Tag Archives: classic clothing

GORGEOUS CUSTOM-MADE POST-WAR FORMAL GOWN IN SUMPTUOUS BLACK RAYON VELVET

Although very similar, I might place this dress as having been made a little earlier than the one shown yesterday – looks late 1940’s to me.  It might or might not have been worn with a crinoline underneath.  Like the other, it’s completely hand-made and this one has the tailor’s label sewn into the neckline.

One of the best things about this gown is the fabric – a plush, heavy velvet that feels like old rayon.  Love the sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves that, to my taste, are done a bit more artfully than those on yesterday’s dress.  I think it’s mostly a style change that took place over a couple of years around the turn of the ’40’s to ’50’s decade.

Anyway, who wouldn’t love it!  I so wonder what events these dresses were made for and where they went.  That part of the mystery is as yet unsolved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

 

 

THE FIRST OF TWO FABULOUS MID-CENTURY FINDS – NEW LOOK CUSTOM-TAILORED BALL GOWN

This gown is hand-tailored with extreme attention to detail.  It would be worn with a crinoline for a full, bell-shape.  Because of the styling, I would guess that it was made in the early 1950’s but, possibly, as early as the late 1940’s.  A special occasion dress, of course, and there’s hardly any evidence of wear.  Maybe it was even made for a Prom or Homecoming dance back in the day.

Women were so happy to dress in longer skirts, sumptuous fabrics and new styles after the austerity of the war years.

I’ll be showing a sister gown tomorrow – very similar style and probably made a few years earlier.  What fabulous discoveries!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S ITEM: CLASSIC TAILORED 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S COTTON BATH ROBE

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With all the features of a fine men’s at-home lounge-wear garment, this robe may have been a bespoke item, though probably ordered through the menswear department of a large store.  Alas, the original belt has gone missing but – amazing surprise – I have material that is a great match to make a replacement!  It’s such a project to find matching/coordinating colors and fabric types for a job like this that I’m really fortunate in this case.

Another rare find that just caused me to jump for joy when I discovered it . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

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

MIXING IT UP A BIT – HERE’S A NEW FIND THAT WOULD GO WONDERFULLY UNDER THE RED DRESS OF A FEW DAYS AGO . . . .

A gorgeous 1950’s nylon full slip by Dorsay.  Such beautiful lingerie!  The workmanship and materials can’t be rivaled by modern versions.

Just look at the tiny pleats on the bodice and embroidery at the hem – plus lace, etc. and wider straps.  the heavy fee of the nylon fabric is a delight, too.  I’m sad that it’s too big for me, but I have many lovely others and, I’m sure, more on the way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

WHAT A WONDERFUL ENSEMBLE FIND! LOVE THIS!!!!!

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Found these two pieces separately, but aren’t they perfect together?  The pencil skirt is a true vintage 1950’s design by the vintage California Lorrie & Deb label.  It fits like a dream – looks as good on me as it does on Stella.

Later, I came across this blouse.  It is a more modern retro design (might still be true vintage by the definition of 30 years old or more) and I fell in love, also knowing that it would likely look great with my skirt.

Well, guess what – how wonderful can you get?  I was over the moon when I tried them on together and will remain so every time I wear them.  So, chalk up another one for serendipity and the Magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:   MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

DRESSY AND FRILLY FROCK FROM THE 1960’S

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So, here’s an earlier version of the dinner dress genre that I showed a couple of days ago.  See again the sheer sleeves and over-skirt and classic design elements (the bow tie, self-belted waist and ruffles).  Though not a specific retro style, it harks back to special occasion frocks that have been made just about forever.

However – and it’s a big however – this design does not have the level of elegance and true timelessness of the black style I just showed.  When you look at it, you know immediately that it is dated.  Pretty, if that’s your taste, but dated.  A truly elegant garment strikes you first with it’s attractiveness and then takes you a while to decide whether it’s new or not, even if you can decide.

Yes, true vintage for sure but the best of the best?  In my opinion, No.  That’s just my style bias and fashion arrogance for the day.  I still nabbed it and consider it a worthy culprit in the True Vintage Intrigues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ELEGANT 1980’s DOES 1940’s BLACK DINNER DRESS

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Although I’d much rather wear one of my real 1940’s crepe dresses, this one has some nice styling touches.  It’s one of the better ’80’s does ’40’s designs I’ve seen.  Please forgive that it is a couple sizes too large for Stella.

The augmented shoulders are done well and the whole dress drapes nicely.  The back neckline has a keyhole opening that does away with the need for an ugly back zipper.      I like the sheer sleeves, too, and the sheer overlay on the skirt.  These features were frequently seen on similar dresses made in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

Though you can’t see them because of the blouson, there are tabs at each side of the waist that add a nice touch to the design and allow the wearer to adjust the fit – another plus, as far as I’m concerned.

So, rather than being an obviously hop-on-the-fashion-bandwagon retro dress, this frock is simply a well-designed garment with some classic styling elements that make it elegant in any decade.  That’s always the best of the best, no matter when it was made.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

OH, THOSE DISCO DAYS FROM THE SEVENTIES

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An all-round perfect dance dress from the 1970’s.  IMG_3936

Pretty styling on the shoulders makes up for the otherwise ordinary construction.  However, for the Seventies it’s a nice example and couldn’t be better suited to dancing the night away.  The perfect dress for Karen Carpenter or Olivia Newton-John.

Since it’s not my color, I probably won’t end up keeping it but thought it worth a pick-up for it’s iconic value.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SMOCK TO REMIND ME OF FAMILY KITCHENS ON THANKSGIVING DAY

IMG_1756HAPPY TURKEY DAY EVERYONE!  We have so much to be thankful for, and I’ll think of all the excitement and happy times that this mid-century smock has probably seen over the years while I enjoy a beautiful meal at sea.

This is probably the oldest smock I’ve discovered, of delicious cotton that is SOOOOOOOOO soft now.  Of course, it was meant to wear while cooking or doing housework, but I may wear it as a summer top, too. Over pants, shorts or a skirt it will be very cute!

I love to imagine the stories that my true vintage garments could tell and, if I look closely, I can find clues.  This one tells of how hard it worked, but still held up for many, many years.  It tells of how meticulous it’s wearer was in preventing stains, burns or tears.  The only damage, which I fixed, was caused by the number of times that sash had been tied on . . . . . . . .

Thank you, also, to you – my faithful followers – who have stuck with me for years and to all who have enjoyed the fun and surprises with me.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM