Love this dress! The hippie-dippie sleeves, tiny polka dot, empire waistline and sexy fit. Maybe what I like best is the easy-wear of it for hot weather – cool and breezy but gives good sun coverage, too. No, what I like best is its absolute uniqueness and style. SO Stevie Nicks, So Sixties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Come on, Sunshine!!!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These are only 20 – 30 years old, so they hardly qualify as vintage clothing, but – they do, and are so pretty and perfect that I couldn’t pass them up. Although the materials aren’t as nice as in 1950’s sets, it’s the designs here that more faithful to beautiful lingerie from that Post-war time. And, they fit me . . . . . . . .
So, I’ll glide around the house in them on the odd lazy morning and not fret about spilling a little coffee, scattering a few crumbs or holding the dog on my lap.
More than this came my way today, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A little bit later in the time-line, sleeveless and cap-sleeve day dresses came along as favorite day-wear for women. This more casual style continued to keep them in a dress, looking feminine, but also retained the easy-wear aspect that had become so important. Some, like this one, had pretty details that added a bit of dressy feel, but overall these dresses were so comfortable and easy to care for that they were a great liberation from the fussy styles and fabrics and many mandatory accessories that had dominated women’s lives for decades (centuries).
This is what women wore in the 1950’s and early 1960’s the way that we wear jeans today. Personally, I like having the choice . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These fun and beautiful frocks are what EVERYBODY was wearing as everyday-wear between about 1935 and 1965. The cottons are sturdy but wash and wear to a fabulous softness. The colors are bright and the motif’s go from traditional floral or medallion prints (like the one here) to atomic geometrics and cartoon novelty images.
I absolutely cannot get enough of these! The typical fit and flare styling is very forgiving, allowing me a reasonable fit across about 3 sizes. A belt can work wonders with almost any garment. If shoulder pads are appropriate to the era, that makes a big difference, too.
With the exception of the Sixties shift style, this basic shirt-waist design is just about the most comfortable, practical and versatile for day-wear ever; still, it allows for elegance and the irreplaceable look of true vintage fashion. I’ll keep showing more of these wonderful everyday styles, and whatever turns up. Stay tuned . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Came across this one yesterday and it’s the first I’ve had with this kind of T-back neckline. Time to dig out the specialty bra.
The things I love best about it are the sunny-fun art print and that wonderful heavy, slinky fabric that was available for a few years. It’s so delicious on the body and drapes so beautifully. No, it can’t compare to the gorgeous jersey-knit fabrics from the 1940’s but it is identifiable as part of the family.
So, although it’s kind of a poor cousin, it’s also a very fun find. This is because its pedigree out-ranks the quality of most all the casual poly clothing that has drowned us in the marketplace since the early 1960’s, with the value and workmanship moving farther down the scale every year. There’s an embroidered cloth tag from a recognized maker, elegant styling and beautiful material – clues that come to light when you snoop carefully. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Lingerie nightgowns before 1960 – ’65 were every bit as beautiful as the slips made during the mid-century. Just look at this pretty lace and wonderful fit.
It’s no wonder that so much of film noir shows actresses in their lingerie – we don’t see so much of that now – it’s either dressed or nude because the wonderful in-between garments are gone. At-home life used to be a lot more interesting . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Pretty lingerie doesn’t get much better than this – at least not in the mid-priced range. Back in the day, almost any woman could afford to dress herself in this one. No, it’s not silk or designer-wear, but it’s lovely – by the MOVIE STAR company.
Pretty soon it’ll be time to wear nighties like this, whether you’re a bride or not. Can’t wait!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is a really nice little nightwear combo. The early ’60’s is just about the last time we’ll find the truly beautiful things. With the exception of some exclusive designer or handmade item, the trims are not nearly as lovely as during the ’50’s and before and the quality of the nylon or silk is noticeably inferior when you get into the mid ’60s and ’70’s.
As I’ve said before, in my opinion you can’t improve much on 1930’s, 1940’s and 1950’s lingerie/sleepwear when it comes to overall quality and luxurious beauty. The fabrics from that time and the craftsmanship of the trimming detail is the best!
This is not a va-va-va-voom ensemble, but it is lovely and, if you wish it to be, very sexy in its own way. The embroidery trim is done well and the buttons are the nice, sturdy and well-formed little pearlized ones that I always love on true vintage nightwear and sweaters.
Sorry I can’t tell you the maker as I write this, that is, if the tag is still in – since many of the similar items I find no longer have theirs. Sometimes it’s easy to trace their identity despite that – when you’ve been in this racket for a while you know ’em by sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here we have examples of the better nylon and trim quality from the mid – 60’s. These were not high-end items by the standards of that time, but their quality makes them like high-end now.
Learn the look and feel of these, and you’ll never want to go back to modern fabric again unless, possibly, an excellent silk. There’s just no comparison.
We all deserve good quality AND value. Our grandparents and great-grandparents managed to create goods of that type in a much less “modern” and “prosperous” era. Don’t believe for a moment that it couldn’t be done now.
But, I’m still not sure that I’d like them any better than true vintage. The superb cuts and design would be challenging to match. The fascination and intrigue that accompany these styles can’t be re-manufactured . . . . . .
. . . . ..
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
Magicvintagespy 