Tag Archives: cotton

BACK TO THE EARLY SIXTIES – TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S SWIM TRUNKS

BACK TO THE EARLY SIXTIES - TRUE VINTAGE MEN'S SWIM TRUNKS

Gearing up for summer with a pair of true vintage men’s swim briefs.  I think this is a really flattering length – not too short nor too long.

Simple construction with a button at the waist.  These were  a hand-me-down from a family member and I’m so glad to have them in my collection!

Just think of all those vintage beach photos with surfboards and old movies and TV shows – didn’t the guys look so much more hot?

  • I’ve just discovered a women’s suit of the same era in Sweden!  So much to catch you up on, but the sightseeing demands and dodginess of Internet may delay the communique’s in full at least until I’m back at temporary Headquarters.  However,  I’ll do my best to keep you informed from the field.  Stay tuned  . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S DAY DRESS

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S DAY DRESS

This dress was custom tailored at home, I’m sure  – though some simple items like this were commercially made then, too.  Many women who wore these day – in and day – out as house dresses and for working were accomplished seamstresses and made most all of the family’s clothing.

I love the pretty plaid cotton here, and the cute sculpted buttons at the neck and the pocket flaps.  Since the original belt was missing, I made a tie belt by taking a couple of inches off the hem, which was mid-calf length.  Easy.

Probably, this one belonged to a woman who farmed – and I imagine that a small blue stain on the skirt happened when she made a blueberry pie.  So many of these pieces tell a story, and you just never know . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s COTTON PRINT HOUSECOAT

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s COTTON PRINT HOUSECOAT

Not as elegant as the item posted yesterday, but wonderful in its own way.  This sturdy cotton housecoat with a cheery floral print was just an everyday item, it has survived all these years primarily due to it’s quality fabric and solid construction.

In one way, it was a mess when I found it – covered with brownish spots that had undoubtedly been there for years.  But, I know a gem in the rough when I see it and said “I can fix that!”  And, with confidence and experience, I did.

It was well worth the gamble.  Often this is true – sometimes it’s not and it is better to walk away.  Knowing when to walk away is one of the skills I have picked up over the years and has saved me a lot of trouble and expense.

This one, because of its age, was a rare find – but not so awfully rare for the Magicvintagespy .. . . . . . . .poof!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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NEW FIND! PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWN BY CHRISTIAN DIOR

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UNION-MADE IN THE U.S.A. FOR THE CHRISTIAN DIOR LINE

This traditionally-styled wrapper comes from the Fifties or early 1960’s.  It’s got the hallmark generous hemline,  two on-seam pockets, carefully-constructed bodice with lace and eyelet, ribbon, elaborate decoration and pearlized plastic buttons on stems.  Take a close-up look.

I can’t believe the perfect condition!  Hardly looks worn at all.  It’s a feather-light cotton blend to be washed by hand.  I’ll love this one for a long time . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

PURE CLASSIC! VINTAGE DAY DRESS IN FLORAL COTTON

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Right on the heels of that daring red frock shown yesterday came this traditional, custom-tailored every-day dress in a beautiful cotton print.  Again, I can’t say exactly how old it is but it was home-sewn in a classic, mid-century style.  The fabric is gorgeous.

Although it’s another perfect fit for me, the style is very plain so I think I’d cinch the waist with a belt to enhance the fit and add a pert little scarf or pearls at the neckline, depending on my mood.  Yes, that would be VERY cliche’ ’50’s but – so what? – also a VERY pretty look. Unless I wanted to go completely kitchy for the fun of it, I’d leave off the hat/gloves -handbag/shoes sets.

Anyway, this dress really makes me hanker for Spring!  Can’t wait to see what turns up next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN KITCHEN FUN

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWow again.  Tons of fun!  This one didn’t cause the mystery and the “a-ha” moments that the  dress did, but it was just an immediate Back to the Future experience!!

The moment I spied these crazy cats, I was transported to the early 1960’s.  There is a cartoon show from that time called The Jetsons, still available to watch online.  I can see Mrs. Jetson wearing this in the kitchen or, maybe, their pet cat looked like this.  It just made me laugh.  And, guess what else I found – the elusive but ever-present safety pin inside.  Seems like no mid-century homemaker wanted to be caught without one at hand.

Lots of clues here – no mystery about getting it right. . . . . . . . I take back what I said yesterday – it is just as fun to get knocked over the head with all the information as it is to solve a mystery, just not the same fun.  But, hey – fun is fun, right?  Sounds like a silly argument to me . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

SUCH FUN! TRUE VINTAGE SOUVENIR KITCHEN LINENS

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From the West and Down East – a vacationer’s mid-century mementos of a fun holiday!

Fun cotton linens for the kitchen and dining table were big favorites during the 1950’s and 1960’s.  Many a traveler picked them up as souvenirs, too.  I just love the funky and funny prints!

As always, these items tell a story.  You could have practically driven through California without a map after buying this muslin tablecloth. Although the apron doesn’t have any words, the cute illustrations of pilgrims/immigrants in their native dress and the border designs contain a lot of information about the communities or cultures that they came from.

Also, if you can do a close-up look, you’ll see a small vintage safety pin stuck in the waistband.  I always like to leave things like this in place because that’s just how the cook or housekeeper wore it during her daily routine.

These linens will last forever if they’re looked after well – remove stains quickly and wash gently.  I’ll bet that I can channel some very interesting vibrations with these in my kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

 

PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY COTTON FROCK

A bit off-season, for sure, but who cares!  This pretty frock has many hand-tailored details, though I suspect that it was commercially-made, in Fifties or very early Sixties.

I’m having so much fun!  Who can resist a swingy, light-hearted dress like this?  Cool and comfortable on the hottest days of summer.  Great for leisure or work.  There’s nothing like being cool as a cucumber even in the tightest situations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE ’70’S DOES ’40’S SUNDRESS FROM WEST GERMANY

IMG_1759This fabulous 100% cotton dress was made in West Germany, obviously   before 1989 and maybe many years before that.  Yes, it’s another new find that’s out-of-season right now in North America and most of Europe, but I love, love, love this anyway and couldn’t wait to show it!

Forties style is so wonderful.  I love the cut-in shoulders that give a halter neckline feel without the bare upper back.  It’s one of my favorite styles and I’ve been so fortunate lately to find some true vintage Forties, too. Shirtwaist ease is always great – red and white polka dots – a nipped-in waist and midi hemline ………… Fashion heaven!!

Plus, it’s got that true vintage West German quality of workmanship and materials that make it a really good investment, no matter what.  It’s in perfect condition and will continue to last.  What could be better? . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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