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
More mid-century lingerie – this one from the Post-war era in run-proof nylon tricot. By Rogers, it is a quality item and I don’t think I’ve EVER seen this style before! It has no sleeves, and is made to wear as a cape over the shoulders which ties at the neckline.
What a pretty way to spend a while over coffee in the morning, or reading in bed when there’s a chill in the air?
Pale pink color (the whole thing is prettier in reality than in this photo) and delicate accordian pleating with a ruffle at the neck and wrist areas. Perfect condition, and in my size. What could be better? It’s definitely a keeper. Wonder who wore this beauty in 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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
The most interesting fabric, fun buttons and near-perfect condition. This is a great example of an everyday dress for a woman after WWII.
Very nicely tailored, despite it’s modest category. Grandma was happy to have better clothing to wear again after all the wartime deprivations. We’re just getting started – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
IT’S STILL WAY COLD ENOUGH FOR THESE. BOTH ARE 1950’S TRUE VINTAGE. THE ONE ON THE RIGHT WAS FROM MY FAMILY. THERE’S HARDLY A MORE BEAUTIFUL FUR, THOUGH UNLESS I FIND A TRUE VINTAGE ITEM AT LEAST 60 YEARS OLD, I PREFER TO BUY IMITATION.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I just love finding one of these! True vintage mid-century sleepwear is so precious and, often, beautiful. The quality material, tailoring details and interesting styles are great – whether it’s a woman’s garment or a man’s!
This beauty has gorgeous lace detail at the shoulders and is in virtually perfect condition. An example of the extraordinary care taken in the past is the little decorative bows, which are attached by tiny safety pins so that they can be removed and the gown can be washed without damage. I’ve seen many done this way and it’s such a high quality practice that has been lost.
Back in the day, this was more or less a run-of-the-mill item and now would be an exclusive and expensive one. And we think we’re so smart . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Just LOVE finding these knitwear items that have been so well-preserved for 50 – 60 years!! Unusual finds are always tons of fun.
This shirt was made by a Sears, Roebuck & Co. brand that quit producing in the early 1960’s. Very nicely tailored, with a longer tail (prevents embarrassing views that are all too common today). Hard-to-see in this photo, but the sleeves are a ribbed knit contrast to the flat knit of the body.
These older things all have features and stories to tell that keep revealing themselves. The star item of my recent adventures is coming up tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 