Exquisite nylon bed jackets, in lovely pinks. There’s nothing that feels so luxurious as sitting in bed or in a boudoir chair with one of these over your beautiful nightgown while enjoying a cup of tea.
These are so comfortable and pretty, almost any time of year. As always, the fabric, decoration and details can’t be matched by things sold today.
Sweet dreams! . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The style is so un-fussy and classic that it could be worn casually like a day-dress or dressed up. It could have been made anywhere from the late 1940’s to early 1960’s, but I lean toward the ’60’s because of the cotton velveteen-type fabric, which was popular then. Hard to be sure, in this case.
I am certain that the suit was custom tailored. It might even have been done at home. It’s amazing that many women were able to do this. Tailoring requires a lot of skill!
Look at all the covered buttons. And, the buttonholes are also bound. Amazing! Not to mention the lining, interfacing and padding required to make a garment like this fit properly.
Although it looks very elegant as pictured, imagine all the ways it could be worn and accessorized. As separates, the jacket and skirt add more possibilities. Simple suits like this can be great additions to any vintage wardrobe, making a variety of quick-changes possible . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Naturally, I collect true vintage pearl necklaces, real or faux, but in this case my attention is on the rhinestone clasp. The finish on the beads is worn in places, so they aren’t keepers, but the closure can easily be used on another necklace. That will add a perfect Fifties finish to any costume jewelry neck-wear. Worth having!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This pair could be a mate to another that I found last spring. The other was tortoiseshell, so these black ones would be a nice switch-off. I like the pearlized inside, too.
Although they may be only 20 – 30 years old, they were retro-style when made, designed after the styles of the 1950’s and early 1960’s. Good, heavy construction, though, and strong metal hinges. These will last a long time, too.
Definitely a worthy addition to the collection.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although it’s probably not THE finest, I think that this fur is genuine mink. So pretty and stylish, in a color and design that I didn’t yet own. As always, I love the little details.
The stole has straps sewn inside which keep it from falling off your shoulders. There are little, teeny pockets at the rounded ends in front – just big enough to curl your hands into to keep them warm. The silky lining has these WONDERFUL planets and stars embroidered all over!! AND –
I love the label – “The Store that Quality Built”. Wish more vendors would take that as their motto now. AND –
of course, the original owner’s initials are embroidered inside. Such elegance . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I have found lots of lingerie slips lately but haven’t published them because, though beautiful, they were not the most interesting or fine examples of vintage underclothes. In this case, you should see these pretty features.
Pretty pastels are always a favorite. Bright pastels, red and black are major favorites but I don’t think I have ever seen a mid-century nylon slip in royal purple!!!!!!!!! Maybe the previous owner dyed it to match a favorite dress?. . . . . . . Could have been, (nylon takes dye really well) but NO – the maker’s tag is attached as originally, with no evidence of exposure to fabric dye.
In the second close-up photo of the pale pink half-slip shows a beautiful applied design on the center front. I LOVE these, and don’t find them often anymore. Details done on lingerie up to the early 1960’s was often absolutely gorgeous.
Finally, on the oldest piece in this photo I’ve pictured the seaming detail that carefully shapes the bodice. Most items sold today are almost a one-size-fits-all construction, within a broad category such as S, M or L and don’t fit really well. This sacrifices a lot of their purpose (after all, these are supposed to be FOUNDATION GARMENTS which used to be designed to give support to and accentuate the fit of the clothing worn on top).
So, that’s a little session about the neat features of true vintage lingerie slips. I’m always on the look-out for them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’m including a little close-up photo here of the essential features of these wonderful hand-made belts from the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s. The best were made by artisans in the Southwest U.S. and Mexico but many home-leatherworkers became quite good at the craft and could rival them, or almost.
Handbags, purses, wallets and belts were the most common items made but once I saw a full set of luggage at an auction. Almost got it.
The features that distinguish these pieces from newer and less worthy ones are primarily three: 1. high quality leather 2. deep carefully-done tooling in traditional designs, with nice finishing and 3. an adjustable snap-on/off at the buckle end and high quality silver or silver-plate buckle.
Rare enough to be worth pouncing on whenever seen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I’m so thrilled to have discovered this one! It’s very well-made and has a nice wiggle shape, without being too tight. The all-over soft gold embroidery is just the right festive touch for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, or, or, or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I’ll have to think about whether to add a pretty belt and what jewelry to include. Time to get out the gold!
Nothing could be more classic and beautiful, but wait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I have a couple of corded purses, but they’re all different and naturally one can never have too many. . . . . . . . . Although Garay purses are still not scarce, they are a very good true vintage brand so I’m always glad to find one. This clutch looks as though it was never used and has the nice feature of a center zip compartment, with an open pocket on either side. Still very slim, and more convenient than some little bags that will only carry a lipstick, a small wad of money and a key.
So, it’s a keeper.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although very similar, I might place this dress as having been made a little earlier than the one shown yesterday – looks late 1940’s to me. It might or might not have been worn with a crinoline underneath. Like the other, it’s completely hand-made and this one has the tailor’s label sewn into the neckline.
One of the best things about this gown is the fabric – a plush, heavy velvet that feels like old rayon. Love the sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves that, to my taste, are done a bit more artfully than those on yesterday’s dress. I think it’s mostly a style change that took place over a couple of years around the turn of the ’40’s to ’50’s decade.
Anyway, who wouldn’t love it! I so wonder what events these dresses were made for and where they went. That part of the mystery is as yet unsolved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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