Tag Archives: 40’s

PRETTY IN PINK: 1930’S – 1940’S – 1950’S NIGHTWEAR FOR THE VINTAGE BOUDOIR

PRETTY IN PINK: 1930'S - 1940'S - 1950'S NIGHTWEAR FOR THE VINTAGE BOUDOIR

Now we’re talkin’!  Setting the mood here for Cupid’s Day.  Some are relatively demure, but all are beautiful nylon and silk sleepwear from a time when those things were really special.

Whether a young girl heading off to college, or a young woman on her honeymoon, one (or two) of these would surely be stowed in her luggage.

Madge likes that cute robe with the double button closure at the waist.  It would work well over the little short-sleeved gown – perfect for dorm room dreams. As for the silk number in the center, well, it is Valentine’s Day so forget the robe . . . . . . . … . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG;  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PRETTY (AND ALMOST PERFECT!) IN PINK – A MID-CENTURY PILLBOX HAT THAT LUCY, JACKIE AND DIANA WOULD LOVE

IMG_2923

Marlene is mesmerizing in this gorgeous veiled hat.  Just covering the eyes, it adds a bit of mystery to a bright and open face.  She was so inspired by the Spring hue that she even changed her haircolor . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’ve honestly not seen a veil made this way before and am a bit unclear about how it is supposed to be worn. However,  it’s situated in the right direction so maybe this is it. Perhaps it could be worn tipped a little farther back on the head.  Many hats from the Forties had parts hanging over the shoulder in kind of a gypsy touch.

Anyway, it’s beautiful and just right for the season.  When flowers and grass are coming up,  here we go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL 1940’S – 1950’S WHITE STRAW HAT WITH GROSGRAIN BOW

IMG_3419IMG_3418

I found two wonderful mid-century straw hats on my last expedition!  This one is summer-perfect and great with Marlene’s coloring.  It’s a simple style that suits almost everyone and the big bow gives it a coquettish allure.

Straw hats are so lovely and grosgrain ribbon a classic and elegant trim.  More tomorrow . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER 1940’S HAT FIND – THIS ONE WITH THE BOX!

img_3427.jpgIMG_3404

I’m always tickled to have the original box for any of my hats!  In this case, I don’t know the brand of the hat (if there was one) but I know WHERE it came from.  The department store Famous-Barr in St. Louis, MO was a division of the Macy’s chain for decades and finally closed in 2013.  It had evolved in the early 20th century from two other store members of the Federated Department Stores organization and opened in 1914.  The old department stores were such fun and so exciting for women, where they could receive very personal and professional service – now we just see glimpses of them in classic movies.  Modern malls and superstores can’t compare.

Anyway, this “pretty” with a black velvet crown, bow decoration and a lacy woven ribbon brim is elegant without the weight of heavier styles that might dominate during the colder months.  This one lets you carry the season-less drama of black into Summer and early Fall.  Works for me . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

GORGEOUS AND LUXURIOUS 1930’S – 1940’S SLEEPWEAR FOR ST. VALENTINE’S NIGHT

GORGEOUS AND LUXURIOUS 1930'S - 1940'S SLEEPWEAR FOR ST. VALENTINE'S NIGHT

There’s nothing like a silk or fine nylon gown against the skin. These also have beautiful lace on the bodices.

If you dream of being in the movies, here’s your wardrobe. These are real special prizes of mine.

Forget all the lace and frills on anything modern; one of these gowns will give you complete amnesia.

Have a lovely day, and night . .. . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE ’40’S & ’50’S STRAW HATS IN FALL PASTELS

TRUE VINTAGE '40'S & '50'S STRAW HATS IN FALL PASTELS

Something different for today. This group of hats are similar in that they are most all of straw (the bucket hat is made of mesh) and in colors that can be worn into the fall – no pinks or pastel blues.

I love hat labels. The one with the navy band has one that says “coast to coast LINDA JANE Exclusive”. The bucket hat has a Union label inside. Tells a little about their history and who may have worn them (and where).

As accessories go, I’d say that hats may have the edge in terms of adding the most panache and/or mystery to any ensemble. Up until the early ’60s, when they sort of died out after Jackie Kennedy’s pillbox was done, a hat was SUCH an important item in the wardrobe and most women didn’t go anywhere of significance without one. (including the grocery store and the movies)

So now, they inspire fantasies of dress-up. I can get into that . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion

TWO FORTIES – FIFTIES HATS – OUT OF WINTER INTO SPRING

TWO FIFTIES HATS - OUT OF WINTER INTO SPRING

Cautiously still in shoulder season – sticking to classic tones and sizes – these can still be called Spring hats.  The very special one at left on Marlene would have accompanied a particular suit or frock.  Hats used to be so creative and capable, if carefully selected, of making a stunningly good impression!

The navy wool hat at right on Celia is the perfect one to wear with an early Spring coat in a coordinating tone.  It is simply a classic wardrobe staple and warming when the weather is cool.

Nothing picked up the spirits like a new hat. It seems that women loved them even more than new shoes!  Well, I can understand that, because around your face and shoulders the right hat can make you look absolutely beautiful . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

1940’s – 1950’s VEILED HATS WITH YOUR LITTLE BLACK DRESS

1940's - 1950's VEILED HATS WITH YOUR LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Marlene and Celia love these! So do I – so mysterious and alluring.  In the right place, nothing looks better with your LBD and veils flatter like no make-up can do.

Hats from the 1940’s – 1950’s, especially, are such favorites of mine.   The little black hat goes year-round . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE NAVY AND WHITE SPRING STRAW HATS WITH FLOWERS

CONTINUING WITH THE HAPPY BLUES FOR THE NEXT 10 DAYS OR SO - PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE NAVY AND WHITE SPRING STRAW HATS WITH FLOWERS

Gorgeous little Spring hats from the Fifties, or maybe a little earlier – these definitely remind me of April showers and Easter egg hunts.  Nothing more classic than navy and white any time of year.

These styles that perch on top of your coiffure are easy to wear and very flattering and can be worn over almost any hairstyle.  I’m always thrilled to discover one, as they’re a rare find.

Specimens like this sometimes lurk in dark areas, in hidden containers.  Sometimes they come out at special events.  Occasionally they can be coaxed into view . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

YOU’RE SO VAIN: The Oft-Forgotten but Fabulous Accessory – HATS

The Oft-Forgotten but Fabulous Accessory - HATS

Although I always love hats, the beginning of Fall always gets me thinking about them more.  And,  there couldn’t be an easier style to wear than this one.

The average woman before 1970 understood the allure and the impact of hats.  They used to be a central part of any outfit and occupied a center-stage position in the wardrobe of any woman or man.

This one is a simple but very effective style from the late ’60s or ’70s,  it has a chain and ribbon band and is made of wool felt.   Carley Simon wears a similar one on the jacket of her famous debut album in 1972.

A wide brim is flattering to most faces and the key, as always, is to try it on before you buy and to learn what flatters your particular face and body.  A great hat can be the most important thing you wear.

They’re also very effective if you’re wanting to be a bit mysterious or difficult to recognize . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM