Tag Archives: fashion

VINTAGE 100% SILK CHEONGSAM DRESS

Beautiful, beautiful. Worthy of Mata Hari, it’s classically hand-tailored – but wait – in Japan?! This is a traditional Chinese style frock. Also, because of it’s classic design and the handcrafting techniques used in it’s construction, I can’t tell it’s exact age. So many mysterious and conflicting clues – like when agents are “hiding in plain sight”. Perfect disguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Anyway, after hats off to my craft and fellow operatives, I don’t have to worry about those twists and turns because this case is closed. Now all that’s left to do is declassify the file and enjoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WHEW! FINALLY DONE GOING THROUGH ALL MY TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAGS & PURSE ACCESSORIES

I THINK I’ve got it all done. From the 1930’s through the 1960’s these bags, some handmade (I LOVE hand-tooled leather) and the little accessories that women used to carry were so much fun to sort through again. A fine leather billfold with matching key-case. A tapestry-look eyeglass or cigarette case. A padded silk holder for a few tissues. Little pads for organizing phone numbers (with attached pen) or writing little notes. A plastic rain bonnet folded up in a plastic case and distributed by a local funeral home.

Such a varied assortment of evidence. Imagine all of the suspects and witnesses who may have carried them – lots of stories. But, again, the cases are closed so it’s time to clean out the files. However, there are still so many archived items as well as those currently being investigated. As ever, occasionally something “new” turns up. So, stay tuned for further intel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1970’S FAUX CASHMERE LONG COAT IN AN UNUSUAL COLOR

The last “keeper” of the vetting process. I’m giving it the space due to its practicality. There’s a big nod to 1950’s styles (look at the molded buttons), looks and feels almost like cashmere (really!) but requires no protection from moths. It’s also a funky color that is particularly flattering to my complexion. Sounds like solid logic to me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

OH, MY. HOW COULD I POSSIBLY PART WITH THIS 1940’S CAPE – COAT?

Oh, well. It won’t take up much room (excepting for those shoulder pads!) Once I tried it on again, there was no question. It’s even got pockets! Easy wear over slacks as well as eveningwear (and jeans). We’re almost done with the coat closet. Stay tuned.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

UH – OH! ANOTHER MID-CENTURY SWING COAT THAT I CANNOT PART WITH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OK. I had very good intentions to clear out the evidence locker but, sometimes, a file turns up in the vetting which just has too much forensic value to let go. What features of this garment are important? 1. The nubby texture of the wool fabric is unusual and adds warmth 2. 3/4 length is very comfortable, stylish and convenient 3. Bracelet length sleeves look great with gloves and make it easier to read my watch 4. The plastic buttons have a few of the nubs that are faceted and reflect light like little crystals – BRILLIANT! 5 It was sold in one of my favorite vintage-era department stores 6. Silky black lining is perfection 7. The wide lapels are perfect for displaying my collection of vintage brooches 8. It fits me beautifully.

There. No one can argue with that logic. The project goes on. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

“HEY, LUCY . . . . .!” EARLY 1950’S SWING COAT IN FAUX BEAVER

I was thinking I would sell this coat, so I tried it on again and said “Nuh-uh!”. It’s SO neat. Just couldn’t think of parting with it yet. It’s completely open from the button closure at top, with a swing shape. But, also very warm. The synthetic faux fur looks like beaver and is very snuggly, as well as absolutely cruelty-free. Couldn’t be better – this is the future!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

OPEN-FRONT COAT FROM THE FIFTIES OR EARLY SIXTIES

This is a casual coat from post-WWII mid-century that closes with one hidden button and loop at the waistline. It’s got specialized tailoring details that are my favorite part. The wool fabric is a great “tweed” with fall colors, so a good choice for September. The brown lining is shiny and silky but it’s also got a decorative border above the hem that is embroidered in glossy brown thread. Hidden, but pretty!

See above how the pockets are accented with fabric-covered buckles that don’t do anything but look smart. Unfortunately, the pockets are only deep enough for a tissue or a small coin-purse, but that’s OK. I’ll enjoy wearing it on walks and I can still stop at the corner store. The neckline area, just above the collarbones, is accented with tabs and buttons which also don’t do anything but look stylish. And, the back vent in the hemline is practical but adds the look of good design. A winner!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SOPHISTICATED SPRING COAT FROM THE MID-CENTURY

Despite the uptown appearance, this coat is made of humble fabric but expertly done. Not sure when it was created – could be anywhere from the 1940’s to the very early 1960’s – but it follows the pattern of economy that my recent posts have been showing. However, though it has no labels, I suspect that it was not made at home but was made commercially. It is really well-done and beautifully-designed with seaming that gives it a special fit and flare shape. It’s still got great shoulders, too.

And, of course, the hip pockets that are so important and useful on a good coat. The best ones are made like these last three I’ve shown which hide the pockets so well in the design that they are almost invisible.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

/

MAJOR REVIEW OF THE OUTERWEAR ARCHIVE FILES

Today I’m right in the middle of a big vetting of the archive files from sweaters to fur coats. This morning I parted with a beautiful 1960’s sweater, which was wrenching. But, there eventually comes a time when all the intelligence must go public and the vault must be reorganized and cleaned. You’ll be seeing more of this class of intel over the next few days, with more bits and pieces to come later. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

100% SILK KENNEDY-ERA WIGGLE COCKTAIL DRESS

This dress is so beautifully-designed. Look at those tailoring details! Gorgeous silk satin fabric. Superior quality overall. Might have been from Montreal (maybe originally from France), which may explain it! It’s dynamite on just the right figure, as many wiggle-dresses were from about 1952 – 1962.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM