Tag Archives: blogger

ANOTHER RARE FIND – 1950’s to EARLY 1960’S DEAD STOCK OXFORD SHIRT OF SANFORIZED COTTON

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It’s a plain,white oxford shirt so I won’t bore you with the photo.  The label is worth the whole find and all the details from the 1950’s to early 1960’s – – – – – –

there’s a cellophane collar prop still in place, a paper tag hanging from a button, a paper square in the pocket that was placed there by the final inspector, and an inventory stamp near the hem.  An interesting thing about the fabric (besides being Sanforized) is that the weave gives it stretch, without any of our modern spandex.  An extra tag sewn at the neck advertises this.

The sleeves will be too long for me so, of course, I’ll end up selling it but the best thing is the way that the story still unfolds.  From what I can resource so far, this may have been a British brand.  A find like this is always worth picking up just for the fun!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

LOVE THIS HAND-TAILORED COTTON GOWN IN A PRETTY PEONY PRINT

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The colors are beautiful and the styling unusual, with a faux train detail back and front – falling from the bodice.  My first impression was that this dress may have been made in Hawaii, but I’m not sure.  There is no label and my impression is that it was made by an individual with tailoring expertise or at a small tailoring shop.

The fabric and construction details say true vintage to me, so I’m going with that.  Such a pretty design – it floats from just above the bust-line, swirling down to the hem, which is cut just a little longer in the back to make the dress fall properly.  This is a detail that is not often (if ever) seen in mainstream patterns that have been cut recently – one of the important styling elements that have gone by the wayside in modern times.  Surely true couture houses still observe them(?).

Anyway, gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.  Very informal but extremely elegant.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A 1960’S NANCY FROCK – HOW FUN IS THAT?

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Haven’t found a “Nancy Frock” in quite a while so I’m very happy with this find.  A house-dress, day-dress combo.  The label says you can “wear it anywhere” – a smart style so typical of lower-priced dresses of that era.  Proudly “made in the U.S.A.”.  Such an old, iconic brand name label.

This poly shirtwaist style has an overall paisley print – so 1960’s. Although it doesn’t show well in the photo, the dyed-to-match buttons are sculpted and there is a little neck-tie beneath the collar, which dresses it up a bit.  I love it that this dress also is in virtually perfect condition.  The only flaw I see is the missing original belt.

Also, the original owner had written on the label “New  Long” but I’m not about to try to remove that – it’s part of the story that she probably intended to have it altered (or do it herself).  Looks like she never got around to it, so this garment may be new and unworn.  Fab.

When it rains, it pours.  So, more coming your way tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TWO WELCOME TRUE VINTAGE SLEEPWEAR FINDS

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Ok, not terribly exciting – but happy finds for me.  The PJ bottoms may be a great partner for an early 1950’s pajama top of a very close color that hangs in my closet.  As you can imagine, the color has been difficult to match but the best things are that the fabric on these pants is also very vintage, and they are my size!

The little Kayser nightie will be a favorite.  Simple and sweet, easy to sleep in without any fussy decoration (though I love those, too) and lightweight for the coming summer months.  Always a fun find and perfect for my everyday wardrobe.  What next?  Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A COUPLE OF REALLY FUN 1960’S FINDS

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A fitted (the best) Western-style shirt in cotton blend with a floral wallpaper stripe and a true vintage paisley scarf, maybe both from “Monkey Ward” (see the shirt label and investigate the nickname online – fun).  Again in my size, though the blouse size must have been for a girl at that time.

Unusual finds per their fabulous condition.  I’ll enjoy wearing them – very much perfect examples of the fashion era when they were made.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

MID-CENTURY 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S COTTON PLAY-SUIT ROMPER FIND!

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Those of you who have been with me for a while might remember a few years ago when I discovered my first 1950’s romper and was so blown away by the rarity of it.  Well, now that I’ve come across a second one, well – you can imagine. . . . . . . .

Pure cotton, easy-on and off with button shoulders, elastic waistline and (the best thing!) a snap crotch.  Potty breaks are no sweat here!  It’s also, again, in my size.  This one specifies a 1950’s size 12.  That’s me!

So, couldn’t be better.  A nice, classic gingham check that will go with everything and just the cutest fit.  Can’t wait for the Memorial Day parties and 4th of July.  I never know what to expect when I embark on an investigation, so keep my mind open and anticipation high because you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RARE, RARE, RARE SECOND-TIME-EVER FIND TODAY!!! SEE IT TOMORROW . . . .

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-111Wowee – I’m over-the-moon again.  My latest nearly-greatest find will be posted tomorrow.  Stay tuned . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

YEE-HAW! GIT ALONG LITTLE DOGIES! AN ICONIC WESTERN-WEAR LABEL SINCE THE EARLY 1900s

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Yes, it’s a standard cotton cowboy shirt with snap closures.  An embroidered patch on the back indicates that it was worn by a rodeo showman.  It’s not that old – 1970’s – 1990’s probably, but the real treasure is the brand label.  Again, look it up on Wikipedia – very interesting history.

Of course, I look mostly for garments and accessories that I’ll add to my own wardrobe but this field of espionage is so fascinating that I sometimes take a little detour.  I wonder what may show up next?  You just never know   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFULLY-MADE VINTAGE BARBIZON COTTON NIGHTGOWN

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I’d been looking for a lightweight cotton nightie and, luckily, discovered this wonderfully-constructed example by Barbizon, the women’s lingerie manufacturer that opened in 1933.  This gown isn’t too old, made in the 1970’s – 1990’s time frame, but the brand label and quality made it worth picking up.

Though the name remains in the marketplace, the company is no longer in operation, as far as I can tell.  Many lingerie and sleepwear pieces can still be found in vintage clothing stores, on eBay and Etsy.   Barbizon garments were always well-made and pretty.  Though not from the eras that I enjoy most, this gown is classic in design and construction, so I couldn’t be happier.  Just what I was hoping for!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A LITTLE BLACK DAY DRESS – JUST RIGHT FOR A TRIP TO TOWN

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Another elegant style, to be dressed up or down.  Definitely needs a steam-clean, but we can discuss the details.  Style is a simple, belted sheath (probably had a fabric-covered buckle belt originally) with 3/4-length sleeves and faux pocket detail at the hips.  The fabric is a very nice shantung weave.

A dress like this is SO versatile that everyone owned at least one.  It’s very basic and streamlined so looks smart for errands but dresses up beautifully for cocktails or dinner with high heels, pearls or a sparkly brooch.

I’m so glad to have it in my closet.  Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM