LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE NEGLIGEE’ BY ODETTE BARSA

LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE NEGLIGEE' BY ODETTE BARSA

Odette Barsa designed especially beautiful sleepwear for women. The family apparently kept the company on the go into the 1980’s – after the designer’s death.

The thing I’ve noticed most about these gorgeous creations is her use of ribbon, woven into trims. I also have a bed jacket by this company with the same kind of decoration.

What a pleasure it is to look at and wear true vintage lingerie and nightwear. Nothing today can compare to the sumptuous feel of the fabrics, usually heavy silk or nylon, and the exquisite craftsmanship.

At some point I’ll be taking you on a tour of my gowns, robes and other interesting little what-nots from years ago.

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

A DELIGHTFULLY PRETTY LITTLE YELLOW SUNDRESS – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S

A DELIGHTFULLY PRETTY LITTLE YELLOW SUNDRESS – TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S.

TRUE VINTAGE EVENING GOWN – 1950’S – EARLY ’60’S MIAMI BEACH

TRUE VINTAGE EVENING GOWN – 1950'S – EARLY '60'S MIAMI BEACH.

TRUE VINTAGE EVENING GOWN – 1950’S – EARLY ’60’S MIAMI BEACH

TRUE VINTAGE EVENING GOWN - 1950'S - EARLY '60'S MIAMI BEACH

This one is spectacular and I wonder where it was worn in vintage Miami Beach. There’s always been a lot going on there, in and out of the limelight so, you just never know . . .
I discovered it, again, by surprise (!) along with several other dresses and handbags in a seemingly unlikely spot.

There is no maker’s name on it, but it was made in the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong. It’s got a metal zipper up the back, and a heavy satiny rayon skirt that falls to the floor or almost to the floor, depending on the wearer’s height. The bodice is TOTALLY covered with clear iridescent bangles and edged with bronze-color glass beads. The neckline is a lower scoop in back.

I can imagine this being worn to a casino, by one of the more well-to-do patrons. It creates a regal presence and says “don’t mess with me”. . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest

A TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950’S FROCK FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION

A TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950'S FROCK FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION

Well, now that I’ve got the road dust washed off and had a good sleep, I’ll finish up with the lovelies that I uncovered about 2 weeks ago. This one is in a dark navy color, a favorite of mine, with a neutral floral print.

I believe it is missing its belt (a frequent issue, of course) and the label is gone but there is no question that this was commercially-made. I am acquainted with the store owner where this one and its sisters were waiting and she was able to give me some of the history.

The length is below the knee and the skirt has an attached crinoline. I especially like the woven shoulder straps and neckline, done in a shiny cord of dark navy. The fit is really cute and flattering.

Not really a formal, but definitely a party/occasion dress, made for dancing the night away . . . . .. . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

MOD, PSYCHEDELIC PRINT ON A TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S BLOUSE

MOD, PSYCHEDELIC PRINT ON A TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S BLOUSE.

MOD, PSYCHEDELIC PRINT ON A TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S BLOUSE

MOD, PSYCHEDELIC PRINT ON A TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S BLOUSE

This one is fun! Not my best colors, but how can I not keep it and wear it? The style is casual, but it isn’t grunge-wear. In fact, it’s a rather stylish summer top with a Country Club feel and an element of elegance.

It’s fully lined in the body and buttons up the back. The sleeves and fringes are left sheer. I just love finding items like this, which tell a story about the type of woman who would have purchased and worn it. I see it with a pair of white capri’s or shorts and leather sandals – flat or with a kitten heel – worn by a dark-haired Italian actress in a James Bond movie. Only your own imagination and personal style put any limits on how it can be combined with other elements of your wardrobe.

Where to go today? Perhaps the Riviera? You just never know . .. . . . . . . . . …

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Viintage Fashion available at Amazon.com

A VERY PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSE WITH RUFFLES – FROM THE 1950’S OR EARLY 1960’S

A VERY PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSE WITH RUFFLES – FROM THE 1950'S OR EARLY 1960'S.

A VERY PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSE WITH RUFFLES – FROM THE 1950’S OR EARLY 1960’S

A VERY PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSE WITH RUFFLES - FROM THE 1950'S OR EARLY 1960'S

This blouse is unique – it has ruffles all around. I’ve never seen another like it, though some similar ones in photos. It looks like something Ann-Margaret would have worn in a movie, with a skirt or a pair of short-shorts.

Each row of lace is sewn on separately and goes all the way around. Hard to believe that someone may have made this at home, but it’s possible. Anyway, it’s too cute for words.

All these pretty vintage blouses do best with a hand-washing, but it’s so easy to do. (BE SURE IT’S A WASHABLE FABRIC BEFORE YOU TRY THIS!) Swish them in a sink with mild soap (like Woolite or Ivory) for a couple of minutes, then hang them to dry (inside – not in the sun – if you can, let them drip dry). And, that’s probably all you’ll have to do! Helps them to last decades more and keep their shape. Of course, if you’ve got a stain, you’ll have to treat that first.

I just love finding cute surprises like this one. When you’re sleuthing around, they do turn up. You just never know . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . .

CUTE TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S CASUAL SUIT IN RED!

CUTE TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S/'60's CASUAL SUIT  IN RED!

OK. This little cutie is in red cotton CORDUROY and you say – WHAT?! IT’S MAY 13TH!!! Yeah, that’s what I’ve been saying, too. I don’t know about you, but the weather here has been in the low ’60’s Fahrenheit for several days and I hear it’s colder elsewhere. So this photo was sitting on my desktop and I said, Nyah, nyah weather, I’m gonna do it!

I love this little suit. It’s lightweight, unlined, and has the cutest collar. It would be a good one to wear your “secretary blouse” with (you know, the one with the bow tie in the front or the conservative little collar). You could also wear a low V-neck bodysuit with lots of necklaces or a scarf, or maybe just leave it the way it is. If you’re a bigger size than Madge (my model, remember?) it might fit like a two-piece dress.

Anyway, it’s not a high-end item – I think it was a Montgomery Ward brand – just regular career-girl attire in the early to mid-1950’s. (I could also see Miss Moneypenny dressed like this in 1962(?)) Anyway, I love RED and the unusual style so those were my main reasons for picking it up – it made me smile!

Frost this morning, but it’s to be in the high ’80’s tomorrow. Go figure – we’ll be back to more seasonal garb then. Stay tuned. It just goes to show that you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available at Amazon.com