERA FORMAL GOWN – SO SOPHISTICATED, WITH SURPRISE TAILORING . .. . . . . . . . .

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Brocade and crepe, with a little bow at the back waistline – this frock is so well-made and elegant. Formal dance, Prom, Special Occasion, perfect!  It needs a pressing, but is in great shape.  Remember what I said yesterday about the repeating design elements?  Read on . . . . . . . . .

So beautifully tailored with closures and stitching in all the right places, this gown has a feature that I have never seen.  The sleeves are part of a bolero bodice that is attached and worn inside the dress and supports the sleeves.  That makes it possible to wear this gown as a sleeveless sheath or as pictured here.  The sleeves, as on the dress yesterday, have fabric flowers sewn on.

Wow!  What a gorgeous and surprise design!!  You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL HAND-MADE DRESSES FOR FALL

IMG_1046 IMG_1026 Yes, a lot of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers knitted dresses like these at home!  So hard to imagine.

IMG_1035 IMG_1027These photos from the Fifties and early Sixties come from McCall’s Needlework magazine – a popular and easy-to-find magazine that could be bought the way we might buy Vogue or Glamor now, on a newsstand somewhere.  Of course, knitted dresses were made commercially, too, and I’ve found several.  But, the custom-made one-of-a-kind is always the most special.

P.S. Please vote in the Presidential election if you are a U.S. citizen.  Get registered if you need to or check your registration status.  This is a very important one – not one to sit out. . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM