Tag Archives: Fifties
A HOME-MADE HAND-MADE 1950’S NOVELTY KITCHEN APRON
What a great find! Not too many like this one left and it’s a real gem. The apron’s been sewn together of cotton fabric with our ’50’s housewife embroidered on. She has a cotton print pouf dress with a lace collar, pearl necklace and earring. In one hand she holds a coffeepot and in the other a cup, which doubles as the obligatory little pocket for a hankie or small tool.
Finding something so unique and whimsical is a real treat. And, to think that it was made for fun 60 or more years ago is a bonus. So much better than anything modern, no matter how cute.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A CACHE OF TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE FINDS: TREASURE WORTH SAFE-KEEPING
I came across a whole bunch of classic nylon sleepwear pieces that are ALWAYS worth adding to your collection – even if you already have several. My rationale? :
1. if you’ve never slept in mid-century nylon pj’s or gowns (just about 1950’s to very early 1970’s), you don’t know what you’re missing! There is nothing (including silk) that is more comfortable as well as practical in bed and for lounging. They add warmth and are also cool, plus luxuriously smooth and soft. The fit is forgiving. 2. well-made and classically stylish, you won’t find anything equal in modern garments. 3. often you may find single pieces – these are great for matching later, with an identical or similar mate, or as an accessory, such as the black sleeveless cape pictured above. I plan to wear it over a black nightgown.
Not to forget, photo 3 is of a satin storage bag I discovered. These have been staple pieces in women’s undie drawers and storage chests for decades. Not sure if they are still being made to the same standard, but this one is great. Pretty peachy pink and brown in the classic style with inner pocket and fold-over styling, plus ribbon closure ties. Nothing is better for keeping hosiery and delicate garments safe from snags and dust. Grab these, too, whenever you see one. A girl can never have too many . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BEAUTIFULLY-TAILORED MID-CENTURY JACKET – A GORGEOUS PIECE FOR MY BASIC VINTAGE WARDROBE
What a smart and well-made garment! If it weren’t for the Ladies Garment Workers label, I might have wondered if it had been made in Paris. Classic true navy/white check with a full rayon lining, little pockets and heavy sculpted buttons. A tailor”s snap holds the front in place below the neckline. Close fit, with a high hip hemline that will be perfect with a shell blouse and pencil skirt or slim pants – or even over a fitted sheath dress.
Yes, it needs a professional steaming to re-block the shape and re-align the lining and a little seam repair inside. No big deal! I can probably do that myself, but it would be a minor expense to have it done for me. Sigh. LOVE beautiful jackets. What’s next? . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
FABULOUS MID-CENTURY COCKTAIL OUTFIT
No, it’s not a dress for Siamese elephants – this is a first-ever-seen hostess/cocktail one-piece “thing” with embroidered and sequined mesh over lined satin pants and bodice. Not exactly a jumpsuit, though it has those elements. I’m going to say early 1960’s, but it could be earlier.
This is a well-tailored garment with long panels front and back which are completely open at the sides. The upper part of the bodice is lined with flesh-tone mesh, also. Extremely well-made, with two labels – the brand and the store which sold it.
To be worn with a pair of black sandals or mules and, of course, diamonds . . . . . . . . . . . . .
More to come.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
PRETTY, FEMININE FIFTIES NIGHTGOWN THAT LEADS A DOUBLE LIFE
This little nightie can also double as a housedress. It’s made in two layers, so no need to feel your modesty is compromised. What a girly, pretty thing to wear around the house and I doubt anyone would complain if you ran out for a quart of milk.
Like my other recent finds, it’s early mid-century and has a label that I have rarely seen, which makes it all the more fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
PRETTY MID-CENTURY LINGERIE FINDS
I know, I know, I know. I’ve collected a ton of vintage slips, etc., but these are beautiful and to some degree unusual. The full slips are really old ones (early 1950’s or before) and are delicious to wear under dresses but they both are opaque enough and styled right to be worn as little dresses themselves. As long as your bra and panties are correct for the look, they can be flirty sundresses or club-wear.
I NEVER get tired of these . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BEAUTIFUL 1950’S VIOLET BLUE EMBROIDERED DAY DRESS
Love this pretty frock. The rayon(?) weave drapes so nicely and the embroidery is gorgeous. The belted style with cap sleeves is very flattering and front buttons make it very easy to dress.
This garment was modestly-priced back in the day as the construction is not high-end, but even in these everyday items the vintage makers usually tailored really well. That is one of the delights of finding and wearing day dresses like this one. Stay tuned – not near done yet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
LET’S DANCE!
What a beautiful Kennedy era party frock. With beads and rhinestones at the waist, and a swing and sway two-layer skirt. This dress is made by Carol Craig, New York – a well-known brand name of the time.
Pretty, pretty, pretty – and in perfect condition. Someone loved it very much. See what else we love, tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTABESPY.COM
PERFECT POST-WAR SHIRT-DRESS!
Absolutely couldn’t believe it when I encountered this 1940’s – 1950’s post-WWII frock – looks like it just came out of the box! Somebody loved it and kept it for special.
Back in the day, this was this was an everyday – Sunday tea kind of dress. It was very modestly-priced in it’s time but was meant to look nice for not-just-your-ordinary occasion. My good luck that it’s owner was so fastidious.
It’s a little big for me so, unless I want to have it altered, it will probably end up on eBay some day. But how could I pass it by? There’s more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM