Tag Archives: British influence

BEST EVER PANTS FIND – 1960’S BELL-BOTTOMS

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I always have my eye out for great slacks like these, but they’re SO rare.  Love these late Sixties flares that are reminiscent of 1940’s women’s styles and sailors’ pants.  Such a treat to find slacks that fit like a glove.

The cut velour fabric is comfy but not too plush.  Good for wear in any cool weather (I like them most in Fall, of course) and also in a great neutral color; much more versatile than some of the wild prints from that time that are really Mod-cute but wearable with only one or two tops in the closet.

They’ll look great with that cheetah-print blouse from a few days ago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

AN ELEGANTLY-TAILORED BOHO FORMAL FROM THE LATE 1960’S (IS THAT AN OXYMORON?)

via AN ELEGANTLY-TAILORED BOHO FORMAL FROM THE LATE 1960’S (IS THAT AN OXYMORON?)

BEAUTIFUL SCOTTISH WORSTED WOOL POST-WAR SKIRT SUIT

This is a magnificent find, with all the beautiful tailoring details that I love on post-war suits and dresses.  Notice the notched cuffs, fabric-covered buttons, interesting pocket treatment, back belt, button trim, interesting collar lapels with little embroidered detail and, of course, the fabulous fitted shape.

It’s worth every minute I’ll spend on altering the size to fit me (a simple job, in spite of the professional tailoring).  No need to hire this job out, which is an extra bonus.  Someone loved it very much over the years.  Just one little, tiny moth nibble on the back of a sleeve and, otherwise, no damage or noticeable wear.  Another mother-lode treasure!  And, as always, for a mere pittance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

“NEW” ACQUISITIONS – TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY AND 1980’S RETRO FOOTWEAR

Just picked these up as curiosity items, in the case of the boots, and fashion finds in the case of the wedgie sandals.  Great additions to my collection!

Let’s start with the boots.  They look like Sixties style(?) and have old metal Robin zippers up the side.  Made for super-practicality, as most fashion rain-wear was back in the day, they are one-piece rubber construction.  Not meant to wear in your garden like English Wellies, these were street-wear for very wet (or snowy) days.  Waterproof below the zippers.  I just love these everyday examples of true vintage products’ sensible value. Nothing frivolous or impractical here, but with a nod to fashion, as well.

Next we go on to a 1980’s brand that I collect whenever I find them – Penaljo made some wonderful 1940’s – 1950’s retro sandals and I show my latest find (the grey ones) along with some I already had (the green and cork pair).  Just love these for summer – so wartime/I Love Lucy.  ADORE wedge heels – very cute with shirtwaist and sun-dresses, capri’ pants or skirts. Leather construction with good attention to detail.  Worth picking up.   So, we’re on a roll.  Stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SPECIAL-PURPOSE LINGERIE SLIP – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – MADE IN BRITAIN

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWhat a surprise to find such an interesting, and USEFUL, slip to add to my collection!  Never seen one like this before, but I’ve certainly been in need of one.  It was made to wear with dresses like the one I showed yesterday – sheer all over.  I just happen to have a black one from the Fifties that needs an undergarment just like this one.

This slip (in my size, by the way . . .) is made almost like a dress.  It has a back zipper, a kick pleat in the skirt, and an opaque woven rayon skirt.  But, it’s undoubtedly a lingerie item.

The bodice is of sheer lace, fitted and with adjustable straps as you would expect with any slip.  Several features tell me that it is a 1950’s garment – not a modern copy-cat.

For the dress shown yesterday, in beige with a gold design, you would of course want a different color slip with no pattern – but the same features of fit and coverage would be just right. These discoveries are so much fun!  This time I can really call myself an “undercover agent” . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S AUSTRALIAN LINGERIE BED JACKETS – SO FRILLY & FEMININE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAIt 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

A VERY COOL GEOMETRIC PRINT TRUE VINTAGE SHIRT FROM THE LATE SIXTIES – VERY EARLY SEVENTIES

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAnother “new” Australian discovery!  Although they’ve been making lots of look-a-like retro fakes for a while now, this one is undeniably true vintage, right down to its label.

I just LOVE this print.  Again, not my own best colors but I can’t help enjoying it so much anyway.  Even the true vintage labels are delights in themselves – often so artistic and interesting.  Sometimes they’re funny!

In your standard poly/synthetic blend fabric of that day, it’ll be easy-care as long as treated gently. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE FIND – FROM THE LAND OF OZ. MID-CENTURY LINGERIE BED JACKET

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA     I have collected a number of these, from ’30’s to ’60’s but I’ve NEVER seen one made like this!  The outer shell is of nylon and looks like what I’m used to seeing, with common decoration of embroidery and lace at the bodice – familiar pearlized buttons at the neck – but THE WHOLE THING IS LINED IN PINK FLANNELETTE!  How warm and cozy is that.

Makes me wonder if there’s a Great Britain connection here – they’re always chilly there and looking for ways to warm up.  Our filmy lingerie of North America doesn’t quite do it in the damp air over there.  This bed jacket could easily have been imported by someone who moved here, or by a British retailer in Australia.

It’s been so much fun to discover the differences between the vintage garments that were sold here in Australia and those at home.  And, I’m only a third of the way through this investigation . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

THE FUN NEVER STOPS!

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-11111211111I’m on a roll finding mid-century dresses and there’s more to come, but first –

Let me show you the neatest thing that also revealed itself . . . . . . . . . . .

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COTTON SCARF PRINTED AS A COMMEMORATIVE ITEM FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH II’S CORONATION IN 1953

It’s written in the right-hand lower corner.  Love the kitchy illustrations.  Perfect for my 1950’s home!!  Not to mention the closets . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

MID-CENTURY TRUE VINTAGE TARTAN PIECES – REAL CLASSICS

MORE TRUE VINTAGE TARTAN PIECES - REAL CLASSICS

I’m not sure which clans these may be from, but they are the real deal or very close. From Canada, where there’s still a large population with near roots in Great Britain.  This is another “well-heeled” look in the United States.  At one time, the girls who went to the best schools almost all had a tartan skirt in their wardrobes and they were extremely popular!

I just love the colors and the “casual but very well-dressed” vibe that they have. Tartan weaves, whether “real” or not, are often quite beautiful and the high quality ones are worthy of a place in your closet for life. The clothing styles also tend to be classic and enduring.

In this case, I’ve got two skirts – both in a kilt style. One closes with buckles and the other with buttons, and has a matching vest top. I suspect that these particular ones came from the early 1960’s or, maybe, the  1950’s.

Worn with  blouses or sweaters, kilt skirts have been in elegant and stylish women’s closets for decades. Like any other classic separate, they’re as versatile as a pair of jeans (but these will last longer!) And, they’ll keep you a lot warmer!  DEFINITELY worth grabbing if you find a real one!

Katherine & Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Twiggy, Princesses Diana & Kate. . . . .. . . . . … . they’ve all worn tartans – and so have men, too.  Sherlock Holmes, . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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