Yes, it’s a summer dress but how could I resist? We don’t usually find them with all these pretty details – a very Victorian Prairie thing for a hot-weather girl. Looks like it was commercially-made, but there are no tags. I may end up selling it next year but, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Handmade for a man in the 1950’s, or maybe even the Forties, but I’ll make it my own. Neat little way of unbuttoning the neckline so that it can be slipped on. The most fabulous soft cotton, due to many washings and wearings. LOVE the french sailors print!!!!!!!
And, of course, a chest pocket on the left. There is damage under one arm, so I will be taking the sleeves off and making it a cap sleeve tunic. Don’t mind – as an alteration, that’s probably better. Love it when I find unusual things like this. More coming . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Nothing better than Sanforized cotton flannel pajamas on cool nights. Although these were made for men, the Medium size would be OK for lots of women today. At first, I thought that they were “new”, but one of them was probably worn a little. They were made in Hong Kong, so the workmanship is up to a higher standard. I love all of the old details and vintage buttons. They were sold by Sears back in the day, under the stores’ own label.
Not the most flattering or delicate of sleepwear, but still wonderful!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fabulous! Both these slips are rare finds, but the one on left – the oldest – is REALLY RARE. Let me describe them both, and the most fascinating details –
The long slip on right is a post-war 1940’s – early 1950’s length. Look at the beautiful embroidery on the bodice. It’s a very small size (not unusual at that time), but I can wear it and it’s perfect under many of my dresses from that era. Nice to have the hemline lower for those midi-length frocks.
The shorter slip on left is the real elusive find. It’s made of cotton or cotton blend, which is extremely rare and sought-after for wear during the warmer months. I have a couple in white, but BLACK is like WOW!!!!!!! Black sheer summer dresses in my wardrobe will get a lot more wear now. Also, look at the bodice decoration – cute embroidery and RUCHING, which is rarely seen and an older style of embellishment.
The red color of the lace may be due to the effects of perspiration over time. It’s so uniform that I’m not sure about this, but could be that the lace is of a different fabric content (likely) which reacted to the chemicals in sweat. It could be re-dyed but it is kind of pretty as is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This dress is SO Fifties. Ric-rac was a big deal on casual clothing and day dresses. Classic style, classic tailoring and classic fabric. A “Renee Original”.
Love it!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Don’t know where this was made, or exactly when, but it’s so classic and beautiful. White on white hand-done embroidery. Whisper-light fabric – so cool and delicate.
It does need a slip, but a pretty cotton one in a very plain style would be just right. Hard to find now, but they used to be made for the warmer seasons.
Again, it’s a versatile thing that could even be a bridal dress. I’ll just LOVE it this summer!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Love polka dots and polished cotton! Stella’s off to the State Fair.
Although this dress isn’t way old, it is true vintage and the classic and fun styling made it worth picking up and wearing. It’s very reminiscent of summer dresses from the 1950’s and early 1960’s and is made well.
As we go up and down, back and forth through the decades, stay tuned!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Isn’t this print gorgeous? And, the cotton is super, super soft – probably due to age and washings as well as a high-quality fabric.
Another mystery for me! Can’t date it exactly – there is no label and signs say that it was hand-tailored. The style is not traditional Hawaiian, but certain details, such as the pleat in the back of the skirt and the fabulous material, make me think of other vintage gowns made there.
No matter. It’s lovely and tiny but, if I can comfortably wear it it’s a keeper! We’ll see . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I still come across true vintage handkerchiefs once in a while and always collect them. This one is not fine linen or even high quality cotton and started it’s life as a commercially-made piece that probably had no decoration excepting the machine-done edging, BUT the delicate applique needlework down in the left-lower corner is the real story. Some woman who couldn’t afford more expensive linens made a dainty item with her own hands. It is almost unbelievable with the tiny, tiny stitches and the steps taken to prepare the pieces that were sewn on to make the flower.
Girls used to be taught this kind of hand work in almost every home before WWII time, and many still afterwards. If not lace-making, tatting or applique’ by the late mid-century, girls at least learned some embroidery, crochet or knitting. My own grandmothers still knew how to do it.
Even though paper tissues are more convenient now, a fabric handkerchief is very elegant and just the thing when attending a wedding or other private affair. The decoration on most of them is gorgeous, whether hand-done or by machine. Even the printed patterns are lovely or at least colorful and amusing. If you’re into home sewing, I’ve seen these hankies pieced together and turned into pretty pillow tops, table linens and even blouses, skirts or dresses.
So, another little story unfolds for me to share with you. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
