Tag Archives: ´50´s

THE FIRST OF TWO FABULOUS MID-CENTURY FINDS – NEW LOOK CUSTOM-TAILORED BALL GOWN

This gown is hand-tailored with extreme attention to detail.  It would be worn with a crinoline for a full, bell-shape.  Because of the styling, I would guess that it was made in the early 1950’s but, possibly, as early as the late 1940’s.  A special occasion dress, of course, and there’s hardly any evidence of wear.  Maybe it was even made for a Prom or Homecoming dance back in the day.

Women were so happy to dress in longer skirts, sumptuous fabrics and new styles after the austerity of the war years.

I’ll be showing a sister gown tomorrow – very similar style and probably made a few years earlier.  What fabulous discoveries!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL SCOTTISH WORSTED WOOL POST-WAR SKIRT SUIT

This is a magnificent find, with all the beautiful tailoring details that I love on post-war suits and dresses.  Notice the notched cuffs, fabric-covered buttons, interesting pocket treatment, back belt, button trim, interesting collar lapels with little embroidered detail and, of course, the fabulous fitted shape.

It’s worth every minute I’ll spend on altering the size to fit me (a simple job, in spite of the professional tailoring).  No need to hire this job out, which is an extra bonus.  Someone loved it very much over the years.  Just one little, tiny moth nibble on the back of a sleeve and, otherwise, no damage or noticeable wear.  Another mother-lode treasure!  And, as always, for a mere pittance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MIXING IT UP A BIT – HERE’S A NEW FIND THAT WOULD GO WONDERFULLY UNDER THE RED DRESS OF A FEW DAYS AGO . . . .

A gorgeous 1950’s nylon full slip by Dorsay.  Such beautiful lingerie!  The workmanship and materials can’t be rivaled by modern versions.

Just look at the tiny pleats on the bodice and embroidery at the hem – plus lace, etc. and wider straps.  the heavy fee of the nylon fabric is a delight, too.  I’m sad that it’s too big for me, but I have many lovely others and, I’m sure, more on the way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

WHAT A WONDERFUL ENSEMBLE FIND! LOVE THIS!!!!!

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Found these two pieces separately, but aren’t they perfect together?  The pencil skirt is a true vintage 1950’s design by the vintage California Lorrie & Deb label.  It fits like a dream – looks as good on me as it does on Stella.

Later, I came across this blouse.  It is a more modern retro design (might still be true vintage by the definition of 30 years old or more) and I fell in love, also knowing that it would likely look great with my skirt.

Well, guess what – how wonderful can you get?  I was over the moon when I tried them on together and will remain so every time I wear them.  So, chalk up another one for serendipity and the Magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:   MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HERE’S A BETTER FIND – A 1950’S -’60’S SLINKY KNIT HOUSEDRESS IN A FABULOUS PRINT

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Love, love, love the graphics here!  Although this dress was never more than a lower-end bargain fashion, the style and construction testify to the superior quality and value of  garments made several decades ago.  I’ll enjoy wearing this one, but I’ll take special care of it, too.

The label is no longer legible, so I’m not sure of the exact fabric content or the brand name.  Also, the original belt is missing, which was probably a tie belt.  Like many of the knits back in the day, it has a really nice feel and hangs and drapes beautifully.  I like this shiny buckle belt now – dresses it up a bit.

Keep on watching, because it only gets better . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

I’M OFF TO OLD CHINATOWN

Finding this dress was a real sleuthing success!  I’d been hunting for a vintage silk Cheongsam  style in my size for years, then uncovered this one at a teeny, teeny price.  The original color was a yellowy beige and there were several brown stains and a little rip near the hem.  But –

The Magicvintagespy knows what to do.  So, I mixed a couple of dye colors that I had leftover from another job and expected to have a soft, neutral brown.  Instead, I got this WONDERFUL lavender/bronze color!  LOVE IT!!!  The stains are history and the hem needed raising anyway et voila’.

The moral :  Put out the vibes and never give up.  KNOW YOUR STUFF, and the perfect find will materialize in your wardrobe.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A VERY DIFFERENT TYPE OF AT-HOME JACKET – EMBROIDERED, FROM THE FAR EAST

This is such a beautiful thing – I wish it weren’t  too big for me.  But oh, well, I love it all the same.  Not way old, because it’s poly satin, but the embroidery is to die for and it’s not completely colorfast so may not be too modern.  I’m not always sure about the construction and fabric qualities of garments made overseas.

Anyway, what a gorgeous item to wear around the house and, also, out.  I have a fantastic  embroidered red silk jacket from China that I often wear with black pants when dressing up is the thing.  Looks ab fab.

Tomorrow I’ll show a very recent discovery of the same genre, but older and more the style of Mata Hari.  Something I’d been searching for for a long time . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PRETTY, PRETTY WARTIME – POST-WAR NYLON BED JACKET BY ROGERS

OK, head back 10 to 20 years for another frilly, girly piece of boudoir lingerie – a beautiful bed jacket, the likes of which has disappeared from our modern wardrobes.  This was another of the lingerie luxuries that women enjoyed until the 1970’s.

Delicate and beautiful, items like this were common in average women’s closets.  They seem a bit over-the-top for everyday wear today, but in mid-century life were (and are) very practical for before bed and early morning activities while women were wearing their nightgowns, without sacrificing feminine mystery.

Gotta tell ya’ – it beats throwing a hoodie or sweater over your pj’s in a cool house. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PRETTY NYLON GOWNS FROM THE 1950’S TO EARLY 1960’S – SOMETHING I ALWAYS LOVE TO FIND

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So pretty and feminine, so slinky and comfy.  Mid-century lingerie sleepwear just can’t be beat for quality and style.  Wearing it always makes me feel like I’m in a film noir or an early 1960’s sit-com.

The details on older lingerie are so beautiful and artfully-made, much of it truly by hand even on commercial gowns and robes.  We’re so lucky that these items can still be discovered, with a little persistence and discrimination.  With care, they’ll last you the rest of your life and that’s a long time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER “NEW” – 1960’S HOUSECOAT WRAPPER

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I always pick up these old cotton or cotton blend housecoats when I find them.  Although there are similar ones being made now, the older ones tend to have the best quality and most interesting styling and decoration.

Such fun to know these little differences that make a big impact on your satisfaction when you wear them!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM