Tag Archives: classic clothing

BEAUTIFUL POST-WAR LINGERIE SLIP THAT CAN DOUBLE AS A GOWN

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In lustrous black nylon and lace, this is one of those wonderful slips that feel like heaven to touch.  What you can’t see well in this photo, is that the bodice and hemline ruffle are in tiny accordion pleats.

The original label was removed, which I’m always sorry to see, but for a seventy-year-old she’s in marvelous shape.  I have reinforced some places in the stitching that had become weak and re-set one of the straps.  That’s all.  I suspect that the “brown” lace was originally black and that it’s fabric has faded with age.  I kind of like it this way, but may also dye it back to the original – easy to do with most slips because nylon stands up well to hot water.

I love it that we can now wear wonderful lingerie as dresses in the summer, for evening or as sleepwear.  It’s also perfect under midi-length dresses from the late ’30’s to the early ’50’s, of course, (and 1980’s – wait till tomorrow).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A VERY SPECIAL HANDMADE LINGERIE NIGHTGOWN WITH MYSTERY HERITAGE

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This is such a WONDERFUL find (aren’t they all?)!  It’s a bit of a mystery, which I love. . . .

The style is late 1930’s – early 1940’s and it’s been custom – made.  There’s no label or sign that there ever was one.  The bodice has embroidered netting (similar to the 1930’s house-dress I found a few months ago in Montevideo – remember?).  It’s finished almost entirely with french seams.  Little bow detail on the bodice – lots of hand-work.

The fabric is some kind of synthetic which isn’t like vintage fabrics I’m familiar with NOR modern ones!?#  There is virtually no sign of wear and just a little bit of age or storage-related damage, which was easy to fix.  The conundrum is – – – – – – – – — – – – – – – – – – :

it’s either true vintage from the WWII era OR a reproduction (not retro-style fashion) which has been expertly made to be identical to the originals.  Whoopsie doo!  Either way, it’s a fabulous gown and a rare and unique discovery which will look stunning on Stella.  More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

JUST FOUND YESTERDAY – A POLISHED COTTON SEVENTIES SUNDRESS

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I’m in frock heaven recently!  The best thing about this dress is the fabric – heavy polished cotton was common in the early mid-century, so it’s great to find it in a late mid-century day dress.  Always love polka dots.  Also, it’s well-tailored with some of the classic tailoring touches that we miss today. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

There’s a 1 1/2″ hem allowance, well-hidden side seam pockets on each hip and it used to have a fabric tie belt, sadly missing now as so often happens.  This style was very popular and well-made up through the mid-1960’s.  Since then, not so much, so I’m happy that this example came a little bit later and was nicely-constructed of quality material.

Well, this discovery just makes me day-dream about what’s next – there is another really nice surprise coming . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

LATE 1960’S 1970’S PRAIRIE STYLE DRESS FIND – THIS ONE CAN HAVE MANY LIVES

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Could be a Prom – party, wedding or casual summer day dress according to your wish!  Love well-made frocks like this one, which has pretty fabric and trim as well as a liner that prevents see-through (excepting for a bit at the midriff and on the sleeves).  Just right!

I’m always super-happy to find a gown or long dress of this genre and era.  And, in perfect condition.  Things just keep getting better . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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