Now that we’re beginning to feel like getting out of sweaters and wool . . . . . . . Whether you’re clubbing or out for a very elegant dinner, this beautiful beaded shell would steal the show. Bead decoration was still done beautifully in the late ’50’s- early ’60’s.
Not the same as beading in the 1920’s and earlier, but equally nice. Dance the night away . .. . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
To wear with a pretty brassiere or camisole, these were the underpants of the ’20’s, ’30’s and ’40’s. In the 1970’s they also came back for a while, though not as sumptuous or luxurious as the originals.
Clockwise, 12, 3 and 6 o’clock are the older ones, made of silk with hand-done embroidery and lace. They also close with buttons on the left side. At 9 o’clock, the newer pair from the ’70’s is of nylon and has nice lace, with an elastic waistband. It also has a matching camisole.
Look at those luscious colors! And, the silk is so smooth and comfy. In most cases, a garter belt and hose would also be worn with these, since women were usually wearing skirts or dresses, and those were often loose-fitting. Nothing there to cramp your Charleston, Lindy or Jitterbug style.
You know what I’d rather wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Oh, I LOVE this! Been looking for just the right one for a long time and here it is – in my favorite color (or one of them . . . . . . . . .).
This style dates from the 1920’s in Shanghai, China and the custom-tailoring is so classic and timeless that I can’t date this dress exactly. It could be true vintage or made recently – but – one rarely sees the pure classic style done so well in recent years. And, it is 100% embroidered silk, which is also a rarity. This may not be the case with garments made for Chinese women, but anything on sale for tourists or the larger market is usually of a lower quality, in my experience.
Anyway, I’m totally thrilled! So perfect for a cocktail party. I’ve had this frock in my sights for several years . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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 A SAMPLING – NO MATTER HOW IT LOOKS, THERE’S NOTHING LIKE IT TODAY!
These wonderful cotton prints may have come from clothing that had worn out and had to be re-purposed. Love the pink check that’s in the apron! The quilt has many blocks that are not damaged at all, though some show wear. For being about 100 years old, it was well-looked-after and still holds together.
What I love most about a find like this is the rare materials that all have a story. The prints are so great – little anchors, fleur des lis, vines and flowers, paisley and plaid, checks and stripes. There are more, but I can only show so many photographs at once.
So, I know it’s not a piece of clothing (excepting for the apron accessory) but it’s such a wonderful trip back to fabrics and garments from the early 1900’s. This quilt was probably made between 1920 and 1950. It’s not often that we get to see these, so I jump at the opportunity! It’s one that I only come across now and then and, you just never know . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Today, 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
In the early to mid-fifties there was a fad of putting Egyptian motifs on all kinds of fashion items, and I have several. This Egyptian style craze had also happened in the 1920’s – especially with furniture.
This is a costume set and it’s a lot of fun. Not really my colors, but it’s a family item and I enjoy it. Very unique.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Reminiscent of the 1920’s and ’30’s, on up through the Fifties, this metal mesh purse was made by an Australian company that was started by an emigrant couple in 1959. They closed shop in the mid-eighties, but children opened up again ten years or so ago. This is one of their original designs.
With a serpentine metal handle and enameled beige color, it’s very smart and perfectly Aussie!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These beauties are quite large and they’re works of art. They’d be suitable (no pun intended) on a jacket a or coat like the one shown yesterday. Although they look like costume jewelry and are set with rhinestones or semi-precious stones, they are hand-made of sterling silver and could be classified as fine jewelry.
Back in the ’40’s – ’50’s there were “walking suits” made, which had jackets almost like small coats and substantial enough to be worn in cool or cold weather without an outerwear coat on top. A beautiful art piece like this on a lapel would be the perfect finish.
These are some of the most gorgeous statement pieces I own . … . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I love these jewelry items so much! Some might be earlier than Forties, too. If you’re not familiar with them they have a snap clip that attaches them to the neckline of a dress, sweater, jacket or coat.
Only the ones on top are small enough to wear on a lightweight dress – the others would only work on wool or heavy knit as they are quite substantial in size and weight. Very popular items during the wartime and post-war years and these are costume jewelry, without precious metals or stones.
To me, the look is feminine and dashing at the same time. That so much epitomizes the 1940’s woman who really developed a lot of strength during the second World War. We were never the same after that . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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