Perhaps a little earlier in the mid-century, here’s something for the men. Wool shirt-jackets were very popular for both sexes and great for transitional weather, like now!
This one has all the classic features – front pocket, vintage plastic buttons, shirt styling but with a placket front, so it’s a pull-over.
It’s what granddad wore when he raked the leaves . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This beautiful silk calf-length skirt is almost a full -circle cut. And, as usual, a perfect fit for me. What I love best (aside from the fabric) is the atomic abstract art print on the black background. So unusual and iconically late Fifties – early Sixties. I’ll love wearing it with a cinch belt and art metal jewelry!
Although true vintage is ALWAYS THE BEST, I like it a lot when modern designers get it right when they feel a vintage vibe. That happens once in a while and it’s always fun to find an example of that inspiration.
So, I was surprised and delighted again. Hmmm . . . .stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
So wonderful!!! Another mid-century pencil skirt – as I’ve said, you can’t have too many. As usual, this one fits perfectly and has the expected tailoring details of a well-made garment. Ignore the camera spots – it’s beautiful.
Love unraveling the stories of every find; this one was custom-tailored of a soft wool, with acetate liner in the seat. Tailors used to do this with wool skirts to prevent stretching of the fabric from sitting. I love the well-constructed waistband and side closure plus the fantastic fit.
Easy to dress up or down. A basic black piece like this is always chic and when the quality is high plus a perfect fit, that’s what makes the difference between attractive and elegant – between fashionable and chic – between nice-looking and truly well-dressed. Our grandmothers knew that, and most European women haven’t forgotten.
Would go nicely with the cocktail sweater I found and showed you a few days ago. I plan to wear it with vintage jackets, blouses and sweaters. I’ve discovered a trove of skirts lately – more to come . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Too amazing. This time, it’s a Kennedy era cocktail sweater. After 60 years, who would think?
You’ll see it tomorrow, and then come wonderful frocks, etc. for St. Valentine’s Day. Stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is SO fabulous! I love this sportswear skirt from the 1950’s with Grecian urns in pretty colors printed all around. In fact, that’s the name of the fabric design, printed on the selvage edge.
Can’t wait to wear it this Spring and Summer! It was beautifully taken care of, with hardly a flaw. Thank you to the woman who did that!
As I make my way here and there, to various shops, sales and stores in many different countries, the only thing I regret is that I usually don’t know the names of the original owners of the treasures I discover. It’s always a big plus when I do, because the specific history adds so much to the story.
Oh, well. As it is, I can imagine that Audrey, or Jean, or Margaret or Lois bought this skirt to wear on her first Roman holiday – and had a wonderful time!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What wonderful things I’m discovering! Just LOVE the old kitchy motifs here. Although there’s probably enough material to make a simple dress, the fabric is more the weight for upholstery so I’ll save it for sofa pillows or to cover a chair.
Such fun!!!!!!!!!!!! And, rare as can be . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a beautiful find! Because of the traditional styling I can’t date it exactly, but it’s old. Rayon satin with lovely floral embroidery. Like the silk Cheongsam dress I found last week, this garment is so gorgeous and timeless – I’ll love wearing it for decades.
There’s another similar one of red silk hanging in my closet. It looks wonderful with dressy black crepe pants, a skirt or dress for cocktails or a special dinner party.
It’s off to the cleaners after I check the lining for any messages Mata Hari might have left behind . … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
From a New York clothier, this frock with a shimmy-shake beaded bodice is classic 1960’s. The fully-lined black crepe dress with a knee-length hemline was a standard of 1950’s and early 1960’s cocktail party attire.
Fun elements of beading and flirty design were common in the Sixties. I love finding one of these – so wearable and always playful, while toeing the line with classic couture. You can wear it (almost) anywhere without raising eyebrows.
And, as always, quality and excellent condition for the past 45 – 50 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s the example I promised yesterday – by the iconic Paris designer, Henri Bendel, a summer frock of exceptional fit and construction. Although this dress may be no more than 8 years old since the company stopped selling clothing in 2009, it’s quality and pedigree made it worth picking up.
I also have a suit by Henri Bendel, made in the 1960’s. The design and tailoring of his garments are exquisite. Although this sundress does not look like anything special hanging here, it fits beautifully (my size!) and is very well-made.
If only for the legacy of this classic Parisian designer, I was happy to find it and will wear it with pleasure . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Brocade and crepe, with a little bow at the back waistline – this frock is so well-made and elegant. Formal dance, Prom, Special Occasion, perfect! It needs a pressing, but is in great shape. Remember what I said yesterday about the repeating design elements? Read on . . . . . . . . .
So beautifully tailored with closures and stitching in all the right places, this gown has a feature that I have never seen. The sleeves are part of a bolero bodice that is attached and worn inside the dress and supports the sleeves. That makes it possible to wear this gown as a sleeveless sheath or as pictured here. The sleeves, as on the dress yesterday, have fabric flowers sewn on.
Wow! What a gorgeous and surprise design!! You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 