LOVELY CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE SKIRT SUIT FROM NEW YORK CITY

LOVELY CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE SKIRT SUIT FROM NEW YORK CITY

I’ve SO enjoyed going through my skirt suit collection  for this series of posts! I was reminded of how great a find this one was, during a special trip to the Big Apple.

All the suits you’ll see are from the 1940’s to the mid 1970’s. This one is so classic it could almost go anywhere in that period. In this case, the skirt has been shortened a few inches – always without cutting off material, so the original length can easily be restored!

The details most loved about this one are the great colors – always love the unusual combination of blues and browns – and the suede trim.

The classic cut is also one of the best, best things about any garment and why true vintage is usually way ahead of modern clothing. This suit, like most I’ll show, will look sophisticated and elegant for as long as I own it.

If you think “dowdy” or “matronly” when you see this photo, you’re not using real style sense. Don’t forget that an ensemble like this can be worn many ways, including using the jacket and skirt as separates, and with many different accessories, making it fresh and versatile each time.

And, there’s never any competition for true elegance . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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EXTREMELY RARE FIND – TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY CUSTOM-TAILORED CHILD’S DRESS

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Old cotton and buttons; hand-stitching – this little frock is probably from the 1950’s or 1960’s.  Can you imagine a little girl’s everyday dress surviving till today??????  Read on . . . . . . . . . . . .

Once in a while, in an unusual venue, I’ll see something out of the ordinary – like a piece that is very antique or something made for a child. Although children’s clothing is not my usual focus, I’ll take a second look.

Well, this was another Wowee, look at THAT! moment so, of course, I had to bring it home.  What a relic so well-preserved, with the added bonus of having been hand-made.  Several things about the construction are unusual.

In these situations, it’s common to see something that was made for a special occasion – that is, dressy clothing or christening gowns, etc. that are often preserved after one or two wearings; maybe baby shoes that are tough enough to stand up over time (no pun intended).

BUT, not everyday items!!  These usually have gone by the wayside decades ago because of the normal wear-and-tear a child puts on their clothing, not to mention outgrowing it and passing it on or Mom turning it into a dishrag.

So, I feel like a museum curator with a new discovery laid before me.  The mystery goes on . .. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER FIND – TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S FLOWER-POWER BLOUSE

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Unbelievable!  This beautiful fitted blouse in lovely smooth rayon was a “QUEEN” size in the mid-sixties.  It’s labeled as a 13/14 but it fits me with a little extra room in the bust – and I wear a modern size 4.

Who cares, right?!  It’s got all the lovely features of true vintage tailored items, with extra seam allowance and nice darting to enhance the fit. Love the print, the long sleeves and oh-so-Sixties roll collar.

Another unusual discovery and, wait, there’ll be more . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A VERY PRETTY CRANBERRY RED SKIRT SUIT FROM THE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S

A VERY PRETTY CRANBERRY - COLORED 1950's to EARLY 1960'S SKIRT SUIT:  NICE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Now I’ll start showing you my best true vintage winter outfits, to go along with the beautiful lingerie.  This suit from the 1950’s or early ’60’s is very tailored in it’s lines. Nicely made, for a small women’s clothing store (the store was small, and probably the women, too, back then!).

It’s not flashy, but is very elegant – the kind of pieces you could wear this way and that way for years. The fabric itself is very lovely, in a tweedy weave with tones of berry with charcoal mixed in. The collar is accented with suede leather. Nice buttons, with suede leather centers.

Just think of wearing this with one of yesterday’s full slips underneath. Quite appropriate for this month of January . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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SUCH FUN! TRUE VINTAGE SOUVENIR KITCHEN LINENS

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From the West and Down East – a vacationer’s mid-century mementos of a fun holiday!

Fun cotton linens for the kitchen and dining table were big favorites during the 1950’s and 1960’s.  Many a traveler picked them up as souvenirs, too.  I just love the funky and funny prints!

As always, these items tell a story.  You could have practically driven through California without a map after buying this muslin tablecloth. Although the apron doesn’t have any words, the cute illustrations of pilgrims/immigrants in their native dress and the border designs contain a lot of information about the communities or cultures that they came from.

Also, if you can do a close-up look, you’ll see a small vintage safety pin stuck in the waistband.  I always like to leave things like this in place because that’s just how the cook or housekeeper wore it during her daily routine.

These linens will last forever if they’re looked after well – remove stains quickly and wash gently.  I’ll bet that I can channel some very interesting vibrations with these in my kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY ’60’S SWEATER JACKET WITH BEADING

VINTAGE 1950'S - EARLY '60'S SWEATER JACKET WITH BEADING

A most lady-like sweater-jacket, lined in acetate. The heavily-beaded design is repeated on the back, as well.  3/4 sleeves add to that vibe – so Kennedy Era . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

Jackets like this were worn over sheath dresses, with slacks and skirts. This one is by Banff, a former maker of fine knits.  Remember the yellow summer sweater I showed a couple of months ago?  Same maker.

These were available for sale at fine department stores and in small specialty shops, sometimes in popular vacation areas.

Again, not my color but, hey, the right necklace or scarf/blouse/dress underneath can take care of that in no time . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE STILETTOS SOLD BY J C PENNEY & CO. – 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S

TRUE VINTAGE STILETTOS SOLD BY J C PENNEY & CO. - 1950'S - EARLY 1960'S

The diva who owned these knew what she liked, in two colors. Sold by J.C.Penney’s back in the day; no well-dressed woman would be caught without her high heels.

These are sassy little numbers, aren’t they? Just right for the next cha-cha party. Highball anyone?

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER NEW FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S HOSTESS ROBE

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Oh, I love these heavy nylon lounging robes from the Sixties!  And, what better color?  I’m in heaven.

The great things about these, after the fabulous fabric, is the easy zip-front styling and the gorgeous trim they often used.  In this case, it’s beautiful embroidered ribbon with gold thread.  Nothing says casual at-home elegance any better.

As you can see, these housecoats, when made as well as this one, can last forever and look just as beautiful every year.  They’re also multiple-use garments – from covering up after a bath, to lounging at home to entertaining at a casual party.

Very festive – just right for the Holidays.  Being an undercover artist requires impeccable timing . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY COTTON FROCK

A bit off-season, for sure, but who cares!  This pretty frock has many hand-tailored details, though I suspect that it was commercially-made, in Fifties or very early Sixties.

I’m having so much fun!  Who can resist a swingy, light-hearted dress like this?  Cool and comfortable on the hottest days of summer.  Great for leisure or work.  There’s nothing like being cool as a cucumber even in the tightest situations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE MOD OP-ART KNIT DAY DRESS

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Love the print on this “new” find!  I’ve never seen a vintage one like this before.

It’s a Sixties Mod style by the Puritan company.  In a winter-weight synthetic knit, I’ll be able to wear this at least 5 months of the year.  I think I’ll add a belt.

This is a plain fun dress and I’ll enjoy selecting shoes and hosiery to go with it!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM