These lovely sandals are very fine, in beautiful kid suede. They have tiny peep-toes – a favorite feature of mine – and sling-back heels.
What a fabulous addition to any 3-season dress or perky pants outfit!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Whenever I encounter beautiful examples of sleepwear lingerie from this era, I always bring them home. Although I love the pj’s, knee-length gowns are another favorite. While made of the same type of wonderful nylon, the gowns usually have more elaborate and prettier decoration.
The Fifties saw mostly pastel pieces similar to the one on right, though sometimes in red or black. During the Sixties bright colors were popular, as on the left. This was kind of backward to how lingerie slips were made – go figure.
Anyway, there was no debate or stopping-to-think-about-it for me, but always nice to know all about it . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
With polka dots, a flouncy neckline and full metal back zipper this rayon & acetate blouse is pure 1950’s – early 1960’s. Can’t wait to wear it with my “new” black pencil skirt!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This undergarment is so unusual – it could be worn as a dress itself, like many beautiful mid-century slips could be – but not because of exquisite decoration. It has extremely rare construction and is also made, at least in part, of a rare fabric – Bri-nylon, a nylon blend made in Britain.
The top is sheer lace, but the bottom is substantial and opaque; made to act almost like a girdle under a slinky sheath dress. Notice the back metal zipper that lets the wearer into the tight-fitting skirt.
A slip like this would be absolutely essential under many a wiggle-dress from back in the day. I’m so glad to have one now!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This one is made by Brooklin, the same maker of the mink-trimmed cocktail blouse that Stella modeled recently. I love the way the hem is finished, and, though it’s hardly visible, the fabric is embossed with a crocodile pattern!
It’s so rare to find true vintage blouses in wearable condition that I just flip with happiness when I do. This one is very versatile and a lovely, neutral mocha tone.
Doesn’t get much better . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These pieces were found on opposite sides of the world, several years apart, but they work here. Mid-century sheer dresses require beautiful, but pretty plain, lingerie slips of the right length to carry them off properly.
From Canada, the lovely peach-colored silk slip can double as a dress. Bias cut and the slinky, sexy fit points to the 1930’s as it’s era. Pretty embroidery makes it really special and it has little hardware which make the shoulder straps adjustable..
The sheer party dress, which I found in Australia a few years ago, was probably custom-tailored. Dropped waist and tea length. See the photo showing metallic piping that is sewn around each sleeve and the front of the neckline, with a cowl in back. The fabric also has metallic flower and leaf decoration stamped on. So fabulous to find pieces like this in near-perfect condition!
Picky work to construct this dress, and I’m so astounded by the skill of seamstresses back in the day. Yes, it was a lot of work, but how fun it would be to have something exactly as you wanted with personalized fit!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Stella rocks this wonderful find from my recent trip. Can’t wait to wear it over a long black skirt or with black cigarette pants!
This was not a high-end item, in spite of the mink trim – like so many lovely things from mid-century, the average woman was able to buy and wear it. It is open-weave in a glossy synthetic material, lined with black fabric. The floral fantasy pattern reflects the colors of most, if not all, of the treasures I found in that country. Stay tuned to see more . . . . .
It was made by a New Zealand clothing company back in the day. I was told by other vintage experts there that New Zealand used to have a very excellent clothing industry which has, sadly, gone now.
But, so much more FUN for a modern sleuth . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
CUSTOM-TAILORED 1950’S PARTY FROCK WITH RABBIT TRIM
Although this dress looks very cute on Stella’s figure, it really must have been sewn for a petite woman much shorter. I can’t quite imagine a style like this with fur and rhinestone trim made for a teen or a child in the 1950’s. At any rate, the average height of a Fifties lady would have been 5 or 6 inches shorter while still perhaps being a tiny vintage size 10, like Stella.
Imagine my surprise to see this rare garment! If you’ve been with me for a while, you may remember that several years ago I encountered a similar frock in ivory brocade with mink trim on the 3/4 sleeves. That seems to have been a popular early 1950’s trend. In this case, we are seeing very pretty rabbit fur, with a little rhinestone trim nestled in the bodice ornament.
Another surprise is that this frock, despite it’s elegant style and up-scale materials, appears to have been hand-made. It’s construction demonstrates the handiwork of someone who was very skilled, so perhaps it was made by a professional tailor rather than a home-based seamstress. However, who actually knows? With no labels to point the way, it’s just another delicious mystery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
So simple and plain, but it really transports me to photographs of women having fun at the seaside in the Forties, Fifties and early Sixties. And, there’s LOTS of absolutely beautiful seaside in Australia! Although we’re thinking about Autumn here and getting ready for cooler weather, the Australians are thinking about the blazing heat to come soon “down under”.
This top was custom-tailored in a lovely heavy woven cotton (not knit). Sleeveless, boxy cut, square neck with a little decorative pocket in front. Just grazing the waistline, to show a little tummy once in a while.
Nothing could be more basic or classic. Worn with a pair of “capris”, “pedal pushers” or “short shorts” or, even, with a pleated white skirt or a pair of jeans – that’s how it was done back in the day.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Really pretty outfits, a dress and skirts/blouses. I have combined more modern vintage skirts with sheer true vintage 1950’s blouses. The pink leather peep-toe slingback pumps are ’80’s or early ’90’s does ’40’s – Nina brand. (’90’s – I have a hard time calling that “vintage” , though some people do) since I love the old classics much more. The slips are true vintage and the silk dress is authentic 1940’s or 1930’s, too.
FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 