Tag Archives: 40’s

ICONIC TRUE VINTAGE POST-WAR “WALKING SUIT” WITH FOX FUR COLLAR

This “walking suit”, with large braided buttons and a big shawl collar is made of heavy boucle’ knit  in wool. The jacket is longish and the skirt (before I folded the hem up) is below the knee.  It was sold during the post-war era 1945 – 1955.

Many suits like this have fur collars, a lot like coats, because they were made to almost double as outerwear in colder weather.  Since women had become more active in the work-force, they were out and about more and their clothing had become less “dainty”, though still very beautiful.  These might also be called “city suits” – made for walking the long blocks in downtown urban areas.

I’ve removed the fur collar, which had been hand-tacked on, and could certainly see wearing this today!  With a pretty sweater and scarf,  maybe a hat, it would be plenty warm – saves the bulk of a coat.   Just right for window-shopping or errands in the city.  Elegant and practical, too.  Best of both worlds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSES FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S IN SILK, LINEN & RAYON

Here’s the perfect shirt to go with those 1940’s pants, right here on the left – ivory silk by Lady Manhattan.  Nothing more classic and beautiful  – unless . . . . .

We move center to a waist-length linen blouse that buttons up the back. Look at that fabulous lace neckline.  How feminine and chic!  Under a little suit or just with a skirt . . . . . .

And, the blouse far right can do the same job in sumptuous rayon.  It shows more of the gorgeous hand-done tailoring detail that is so characteristic of true vintage garments.

They’re all treasures . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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VERY UNUSUAL DISCOVERY: TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S WOMEN’S(?) SLACKS BY THE HAGGAR COMPANY!!!

VERY UNUSUAL DISCOVERY: TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S WOMEN'S SLACKS!!!

What a surprise it was to run across these!  Finding true vintage slacks is rare – especially any that are this old.  Finding nice slacks, with their belt, hardly worn and a perfect fit is a miracle!!!  Just like they were made for ME (maybe they were . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .) though I feel just like Katherine Hepburn . . . .

These are a small plaid weave in grey and ivory. They are “man-tailored” with a zip fly, front and back pockets. But, the fit is NOT man-tailored!

Notice the straight legs and cuffs. The other pairs of ’40’s pants I own have a very long crotch or very wide legs.  They’re lovely fun, but I like the sexy fit of these.   I suppose it’s possible that they were men’s pants, though they button in the wrong direction.  But, I’ve got hips for sure, and a small waist so I would doubt it.  Anyway, who cares!

I treasure mid-century blouses that are perfect with my true vintage skirts and slacks.  Always on the lookout for just the right jacket and, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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3 BEAUTIFUL BEIGE TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE SLIPS – PROBABLY LATE 1940’S

3 BEAUTIFUL BEIGE LINGERIE SLIPS - PROBABLY LATE 1940'S

More slips! I’m not near done yet . . . . .
These are beautiful with unusual decoration, in the smoothest, softest nylon. One may be in silk, which was also popular then, for the nicer things.

I love the beige color and the lovely lace and embroidery to die for – different from the vast majority made later.

How could you ever feel less than wonderful wearing one of these? Marvelous to have hidden assets . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE – IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LACE . . . . . . . . . . ..

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE LACE . . . . . . . . . . ..

These are perhaps the only black slips I’ll show, for now, even though I have lots of them. The details don’t photograph well, but in this case you can see the gorgeous lace on the hems and bodices.

This lace is unusual and the two black slips are somewhat longish – 1940’s or early 1950’s. They’re almost little dresses themselves.

Each of my slips has a unique decoration of some kind – even the plain ones that I probably won’t be photographing have some interesting features or an unusual color.

Fun to wear with your beautiful true vintage dresses or even if you have to wear boring clothes . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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THE FIRST PHOTO OF MY “BEST” TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE SLIPS – THE MOST BEAUTIFUL UNDERTHINGS!

This begins the main showing of my beautiful slip collection. They will be grouped, generally, by color. Overall, they’ll range from 1920’s – 1960’s with most from the ’40’s and ’50’s. We’ll start off with some golds and bronzes.

Materials will be silk, acetate, rayon and nylon – most will be of nylon. The trims are lace and netting, sheer nylon, embroidery, ribbons and applique’ – I think that covers it.

Most times the body of the slips and the decoration are of the same hue, but in many fine pieces – as shown here – the decoration is done in a contrasting color. They’re almost too pretty to cover up!

Isn’t it luscious to know that while you’re all bundled up in your wools and corduroys, jackets and sweaters and coats that underneath it all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE EIGHTIES DOES FORTIES WIDE LEG PANTS

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I’ve coveted and cherished the desire for more of these for quite some time – and here they are!  The color is not fushia, as in the photo, but a nice lipstick red and they fall to the ankle on me, as they should.

I just love how these “pants” (hard for me to think of them that way)  looked on Katherine Hepburn and Rita Hayworth back in the Forties.  The slim waists and hip-hugging cut is so flattering and the easy legs are so comfortable.

What a pleasure to discover them, and in my favorite RED.  I’m really on a roll with that!  Must be the spirit of the Holidays . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BLACK CREPE, PADDED SHOULDER DRESSY FROCK – TRUE VINTAGE EIGHTIES DOES FORTIES

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I just love the satin cummerbund on this demure but dressy style from the early Eighties.  It will look smashing on Madge, with her curvy figure.

Knee-length and sedate, this dress is nevertheless a knock-out.  Black crepe is always classic and perfect.  Black satin touches always ramp it up a notch for dressy occasions and certainly make this one appropriate for the holidays.

It’s also unusual to find a dress like this with long sleeves and that’s a real plus for certain occasions and for cold weather.  Modern dressy black dresses, unless they’re cheaply made, frumpy or uber-conservative, never seem to have them and I’m always pleased with this option in a quality frock.

Leave it to true vintage garments to provide all the best that you could want from clothing, if you’re savvy and sneaky enough to find them . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE ROBES AND DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE LATE 1930’S – 1940’S

WHAT CAN I SAY – TRUE GLAMOUR ALWAYS SPEAKS FOR ITSELF . . . . . ..

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE ROBES AND DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE LATE 1930'S - 1940'S

We’ve done a little film noir leisure dressing for the men, so here are 3 of my very favorite women’s things of the same era.  The fabulous ’30’s robe with shoulder pads and tassels, the cute little wartime rayon dressing gown and the glam  ’40’s rayon dressing gown.  Hollywood movie star all over!

Imagine Veronica Lake or Joan Crawford sweeping into the room. Deanna Durbin would look sweet in that dressing gown.

I like to recline in one of these while sipping a cognac and reviewing the latest assignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE EIGHTIES DOES FORTIES FROCK

IMG_1787You know that I go mostly for the 1960’s and before, but once in a while I get seduced by some true vintage retro from the Seventies or Eighties. Well, it happened again a couple of days ago.

This is a nicely-made and designed dress by Betsy’s Things (no relation to Betsey Johnson), a brand I’ve liked before.  It has several style features that I look for.  And, it’s a beautiful fit on me!

Looks pretty nice with my “new” Forties shoes, too.  What could be better? . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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