Trifari made lovely costume jewelry – here are a few examples of pins and earrings from several decades. Always high quality. Pick them up if you find them . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This is absolutely one of my best (if not THE best) go-to dresses for almost any occasion – no doubt that I will look stunning and elegant.
A 3-season frock of soft wool knit, with lovely and flattering drape. Look at the graceful folds from the left shoulder and at the waist. Easy fit. So effortless. One piece of fine jewelry, beautiful shoes, a small and elegant handbag and I’m done. Each piece of exceptional quality, but nothing flashy.
This is the type of dress that Jacqueline Kennedy preferred, and it has been seen on many fashionable and well-dressed women for decades.
This one was also an early find, found years ago at the same time as the va-va-voom dress posted day before yesterday and I almost missed it, too! But now, I spy with my little eye EVERYTHING . . . . . . . .. ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
When Spring is springing (or almost) I really like to get into the true navy blue and white and nautical themes that have been classic styles of this season for decades and decades. In this case, the classic double-breasted jacket with a twist – cape styling(!) and a little military feel.
A cute little sailor-style hat would look so great with this (true vintage, of course). Imagine it with skirts, sheath dresses, slacks, jeans, leggings – a true vintage classic can go with all of them, ups the style quotient and lasts for decades because of its high quality.
In this case, there’s wool warmth, too. Much appreciated this year! I’ve loved my vintage military pea jacket for winter, but now it’s time for a change. Perfect outerwear to bridge the seasons from cold to cool in fashionable elegance, with a lighter, brighter feel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGSPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Another mid-century style – this time from the mid-late Sixties – but in a most casual house dress. Sorry it’s a bit out of focus – I love this print and always enjoy red. It’s in a half-size 14, which was vintage language for Plus-size but it’s really not BIG at all.
The half-sizes were cut bigger in the bust and pretty straight through the waist (I’ve pinned this one in the back) but the shoulders are small, so I can wear it fine with a belt. It was apparently belted originally because there are signs of belt loops.
I love the embroidered tag sewn in the neckline, the pointed collar and pearlized buttons with stems. The fabric, again, is a mystery but doesn’t feel like polyester.
A no-nonsense frock that any average homemaker might have worn while going about her daily housekeeping duties. Just the simplest and easiest thing to wear, and cute to boot!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Fast-forward from yesterday – about thirty years . . . . . . . . . . . This surprising frock looks so plain, at first, but is elegant as can be! It’s made in a style that was popular, I’ve found, in the early 1960’s – a dress made to look like a 2-piece ensemble. Hemmed to hit at the knee or slightly below. Perfect for cocktails or dinner out.
Although it appears pink in the photo, the fabric is a vivid coral color in a smooth knit. I’m not sure what the material is made of. The sophisticated, simple style is very nice and I can’t wait to get it onto Madge, who I’m sure would do it justice with her robust and curvy figure!
The best aspect though, from a construction point of view, is the beautiful high-quality rhinestone trim such as we haven’t seen for decades! Each stone is set in metal prongs, like they used to do in the Thirties, Forties and Fifties. It is very lovely and adds just the right touch of dressy bling at the upper arms and hips.
Love the embroidered tag, too. I’m excited – haven’t found something of this particular genre in a while – makes it all so FUN! Another “new” discovery is coming tomorrow, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Here are great nylon slips for Spring into Summer wear. When the weather has us in the doldrums, these will pick up the spirits and coordinate with the lovely pastels we are beginning to wear again.
Gorgeous lace and embroidery – the slip on the left may even be 1940’s. We know we’re getting into the 1960’s with the one far right because of the fabric and construction – not just the length – .some pre-WWII slips were short, too, depending on the style.
It’s fun to know all the details but I love each one . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
A handful of fun separates when I had a bit of time on my hands: 1. a cute poly/cotton pajama top from the Fifties or Sixties that doubles as a summer blouse 2. RARE, RARE, RARE FIND of Fifties pajama bottoms – although they’re not a perfectly-matched pair, I think they’ll make a great lounging outfit together with the bed jacket shown earlier today. It’s always great to have these on hand. Nice lace at the ankles 3. a home-sewn Sixties shirt. I’d wear it with jeans, but it’s not the best job. However, worth buying just for the buttons.
Never miss an opportunity to uncover more clues . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I know, I know, I know . . . . . I collect so many of these that I’ll have to lounge a whole lot and eat many breakfasts in bed to be able to wear them all . . . . . . . . . . . . .. BUT
How can I resist? Who wouldn’t love a gorgeous little scrap of mid-century feminine luxury like this one? Although they are always pretty, I’m especially excited when I find one that is unusual. I’m not sure that I have another one in this green color or with this type of styling. Generally, they were made in pink, blue or sometimes in white.
The lace is especially nice, too. Even when I get to a point where I’ll have to part with some of them, this one is a keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Wowee! I love it so much! First off, this beautiful frock appeared to my spying eyes and I was transported to a dance in 1960 . . . . . . . . . . .
Sheer, printed fabric over an acetate sheath – so pretty and feminine, with fabulous movement in the skirt. The pleats make the bottom half of the dress look a completely different color, though the fabric is exactly the same. Such wonderful wizardry in the beautiful tailoring tricks seen in true vintage garments.
This is the kind of find I live for – and I’m glad that they are frequent! I’ll have so much fun with this one. It’s done a lot of dancing and needs some TLC, but nothing I can’t handle – getting ready to party on. The “new” finds are coming more frequently now, so stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Here are three lovely wool skirt suits in pastels and sunny red. Back in the day, “winter white” would be “out” by now – worn only till the end of January. The pastels would traditionally have shown up in the first half of February, when resort vacation clothing also would make an appearance. This is the time of year that many people took their annual beach vacation.
The holidays are behind us, it’s a new year and I’m sure you’re ready for a change! These are just about the last of my wool suits for this winter . . . . . . . . . .
From the early 1960’s, in true Jackie O (sorry, Jacqueline) style, these lady-like but perky ensembles make us think of sunnier skies. The blue and pink are of boucle’ and the red is a smoother weave.
Boxy jackets and straight skirts, the sleeves (at least on the pink and red) are bracelet length which looks great with gloves and also lets you show off your charm bracelet to best effect.
Of course, if the weather remains very cool where you are, these beauties will be gorgeous at Easter, so don’t get tired of wearing them too soon . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Magicvintagespy 