Exquisite nylon bed jackets, in lovely pinks. There’s nothing that feels so luxurious as sitting in bed or in a boudoir chair with one of these over your beautiful nightgown while enjoying a cup of tea.
These are so comfortable and pretty, almost any time of year. As always, the fabric, decoration and details can’t be matched by things sold today.
Sweet dreams! . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Now we’ll go, almost, to the other end of the spectrum for some standard-issue men’s or boys’ cotton PJs – though they’re spiffed up with some really neat prints.
Plain and basic in their style, they’re well-made enough to have survived in good shape. They could even have been from the ’40’s, but I don’t think so. Somewhere between 1955 and ’65 probably hits it.
Though not luxurious, they are comfortable (I can wear them!) and a lot of fun! The red fans on the right are an unusual, to me, motif for men’s pajamas but, hey, what do I know? They are a traditional East Asian motif and may have been an influence of the Pacific arena wars the U.S. had just been through in the Forties and Fifties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I know Madge doesn’t look much like your granddad, but she was handy. These are just about my favorite men’s robes – with the black satin accents. Not easy to find now!
This is such a classic style that it’s difficult to be sure what decade it’s from. The pattern is helpful and the type of material, as well as other clues. The satin trim is rare, as is the Sanforized cotton fabric.
Almost every old movie has scenes with men at home, wearing something like this. especially if the man is enjoying his leisure hours. It really takes me back to classic cinema. Beats a track suit any day.
The thing about this style is that it is also deadly attractive on women. There’s something very fun and sexy about wearing your partner’s clothing once in a while – from shirts and PJs to robes, sweaters and jackets. Other stuff doesn’t usually work too well.. . . . . . . . . . . . .
I have another similar one which I’ll show later; it’s in a different fabric. Perfect costume for film noir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s a lovely, oh-so-flattering jacquard blouse for cocktails, dinner, dancing and parties. It looks superb with a long black skirt or black cigarette pants.
Notice the little bows at the waist. It also buttons up the back (I LOVE that feature of so many ’50’s blouses) with 5/8″ covered buttons. Very swank.
The fun thing about 50’s separates like this is that they were dressed up or down, since rock and roll, rhythm and blues and, later, cocktail parties became such a rage – on top of the more formal and traditional occasions that were always part of the social scene.
As usual, the cut and tailoring of this piece is outstanding. The fabric is quite nice, too. Just the right thing for a woman of intrigue to have in her closet, no? . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
While we’re in a New Year mood, here’s a really special dress from, I believe, the 1950’s. It’s more or less a cocktail style, but could go to dinner and dancing, too.
Originally, it had nude netting on the front bodice and upper back, with skinny binding around the armhole area and the neckline. The purpose is to give a bare look, without the bare.
Very elegant but, unfortunately, the material had some small holes which could not be repaired. I could not locate material of the same type for a replacement, so I reluctantly removed it and restyled things a bit to make skinny straps instead. It works! Being versatile is an indispensable skill.
I love this dramatic pointy accent on the front! The fabric is also very elegant – probably a rayon that looks for all the world like silk shantung. And the hourglass shape!
Worthy of Peggy Lee any day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another beautiful bed-jacket, in aqua. I have a substantial collection, but always bring home more when I find them. Why? Though the basic style is the same, they’re almost always different in the details. Pretty and practical, fun to wear. Mid-century women certainly thought so.
Although I haven’t parted with any yet, can you imagine what wonderful gifts they would make?! For someone who loves vintage, or just craves lovely things and the sense of luxury you get from lounging in bed with coffee, dressed to the nines? Or, is going into the hospital or must spend time convalescing at home?
And now, on to the gown . . . . . .. Here, Stella displays it’s charms. Look at that fit!!! It’s probably older than the bed jacket. And I love, love, love the bodice treatment and the way that the straps have been attached. Take a close look.
No buttons or hardware, just a silky sweep of creamy true vintage nylon (the best nylon is 50 – 70 years old). You can’t imagine wearing something that feels so good until you’ve done it. On top of how it feels, is how gorgeously sexy and feminine it looks.
So, I’m ready for dreamland, parties and day-dressing lately, with lots of accessories, too . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Gingham again – it’s always classic and often found in lots of casual clothing from mid-century. 
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
Classic true vintage ’40’s – early ’50’s style, custom-tailored by Rosalie Couturier. I loved finding this dressmaker’s personal label in the waistband of this beautiful frock! What a nice surprise since it was hidden. The best labels, like this one, were embroidered on cloth.
It’s amazing that this beautiful garment has survived 60 – 70 years in such wonderful condition. Its original owner obviously loved it and cared for it well.
Lovely rayon fabric, with stitched-in pleats on front and back – bodice and skirt. So many little hand-done details. Beautiful, big sculpted shell buttons, fabric-covered belt. A little wear there on the buckle, but that is the only flaw.
And, when I got it home it fit Stella beautifully. Perfection!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a gorgeous, tailored dress and jacket. Glossy rayon fabric with a shantung – style weave. The bodice treatment is so lovely.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What could be more classic than a sailor collar? These have been popular fashion for decades and always come back. Side vents, detachable “modesty panels” in necklines, and tartan plaid have also been important details found in iconic true vintage styles. This blouse was made in the 1940’S
to early 1950’s. The label says it is made of “Sanforized” cotton – Sanforization was a process developed in the 1930’s. It’s so unusual to find a blouse from that time that is in wonderful condition!
White cotton blouses used to be a major staple in every woman’s (and man’s) wardrobe. Men still wear them, more than women do, because they usually don’t do any of the ironing that is required!
Yes, they require more care in some ways, but it’s well worth it. Nothing can compare to this fabric. Also, if you do get a stain, it’s often easier to remove than from easy-care synthetics because cotton can withstand hot water.
Discovering a garment like this is always a high point of any investigation, for me.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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