Tag Archives: ’40’s

LATE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S NEW LOOK TRUE VINTAGE GOWN

LATE 1940'S - EARLY 1950'S NEW LOOK TRUE VINTAGE GOWN

This dress is regal and majestic. The material is a heavy rayon with sheen – almost satin. It has black beaded designs around the neckline and each sleeve.

It’s an example of the design introduced by Christian Dior in 1947, I believe, called the “New Look” because it was so different from the severe, short and relatively plain clothing that women wore during WWII in order to conserve resources. Tiny waists, long skirts, luxurious material and extravagant decoration were “in” again.

Enough history lesson! It’s just a beautiful, feminine and stunning dress. The original owner had shortened it by 2 – 3 inches, so it was definitely mid-calf length when new. Fortunately, she didn’t cut off any material, so it could be let down again.

This is certainly something that you might wear to see the Queen, or the King, or the President or just your favorite prince . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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A LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S DRESS FOR DINNER AND DANCING

A LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S DRESS FOR DINNER AND DANCING This frock is in black crepe, with sheer netting on the bodice to give the illusion of a bare neckline. I have seen this feature on one other dress of mine – demure, yet stunning.  Where the decoration begins, it is also lined. The shape skims the body and the whole effect is very flattering.

These dresses have side zippers or unusual back zippers which open only about a foot in the middle of the back, but don’t come to the top of the neck. I’ve seen this on ’40’s dresses only. It allows you to wiggle into the dress over your head but no hope if it’s too small for you!  There’s no way that Madge could get into it, so I’ll have to re-photograph it on Stella some time.

Anyway, it’s beautiful and you can probably picture it. Perfect for dining and dancing, or even a dressy movie date. Put this beauty on and you just never know . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ORIGINAL 1944 WEDDING GOWN, MODELED BY THE BRIDE

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I regret that WordPress or Microsoft did not correct the orientation of this photo, but we are grateful for what they do –

Here is the lovely bride in her gown (and high heels).  In 1944 it was a rare blessing to be able to find a wedding dress to purchase since wartime rationing and restrictions were so stringent – especially in Britain, where the wedding took place.

Look at that train!  In satin (probably rayon), with puffed sleeves (no pads) and points at the wrists (love those!).  What a beautiful, figure-hugging fit this fabric provides.  I was able to see the original photographs of her in it, with a LONG veil, borrowed from an in-law but no flower bouquet because they couldn’t be bought then.  Her attendants carried lilacs from a neighbor’s garden and she carried a prayer book (like Grace Kelly 11 years later).  The groom was also extremely handsome in his army uniform.

What a treat!  Can’t go into the story of her betrothal and marriage, but it is fascinating and she is writing a memoir.  At 94, she enjoys a good party and has worn the dress on occasion, just for fun.  May we all be so blessed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE FASHION FINDS FROM NEW ZEALAND!! RARE MID-CENTURY BLOUSE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA I made several major discoveries when I was in New Zealand and several of them were blouses or shirts.  A VERY RARE thing to find these in great condition.

This one is a heavy, glossy synthtic material from the 1940’s – 1950’s in a gorgeous mocha color.  It has a finished hem with decorative slits – made to wear on the outside of a skirt.

I just love finding things of this age – you know me: I’m stuck on the beautiful classics, at least 50 years old and 70 is better!  Can’t wait to see what is hiding around the next corner . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

FABULOUS, FABULOUS, FABULOUS! ABSOLUTELY AUTHENTIC 1940’S WARTIME DAY DRESS

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Oh, boy!  It happens all the time, but I’m still always thrilled into ecstasies when I discover a garment like this one.  A simple, summer-weight woven rayon frock by R & K Originals – made during the mid to later 1940’s.

All the buttons (and really neat buttons!) with their rhinestone and plastic centers are still present.  Never seen any exactly like them!  There are a few hand-done little mends along the seams, as would be expected in a daily-wear dress that is close to 80 years old and was cherished by its owner, and the dress as a whole is in fantastic condition

It is obvious that this dress was a more economically-made one, even by this well-known maker.  I suspect that the wartime shortages of materials and scaled-back design practices of the mid-Forties were still in force when it was manufactured and sold.  Still, it’s so characteristic of the times and such a pretty style that I wouldn’t complain!  And, in spite of all the austerities, the skirt is still a FULL circle!!  The bias-cut makes it hang just right.

What can I say – I’m still over the moon!  But, there’s more – stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . .. .

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 SKIRT SUIT FROM THE 1940’S

True Vintage 1940s Jacket & Skirt Suit

This was another surprise  discovery and I was absolutely amazed!  Someone safeguarded this lovely outfit for decades in the back of her closet.  It’s hardly been worn, if at all.
Aside from the killer ’40s fit, look at the tailoring details on the jacket – the piping on cuffs and collar and the little “pocket” at each shoulder, just for fun!

There is a maker’s label on the jacket facing.  Lightweight wool material in a tattersall check of ivory, black, sky blue and cranberry.  The jacket is lined.  The skirt swings.  Love it!  I have lots of suits from the ’40s – ’60s and love to mix and match the jackets and skirts with other items from my wardrobe, as well as wearing them as a suit for certain occasions – there’s nothing more arresting and pulled-together-looking.  Great way to make an impression.

Love fun surprises! but, ah well, it’s all just in another day of sleuthing . . . . you just never know. .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

HALLOWEEN’S IN THE BAG – TIME FOR ALL 1950’S HOMEMAKERS TO THINK ABOUT THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS . . .

IMG_0935 IMG_0936Although we do Christmas marketing almost year-round, back in the mid-century time no one thought seriously about Christmas stuff until after the American Thanksgiving in late November.  But, if you’re making lots of your gifts . . . . .

McCalls needlework magazine promoted doing just that – to economize as well as adding a personal touch.  Can you imagine getting all that done ?!

For many of our grandmothers, that was just part of the day-to-day.  And, they did produce beautiful things – from hats, gloves, sweaters, socks and scarves to dolls & their clothing, tablecloths & bedspreads, just to name a few.

I love discovering some special true vintage handmade item that was probably made as a gift or a table decoration for a special family holiday. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

1940’s WESTERN-MADE PIG SUEDE JACKET

1940s Western-made Pig Suede Jacket

I love this one so much!  Beautiful, soft suede in a luscious red.  As always, wonderfully tailored – great buttons, lovely lining, nifty, elegant style.  Forties shoulders are always a favorite of mine.

This one was originally purchased at the Holiday House in Estes Park, Colorado (also in Scottsdale, Arizona).  I have found many more wonderful leather and suede jackets in my vintage-hunting expeditions, and always at great prices.

It pays to be a magicvintagespy!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S/’50’S COSTUME JEWELRY ACCESSORIES

Although you  may say that the copycats made in the last few years look just like these, you would be mistaken.  In almost all cases, the quality of the true vintage pieces is superior in some way or another – either materials, workmanship or design.  Even these budget-type examples  . . .

True vintage has  features that are quite unique and tell a different story, both about the person who owned and wore them and about history.  It’s fascinating. Image When you find the real thing, you may never want to buy modern retro “vintage” again.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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