Wowee – I’m over-the-moon again. My latest nearly-greatest find will be posted tomorrow. Stay tuned . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Tag Archives: classic clothing
YEE-HAW! GIT ALONG LITTLE DOGIES! AN ICONIC WESTERN-WEAR LABEL SINCE THE EARLY 1900s
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
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
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
TWO MORE TRUE VINTAGE LBDs – THIS TIME FROM THE 1950’S
Little Black Dresses keep coming my way. Love this one, with interesting tailoring details. Since these don’t show up in the photo, I will explain while you use your imagination.
Short, short sleeves are very flattering and the front of the bodice is sheer to show off the lace or trim on a beautiful black slip from that era. There is a fabric tassel at the waist, to be tied into a bow. From the hip to near the hemline, horizontal pleats add interest to the pencil skirt. Very elegant and becoming and –
there’s more coming your way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SEPARATES FOR SPRING AND SUMMER
Not always the most exciting things to find, but I am always thrilled because true vintage wardrobes cannot be built without them. What will you wear with that great 1940’s skirt or pair of slacks? What blouse will be just right under the beautiful skirt suit?
I also love these garments because of the fabric and tailoring. A hand-knitted sweater from back in the day is always a great find because they’re RARE and much more nicely crafted than machine-knit mass-produced clothing in the stores today. I love the Forties/Fifties style of this one with gathered shoulders and ribbed cuffs, fitted waist and a scalloped boat neck. The short-sleeved shirt is a well-tailored cotton version, so common during the 1950’s and early 1960’s for everyday wear. The pale pastel palette will be just right with skirts, shorts, jeans and summer whites.
I hit the separates jackpot which I’ll continue to show you tomorrow. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
WELL-MADE 1980’S DOES 1940’S DAY DRESS
This is a very cute dress, faithful in many ways to the styles and fabrics of the 1940’s. Women of that time with moderate means would wear designs like this for work and general day-wear.
Although I’d prefer the real thing, many 1970’s and 1980’s garments that were doing the Forties thing are worth adding to the wardrobe. Not much since then.
Notice the interesting buttons, geometric print, slash pockets and waist treatment. It was also made by Damon’s, a division of Damon and Draper, well-known clothier since the early 1900’s. This one has found a place!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TIME FOR GLAM AGAIN – LUXE WOOL KNIT BEADED JACKET FROM THE KENNEDY-ERA 1960’S
Despite the flash glare, the color of this evening jacket is elegant black black. There were several companies and up-scale department store brands who made high quality clothing in dense wool knit in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s and here is one example.
Some have survived so well because of their quality and because owners looked after them. I have a few garments of this type, but not a black jacket so was thrilled to discover this one. Nothing could be more classic, versatile and wearable for evening. As always, I look forward to photographing my latest discoveries on the models back at Headquarters so that they are properly displayed.
More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
MID-CENTURY COTTON DRESS BY POLLY FLINDERS
Children’s vintage clothing is not my specialty, but when I see a classic dress that has survived in such good condition I usually pick it up. Polly Flinders brand made pretty, traditionally-designed frocks for babies and children during the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s.
What could be more classic than cotton with hand-smocked design. Babes, toddlers and pre-schoolers have been wearing similar little day-dresses for decades. Unfortunately, we all know what usually happens to children’s garments . . . . . . . it’s lucky if they last long enough for the next brother or sister to wear them before they’re ready for the rag bin.
So, here’s a piece of history that WILL get passed along many decades later.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
LOVELY MID-CENTURY LINGERIE FULL SLIP – A FAVORITE TAILORING DECORATION ON THIS ONE
Although I have so many pretty true vintage lingerie slips, when I find one this nice I always pick it up. It will be just perfect under the dress I found a couple of days ago (look back on the blog) – right length and color. The best thing about this one, though, is the design.
I love it when lace is sandwiched between layers of sheer fabric. So subtle and beautiful, but also protected so it will wear well. The picture doesn’t do it justice – you really have to see these garments up close to appreciate them.
Light and pretty – fortunately they don’t take up much space to store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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