So pretty – with signature 1980’s shoulder pads plus the Edwardian, Victorian elements that designer Jessica McLintock has always loved. Dark green crushed velvet makes this a Fall/Winter dress for a dressy occasion.
Although it’s not way old or classic, I often like to pick up designs by Jessica McLintock that date 1985 or before. They are definitely of an “era” and well-made. This one will be fun to wear.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another home-sewn frock, this time for school or work. The spots are just from the camera and a little water at the hem – the condition is WONDERFUL! Thanks for bearing with me in the less-than-ideal publishing conditions. Can’t wait to put it on Stella or Giselle for a really good presentation.
Soft knit fabric with embroidered ribbon – such a popular trimming at that mid-century time. Dolman sleeves and a flared hem – pretty style! It all screams late 1960’s and was another at-home creation that captured some girl’s imagination back in the day. Most of us get a thrill from shopping, but can you imagine the step-by-step anticipation and excitement of watching a custom-designed frock come together? Back in the Sixties and before, that’s what a lot of women experienced.
So, I’ve been from classy designers’ elegant designs to stitching on the dining room table in less than two weeks. What’s coming next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Back in the ’60’s and early ’70’s (even in the 1950’s!) some really flattering and pretty sweater dresses were popular. Some were two-piece and some, like this one, were body-hugging sheaths. They were of a high quality in terms of the construction and styling and they are SOOO comfortable to wear!
I love finding knits that have the pattern on both sides – not just in the front; rib-knit cuffs that fit well and hold their shape; a matching belt; a well-done hemline; a soft yarn that is easy-care and holds up it’s appearance over time.
I haven’t found one of these in a long time – they’re that rare. And, with the original belt in fabulous overall condition and one of my favorite colors – Whooeeeeeeeee! Didn’t expect this, but, the craft just continues to show me that – you just never know . . … . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
“For Active Americans” on the label – famous baseball star Ted Williams had his own sportswear line that produced outerwear, mostly, from the 1950’s – 1970’s and was sold by Sears & Roebuck and at Simpson Sears in Canada. What an interesting item with history that I did not know!
Although this may have been a men’s or boy’s jacket, I think it is unisex. Small – medium on a sportswoman with room for a heavy sweater underneath and FULL of pockets with sturdy metal zippers and features that would be very handy for a hiker, day-camper, cross-country skier (or hunter – some were made for this). I guess the big pocket across the back was called a “small game pocket” but it would be PERFECT for carrying a lightweight sleeping bag or tent or many other trekking supplies with space above to allow a day-pack to hang.
Virtually unused condition, warm and toasty with a quilted lining and rib-knit cuffs and collar. I hope to go to Montana next year, and this would be a great thing to take along! Reminiscent of mid-century family vacations to the national parks – there’s a whole Happy Days/Kennedy era novel inspired by this one. Tomorrow I’ll show you it’s sophisticated sister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This frock is a higher-quality garment with better fabric than the striped 1970’s version shown a few days ago. Although I’d hardly call 1980’s-era clothing classic true vintage yet, it’s still a characteristic genre that is worth noting and, sometimes, collecting. Doesn’t sound snooty to say this if you realize how much better-made clothing was before about 1970.
I like this one because of the pretty print and vibrant colors on a nice knit fabric, as well as thoughtful tailoring details. Although it’s hard to see, there are little black jewel-cut buttons above the side-seam pockets on both sides. Nice touch! The shoulders also have a bit of stiffening to add the stronger shoulder line of 1940’s styles – and the midi-length.
This one may not stay with me long, but I do appreciate it for what it is and lots of people love 1980’s designs so, here you are! More fun ones coming up, with additional kitch-value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is a timeless, year-round-wearable black crepe dress with a full rayon acetate lining. The decorative band at the bottom is of alternating iridescent and black sequins. It has a vintage nylon zipper in back..
By Carol Craig, a popular maker of the ’50s and ’60s, this dress in classic black crepe can be worn all year long. The simple A-line style suits almost any figure and is form-fitting enough to be very attractive while not overly tight. So, anywhere that sleeveless dresses are considered acceptable, so would this dress be. Pretty versatile!
What sets this apart from the tons of black crepe dresses from the 80s, 90s and 2000s that are out there? 1. the fabric (a little heavier) 2. the lining (full – nice material) 3. the workmanship (zipper put in very well, no loose threads everywhere, small hooks and eyes in the right places) 4. the design (the sequin band at bottom is different and nicer than glitzy trims on most things now)
A dress of this quality today (and a lot of them not nearly as nice) would cost an arm and a leg, but my purse is full of songs! I never know what I’ll find or exactly where, but that’s half the fun!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I made several major discoveries when I was in New Zealand and several of them were blouses or shirts. A VERY RARE thing to find these in great condition.
This one is a heavy, glossy synthtic material from the 1940’s – 1950’s in a gorgeous mocha color. It has a finished hem with decorative slits – made to wear on the outside of a skirt.
I just love finding things of this age – you know me: I’m stuck on the beautiful classics, at least 50 years old and 70 is better! Can’t wait to see what is hiding around the next corner . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I always love finding true vintage sweaters in good condition, because they’re rare and a lot of fun to wear. The weather is certainly right for them now!
The 1960’s top on the right looks very plain but it’s knitted of a yarn with sparkle, even though it is not a dressy design. Just a cute, everyday item with Happy Days style (and looks much better on my mannequin, “Madge”, than on the hanger – couldn’t wait to get it home).
The cardigan on the left is the star of this post. Of soft wool, it is hand-embroidered and the body is lined. Full-fashioned with hand-tailored details, as was usually the case with good-quality garments made before 1965 or so. Though there is no tag saying so, it may have been made in British Hong Kong, as many of them were.
Wait till you see the next things I’ve come up with . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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It seems that the Australian women really loved these beautiful lingerie items. I’ve found many in North America, but not as often as when I traveled there. These are some of the prettiest ones I’ve seen, of those made after the 1940’s. Nothing can beat the silk ones from before 1950!
Aside from the size differences between our two continents, there are some slight design features that are different, too. The Aussie versions seem to always be of two layers, or lined!
Perhaps this is because they have been imported from England (or the designs have), where cozier items would be more popular due to the dampness there. It’s a bit of a mystery, and part of what makes these investigations so fun and so interesting . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I love this one that I found by surprise several years ago. Simple classic elegance. It is of fine suede and has a zip-out pile lining! This great feature makes it so versatile for 3 seasons of the year – especially in places that don’t have a really harsh winter.
Lovely vintage features are the covered buttons, piecing on the pockets and cuffs. There are also tabs with buttons at the sides of the waist, which can’t be seen in the photo.
This one is the real deal – a well-made classic, well-worn and well-loved. When you’re spying in the right place, you just never know . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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