Tag Archives: cotton

MADE IN JAPAN – LOOK AT THIS FAB COTTON KIMONO!

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Although the phrase “made in Japan” used to connote (in Western countries) some cheap trinket back in the WWI, WWII and Post-war days before their technological revolution, Japan is also the country that is known for gorgeous kimonos and traditional garments of the most elaborate embroidered silk.

Another unusual and  surprising find.  I’m not sure exactly how to date this 100% cotton robe, but it’s beautiful and well-styled in it’s elegant simplicity.  The fan motifs are very wonderful and I love the colors (as does Stella – with that auburn hair it’s dynamite on her!).

Definitely a keeper.  More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEXT FIND – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S/EARLY 1960’S HAND-MADE HOUSE DRESS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Gingham again – it’s always classic and often found in lots of casual clothing from mid-century.   OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

In this example, we have a custom-tailored design – sort of Western-wear, but just CUTE! Simple shift style, but when I wear it I’ll probably add a belt and cinch the waist.  The ruffle at the hem, cross-stitch decoration and interesting elbow-length sleeves all make it unique and would even be a good Halloween costume.

Dresses with these features were popular in mid-century in the United States, when there was a big Western/cowboy craze going on.  Ever hear of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans?  I’ve learned so much by being interested in true vintage fashion!  Happy trails to you, until we meet again.  Have fun tonight – arroooooooooooooooooo . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC COTTON SUMMER BLOUSE

IMG_1486 IMG_1487I’ve left the shirt un-ironed to show that it is 100% cotton, rather than poly or a blend.  And the feel of true vintage cotton – so soft and wonderful after being washed, worn and loved for a while!

The close-up shows some of the detail that covers the front, with tucks and crocheted lace.  A 1/2 inch ruffle goes all the way around the hem.  Few blouses made in the U.S. have this amount of gorgeous, high quality decoration – even the old ones!

For that reason, I wonder if this one was made in Europe where they routinely made glorious cotton garments like this one – maybe still do . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

A TIMELESS FIND FROM “DOWN UNDER” – TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC WHITE BLOUSE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA     This shirt joined my true vintage wardrobe when I was in Australia several years ago.  It’s of the most wonderful cotton/cotton-blend fabric! That was my first tip-off to its age.  I have another white blouse from the Forties with similar tailoring details, but this one is not quite so old.  Although it’s a timeless style, the little clues that it isn’t modern are all over.

With no label, its origin is a mystery.  It looks as though it was commercially-made, but not completely.  Sometimes custom-made garments from tailoring shops had that look.

Although the answers are elusive, it’s different and I know it.  Imagine my delight to discover this hiding among all the ho-hum modern things . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE DRESSES! 3: ’70’S – ’80’S DOES 1950’S ENGLISH GARDEN HOUR GLASS SUNDRESS

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Dark navy and white, with clear buttons all-the-way down the front.  Almost a tea dress, but very North American.  So smart not to spoil the print and pretty lines while still making it super-easy on and off.  I really appreciate the good tailoring that could still be found on  low- and mid-priced dresses in the Seventies and early Eighties.

Love the nipped-waist fit and cute pocket flaps at the hips.  It’s a simple dress, but with so much FIT and figure-enhancing detail.  It will be another go-to frock on hot days this summer.  Soon we’ll be heading into Fall and even Holiday styles – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE DRESSES! 1: FABULOUS ’70’S OR ’80’S DOES 1940’S HALTER NECKLINE SUNDRESS

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What a pretty frock!  Although it was retro when it was made 30 – 45 years ago, it’s true vintage now and gorgeous.  So glad that summer is far from over – I’ll really enjoy wearing it.

I’ve discovered a treasure trove of dresses and clutch purses lately, so stay tuned . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE BOBBIE BROOKS MINI – SHORTS FROM THE 1950’S: “We wear short shorts”

TRUE VINTAGE BOBBIE BROOKS MINI - SHORTS FROM THE 1950'S

Here’s the tell-tale zipper in the back waistline. VERY rare find!  One of my wonderfulest discoveries.

The tailoring is impeccable and they’re in almost perfect condition.

Be careful – modern copy-cats just don’t measure up . . . . . . . … . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HEADING FURTHER BACK IN TIME – A HAND-TAILORED FLORAL FROCK WITH A FULL CIRCLE SKIRT

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In a ’50’s to early ’60’s style, but with mid-1960’s-type fabric this dress illustrates the creative power that home-sewers in the mid-century had over their wardrobes.  The size, style and fabric were completely at their discretion and genre’s could be combined in any way.

This example was made for a teen or a petite woman (the photo is somewhat foreshortened, too, so it’s not quite as short-waisted as it looks), probably as a dressy day or party dress.  It’s a simple style in cotton blend with a zip back and elasticized sleeves but shows evidence of extra care and skill in the insertion of piping detail at the waist and flounce on the skirt.  There are also strap-keepers sewn in at the shoulders and some seams that were done by hand.

What a fun little mystery-history to unravel!  More back to the future on the way . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

1970’S COTTON SKIRT AND VEST BY MISTER LEONARD

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Just found this casual but classic 100% cotton plaid set in a beloved style from the mid-Seventies.  Mister Leonard was a popular Canadian clothing label started in 1965, making sportswear that sold in several major department stores.  It prospered until the late 1980’s and finally closed in 1999, due to market pressures and the declining health of it’s founder.

For Summer and into Fall, nothing could be more comfortable and cute than an ensemble like this, which could be worn everyday at home or tricked up a bit for work. Pure cotton clothing is always desirable, but the quality of this fabric sets it apart as well as tailoring details which are uncommon today.

Just my size, too!  Here’s another keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER 1960’S MINI CULOTTE!

No rain in the forecast, but the Magicvintagespy is getting DRENCHED!  The unique true vintage finds keep on coming.  This cute culotte is not as MOD as the yellow print one I found last week, but it’s also got a metal zipper – this time center back – and an interesting front design.  Unfortunately, the maker’s label and other tags are gone.  Don’t think it was custom-made.

Nothing could be more convenient than this style for ease of wearing, sports and versatility when shorts aren’t the thing but a skirt or dress is just too much.  A real blast from the past .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM