Tag Archives: fashion

1950’S POUF SKIRT WASP WAIST FORMAL FROCK

As you know, I’ve been on holiday from the sleuthing trade since late October but had several finds right before that time and also something recent. So, I’m ready to catch you up while I have a bit of time at Headquarters.

A tiny, tiny, tiny dress and SO Fifties! This was a size 5, maybe in ’55. Now a size 00 or smaller. Perfect condition. This was a really exciting discovery, as these frocks have become more and more scarce. Sadly, there is no label inside excepting the all-important Garment Workers tag. It’s always so much fun, and useful data, to have a maker’s label to research or use to tell more of the story. Labels are always a first-line clue.

Fortunately for the investigation, another gown was hiding in the same spot! Did they belong to the same suspect even though they are quite different? Rare clues sometimes travel together. Stay tuned . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RECENT 1960 FINDS: TWO VERY DIFFERENT EVENING LOOKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

First, a home-tailored dressy frock. It’s sweet as can be in a common design from 1960 + or – 2 or 3 years. But, IN YOUR FACE RED! The fabric is a medium-heavy jacquard weave. The style is modest but form-fitting and fits me like a glove. The original pattern would have been about a size 12 but now is a modern 4. You can see why I miss my mannequins – it would look stunning on statuesque vintage size 10 Stella (a modern 2) and movie starlet perfect on size 4 Giselle.

What makes it extra special? It’s in perfect condition and very well-made by someone with experience. Has a big hem allowance which is finished off with matching hem tape. The fitting darts are well-done and the decorative bow under the bustline is well-constructed and properly attached. The thing I like most, though, is that there are gussets in the armholes! That is an older tailoring technique frequently used in the 1950’s and before that gives the underarm area a little extra ease and avoids some of the wear and tear that is often seen where the underarm seams meet on a dress or blouse. However, gussets do have some corners and have to be properly done to avoid the same problems with the seams. Anyway, I just love finding these specialty features that tell a lot about the tailor and help to date garments. This one was perfect for dinner, dancing or any special date.

My next find is a lingerie dressing gown of roughly the same age – maybe a tad newer. The label is difficult to read after many washings but says Queentex, a brand which I have never seen before and may have been specific to Canada, where I happen to be sleuthing now. What’s not to love about it? A two-layer construction, with opaque material covered by a sheer, lightweight over-dress. Fabric is a substantial, glossy nylon typical of better lingerie pieces of that time. The condition is almost perfect. It’s a lovely aqua blue color with darker blue embroidery on the front bodice. The neckline closes with a fabric loop and little pearlized button. Ruffles around the collar and the bottom of the over-dress I can do without, but that’s just me. The design does call for some extra attention in those locations. This garment was perfect for before-bedtime relaxing when she’s out of her frou-frou outfit and make-up. Could have been worn by the same gal size-wise. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS SURPRISE FIND! BULLOCKS WILSHIRE 100% SILK DRESS 1960’s – ’70’s

  Haven’t been investigating lately – too much traveling. But, it never fails! This trendy day frock was from a high-end hotel shop, probably in Los Angeles. The iconic hotel closed, finally, in 1993 but was opened, I believe, in the late 1920’s. Well-heeled clients bought luxury goods there for decades. 

  This casual day dress is no exception, with all the features of a beautifully-tailored garment: pure silk fabric, hand-stitching, hidden seams, full lining, piped edging on the neckline, armholes and decorating the seams which shape the front of the dress, hooks and eyes closing the top of the neckline at nape, sewn-in strap holders at the shoulders, hem is hand-finished with silk tape. Made in Hong Kong (for that kind of high quality, where else?).

  The floral print is a cross between the psychedelic and flower power designs of the mid 1960’s to early 1970’s in the vibrant clear colors of that era. The A-line shape, Mandarin collar and knee length also reflect the style for conservative high-end day dresses made at that time. 

  Labeled as a size 14, that really dates this dress, too. It’s just a little large for me, which would put it at a modern size 4-6. Asian-made fashions do sometimes seem to run small but I’m not sure if that was true for garments made decades ago for the U.S. market. There’s no obvious evidence that the dress has been altered. Another plus – it’s in almost perfect condition!

  One of the last things I might have expected to find, but that’s what makes sleuthing so much fun! Always surprises; hidden and revealing clues. Stay tuned – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

  

  

A FEW TRUE VINTAGE PURSE ACCESSORIES FROM THE 1950’S TO ADD TO FALL HANDBAGS

A FEW TRUE VINTAGE PURSE ACCESSORIES FROM THE 1950'S

Yes, September often means it’s time to switch out some of the Summer wardrobe for warmer clothing.  Traditionally, it was also the time to put away anything white, including accessories.  That means I’m looking over my collection of true vintage handbags and selecting a couple that coordinate well with my Autumn fashion choices.  Not only does that mean switching out a matching wallet, but other handy purse accessories from back in the day can be included.  What savvy dame would forget to equip her handbag with smart and handy accessories?  Here are just a few.

It’s so fun to look back into our mothers’ and grandmothers’ handbags to see what they used to carry on a daily basis.  These are just a smattering of the interesting items I’ve seen.  Mirrors, combs and tiny brushes, lipstick cases, foldable rain hats, key cases and key-rings all came in different sizes, styles and designs.  An emery board and an orange stick were usually tucked in somewhere.  Smokers also had special accessories – cases, lighters and interesting matchbooks.  Little pillboxes were very decorative and pretty.  I’ve got a few of those.

Above we see two note pads (with attached pen or pencil), a manicure set, sewing kit, mirror set (with normal and magnifying glasses), and an attractive case for a comb.

The intelligent and fashionable woman is always well-prepared when stepping out, no matter what her mission may be.  Efficiency and style – that’s my motto . … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S JACKET AND SKIRT

A LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S JACKET AND SKIRT

I love the apple-green button trim on this navy jacket from the 1940’s. Alas, the original skirt was lost, but I was able to find one with an almost-perfect color, fabric weave and true-to-the-era style. That is phenomenal and rare, but not impossible for the Magicvintagespy.

Aside from the cute and iconic design, these pieces are able to be worn as separates as well as a suit.  The fabric, though it may be wool-based, is still 3-season and makes this find a very practical part of my wardrobe.

The only downside, if there is one, is that this material must be dry-cleaned and should be protected from moth damage.  When adding true vintage clothing to your wardrobe, it’s important to remember that some fabrics which look like the today’s synthetics and blends were often made with wool years ago.  The up-side, which is definite, is that wool lasts forever and the construction of these garments probably will, too!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MAJOR GLAM IN TRUE VINTAGE FURS – STOLE/CAPE AND JACKET FROM THE 1940’S / 1950’S

     When it starts to get cold, I think of looking at my collection of vintage furs.  Beautiful garments of by-gone days – never to be made again, I hope, but worth enjoying while they last.  The stylish cape on the left would only be worn during the day by a society matron and usually saved for evening wear.  The jacket on the right, however, is much more versatile and looked good over a suit or day – dress back in the day as well as with jeans now.

     Just as nature intended to protect their original owners, furs provide great warmth.  They’re still fun to admire and wear, but I can’t help remembering the sacrifice of the animals who produced them when I do.  We humans who have used the animal kingdom to clothe and feed us for centuries must honor that by becoming humane today.

 

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FUN FIFTIES PJs FIND

IMG_4543

Hello, Climate Change! The weather has suddenly morphed from sweltering to chilly and I’m pulling out these snuggly cotton flannel pajamas. Nothing beats the comfort and durability of these common Fifties garments. So comforting and warm, and I love the design that Stella wears above!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy

Blog: Magicvintagespy.com

VINTAGE/RETRO-STYLE EYEGLASSES BY GENTLE MONSTER

This brand is a new one on me, but the style is so 1960’s that I had to pick them up and was pleased to learn more about them. Although I’ve seen only a few other modern frames with nosepieces, the look is always good and these are quite close to the true vintage style.

Another great thing to learn was that they are very well-made, in Korea (so no surprise). Good value! This company was founded in Korea in 2011 and makes lots of neat designs. The particular model is called Planet Blu. My research into Gentle Monster products turned up photos of some that are very similar, but not exactly the same. My best guess is that they were made about 5 – 10 years ago. Not true vintage by any standard, but the high quality retro chic makes them worth mentioning.

Gentle Monster makes a variety of ready-to-wear glasses for sun protection, reading and blue light blocking but the frames can apparently be purchased without lenses for your own prescription. This pair probably has prescription lenses which are absolutely in perfect condition but, unfortunately, aren’t suitable for me. So, the decision to keep or not is up in the air, but they’re still a worthy find and good to share. Very unexpected, but you just never know . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MID-CENTURY NIGHTHAWK NIGHT DRIVING GLASSES

Classic rectangular frames in heavy black plastic (but not Bakelite), with the metal screw details expected on many true vintage eyeglass frames but rarely seen now. I also love the carved detail on the temples.

The brand name NIGHTHAWK is stamped inside along with another unusual stamp: FOREIGN. I suspect that this indicates that the frames, at least, were imported. I can find no other explanation. Some similar glasses from that time were made in West Germany and these may be knock-offs, assembled in North America.

I’ll keep these forever – love the styling but they’re also very practical. There’s only minor to moderate wear on the frames and the lenses are almost perfect, even though they are made of a plastic material. So interesting to wonder about the origin details. If anyone has specialized knowledge on this topic, I’d love to hear from you. I’ll post the second pair of eyeglasses tomorrow, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM