Tag Archives: 40’s

LIKE THE LAST 1940’S JACKET AND SKIRT? HERE’S ANOTHER!

LIKE THE LAST JACKET AND SKIRT? HERE'S ANOTHER!

This is one of my very favorite jackets – a lighter-weight rayon/synthetic number with an abstract print in brown on ivory, with black velveteen collar, cuffs & buttons. I wear it with a modern (80’s or 90’s) black silk skirt, at present.

Somewhere between the late Forties and the mid-Fifties this garment with an atomic print made a very stylish statement. It is utterly unique and I LOVE it!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ONE OF MY FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SWING JACKETS – ELEGANT AND STRIKING

ONE OF MY FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S JACKETS - ELEGANT AND STRIKING

Couldn’t believe it when I spotted this one – an ivory crepe swing jacket with lovely shoulders and fabulous drape. It closes with a single covered button at the neck.  It’s a great silhouette, very elegant with lots of presence!

Over skirt, dress or slacks it’s so elegant and moves wonderfully. One of my best examples of what made Forties
fashions fabulous . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER DISCOVERY! TRUE VINTAGE ’70’S DOES ’40’S JUMPSUIT

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

FROM THE EARLY 1970’S RETRO FORTIES ERA

This is an unusual purchase for me, but it is so iconic of that early ’70’s time that I just had to nab it – and some of the details are compelling.  Jumpsuits were a big deal (briefly) during the early 1970’s, as they were (briefly) during the 1940’s, too.  Can’t wait to photograph it on Stella.  It’s a small size that will fit her to a “T”.

The first thing that caught my eye was the color – love this wonderful glossy Bordeau wine hue – and the fabric.  It’s a blend of acetate and rayon (very popular in the Forties) and gives the garment that wonderful drape plus adding the depth and shimmer to the color.

Shoulder pads, a nipped waist and plunging back above a button-and-zipper closure.  Couldn’t be a more flattering style on someone with a slim figure.  The waistline also has  belt loops, showing that a wide cinch belt was the original.  It will be fun to find the one I like best. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A TRUE VINTAGE SUCCESS STORY FROM THE 1940’S AND A CAUTIONARY TALE

WHAT YOU SEE IS NOT WHAT I GOT!! A SUCCESS STORY AND A CAUTIONARY TALE

I absolutely adore this jacket. AND, it’s got a real story – The silk pants are not original, but the greenish bronze is a good match to the trim and I wear them with the jacket as loungewear.

When I first bought this jacket, it was a light lemon yellow, with emerald green embroidered trim, in a very large size.  From the  1940’s, the fabric was  a mystery – probably acetate or some blend.

It had been sold by a well-known (back in the day) Denver department store and carried their label.  I enjoyed wearing it as a wrap over strappy dresses or with skirts and light blouses. Yellow is not my best color, but it still worked.

After several years, I wondered how it might be to dye it a more flattering color – so, out came the scarlet dye and into the washing machine it went.  I’ve done this a number of times and have a system that USUALLY works – it’s ALWAYS a gamble.

So, what I got was a beautiful orange-red jacket with bronze embroidery (love it!) and in a size that fits me perfectly. Surprise!!

Could have been a disaster if I was not somewhat experienced and prepared.  Colors can turn out blotchy, seams can rip, fabrics can pucker and shrink beyond belief!!  Just a heads – up – the possibilities for success are endless, but so are the hazards, so here’s a word to the wise . . . . . . . . . … . . . . . . . . . learn your stuff well, then you can be adventurous!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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FABULOUS RAYON FIND – A TRUE VINTAGE BEADED DRESS FROM THE 1930’S/1940’S

FABULOUS RAYON FIND - A TRUE VINTAGE BEADED DRESS FROM THE 1930'S/1940'S

Was I ever thrilled to run across this beauty! Sleek and slinky, it’s got great film noir presence.  Another dress that Madge can’t wear, but I can’t wait to photograph it on Stella because it would fit her just right!

With a side zipper at the waist and fabulous design, it’s such a neat wartime style.. The color is tricky to photo – a medium mauve, grayish purple. Very unusual and lovely.

The best thing is the bead trim – and especially the trailing streamers that hang from the hip area. You’ll see more of these rare & interesting tailoring features in some future posts.. . . . . .

No, it’s not a dirty camera lens and Yes, there is a flaw on the front, with a funny stain or fade on the left bodice that can’t be remedied. However, it’s just the right place for a pin, a flower or corsage which early mid-century women often wore for a night out.  I think I’d love a piece or two of markasite jewelry with this frock . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – 1950’S DANCE PARTY DRESS

I WOULDN'T KICK HER OUT OF THE ST. VALENTINE'S DANCE, WOULD YOU?

A gorgeous dance dress that may have been for Prom or just for any Big Band dance party – they used to be so popular back in the day.   Will LOVE to see her on Stella, when I get around to it.

The year I found this beauty (not long ago),  a famous label made one in the same basic style but not nearly so well done.  No lovely flowers at the waistline and (horrors!) in a choice of several different colors.  Can you imagine spending $250 for a dress and seeing one just like it (but maybe blue) at the party, too?!

After purchasing her for about 70 cents (that’s right – seventy pennies!) and exercising a little of my rehab know-how, this is what I had about 4 days later and just my size.  Not bad, huh?

This  frock could show up any time and have her dance card full immediately.  The Belle of the Ball and completely unique.  Some girls have all the luck . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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CUTE TRUE VINTAGE RED HAT FROM THE 1950’S OR BEFORE . . . . . .

CUTE TRUE VINTAGE RED HAT FROM THE 1950'S OR BEFORE . . . . . .

Here’s Marlene in a great hat – might look good with that bright red ’40’s suit shown a few days ago . . . . . . .. It’s a beanie style with a tassel, all in Valentine red wool.

This is another example of what I call “witty” vintage style – fun, even amusing, details or designs that just make us smile. True vintage is full of that in a much better way than I ever see it done now.

Take a look at the necklace, too. I’ve got another picture of it coming later, but this one might even have better detail resolution.

Time to switch a bit, away from the truly Wintery-looking things. The hat collection is coming, plus some jewelry – though most of that will be later – maybe this summer. Got to get through the LBD’s first, and the shoes, some more Springy things plus the odd this and that which always turns up.  In other words, stay tuned . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER ‘POWER SUIT’ FROM THE 1940’S WITH DYNAMIC STYLING

ANOTHER 'POWER SUIT' FROM THE 1940'S WITH DYNAMIC STYLING

I just love the hugely distinctive tailoring on this jacket!!  The ensemble, of course, is woven of wool.  Big shoulder pads and a belted jacket which leaves the back hanging free.   The belt passes through slits in the waistline of the jacket that allow the back to fall straight. There is decorative button detail at each shoulder-blade area in the back, too.

The jacket, alas, was found without a matching skirt. But, by searching high and low I discovered one almost a perfect match. The original was probably longer than this one is, however.

Although this suit doesn’t have a fur collar, the collar is very high for warmth and a sweater could easily be worn underneath, rather than a blouse.  it could be worn alone, without a coat, on a cool or cold day.  Very practical, standard dressy day-wear for wartime and post-war women.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BRIGHTLY COLORED MID-CENTURY (’40’S & ’50’S) SUITS WITH LOTS OF DETAIL

BRIGHTLY COLORED MID-CENTURY ('40'S & '50'S) SUITS WITH LOTS OF DETAIL

Showing some reds here together – always a favorite color! The most amazing things about these are the pocket details and, of course, the overall quality cut and styling.

I can always depend on a true vintage suit of my correct size to fit beautifully. Even off-the-rack garments were made to such a higher standard that the things made today can’t compare.

I have hemmed the red skirt on the right (folded up, NOT cut off!) but otherwise haven’t had to do a thing. These babies were well-looked-after by their first owners and I continue by storing them properly, since they are wool.

That’s another topic – SO much vintage clothing was made of wool back in the day. Even lightweight weaves and knits that we could mistake for synthetics are actually wool. The important thing about this is to learn what the fabric is when you buy a vintage garment so that you don’t make mistakes when caring for it.

It’s no fun to throw something in the wash and have it come out as doll clothing or horribly misshapen. Nor do we want to find little moth holes in our favorite blouse, sweater or pants. LOVE delightful surprises, but not those!

Just another little tip from . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MY VERY FIRST TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S LADIES’ SKIRT SUIT

MY VERY FIRST TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S LADIES' SKIRT SUIT

This is just about my favorite suit because it was one of the first things I found when I started to be interested in vintage clothing.  It’s perfect for me, too, and I love wearing it.

It’s got little braided belt loops at the sides, so I usually put a skinny belt on.  It’s plain, but the fit is oh, so attractive!  I always get compliments.

I did do a couple of things to it due to my inexperience that I wouldn’t do now – I shortened it a bit to knee length and may have cut off the excess (horrors! – not the thing to do.  if you really want to shorten something, just make a deeper hem so that it can be changed back).   Thank goodness that I didn’t make it into a mini!  I also put the little slit in the front, which I now would probably have opened in back, if I did one.  That, however, is no big deal as it can be reversed.

Another reversible change was replacing the shoulder pads, which were VERY big, with smaller ones to make it more work-wearable. They can easily be replaced for authenticity.

Oh, well – I still love the thing so much and am very happy with it, but experience is a wonderful teacher and I’m so grateful for all that I have learned. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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