She’d just pull out the latest edition of her McCalls Needlework magazine. And, of course, there is the Christmas Pageant, too . .. . .
I can’t believe the intricacy of these home-sewing DIY patterns. Women used to do this all the time!
Once when I was a kid, my (I thought) non-sewing grandmother did whip up a very convincing 1960’s black collarless jacket for me when I wanted to be a Beatle for Halloween. Who knew? . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s a beautiful decorated sweater meant, mostly, for evening wear. It is fully lined in silk with black beads and spangles decorating front and back. Many mid-century women had one of these – it was a classic standard.
Made in Hong Kong, the quality is a cut above many garments made elsewhere. This seems to have been the case for many decades. It’s another one of those iconic garments that is a must-have for any vintage wardrobe and, maybe, more than one since the colors and decorative patterns were varied and unique.
Though high-quality tailoring was particularly true for vintage garments made several decades ago, I still take special note when I find modern clothing that has been made in Hong Kong. The materials and tailoring are still almost always excellent in garments made there..
There is no wrap more elegant, excepting perhaps a wonderful vintage fur, than a beautifully-made hand-decorated fine wool cardigan thrown over your shoulders. It can be worn in many ways and will never let you down.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’m always so happy to find one of these in almost perfect condition! So different from the others I’ve just shown. The front metal zip is unusual, rather than buttons, and the (probably) acrylic fiber is a plus over wool because of the ease of storage and care. I DO love old wool sweaters, however.
This example was made in Hong Kong (always pointing to quality construction and workmanship, at least in true vintage garments) and has the classic styling of patch pockets and striped trim. The zipper is as sturdy as they come.
A wonderful and infrequent discovery. My favorites!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s a very special woven wool jumper dress with big shell buttons. I have it pinned since it’s a little too teeny for Madge, you see how much difference a little change in one’s figure could make in the fit!
It’s really cut for a petite woman, maybe slightly under average height. But, a couple more inches here and there and VAVOOM! Unfortunately, a shade too much on the petite side for me and no Vavoom, so I sold it before Stella joined me and it would have fitted her well!
Dresses like this were super popular right around 1960 and might have been worn with a turtleneck, but a blouse would have been more likely. I show it with this sweater just because the color matches so well.
The most outstanding feature of this design is the big abalone shell buttons asymmetrically closing the front. And, the hem-line is fairly long, especially on a shorter person. A sign of the times.
Definitely a sophisticated back-to-school or a career dress for some aspiring young woman!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I’m over-the-moon with this one!! Last year I found a wonderful sweater made like this, with soft, fine suede – but this one is a full jacket WITH A ZIP-OUT PILE LINING! – and braided leather buttons. Just LOVE the quality and style of jackets made between 1940 and 1960. What a fabulous mid-century vibe.
It was another magic moment for the Magicvintagespy because this coat is in virtually perfect condition. Just like stepping into a Happy Days episode or going Back to the Future. What fun! More to come . . . . . . . stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Lovely nylon knit sweater-blouse in soft green. Perfect for making a transition to the cold weather. By Canterbury – a company which was known for beautiful cardigans, too. What’s the special magic about this one?
Look at the fit. The knit drapes so nicely and it is full-fashioned, which always improves the way that a sweater fits the body. At the neckline there are many tiny vintage shell buttons – the kind that are substantial and well-shaped, even though they are very small. They do allow you to close the neckline, if desired, but are mostly for decoration. I just love that button detailing.
As long as you protect it from snags and stains, an item like this is very easy to care for. Hand washing (or delicate in a newer machine) is best, with similar colors. This avoids stretching and, also, protects the color. Nylon can absorb other colors in the wash so it’s always best to wash it alone or to avoid washing it with contrasting shades. If you want to change the color of a nylon item, they accept dye very well. Just be sure to follow the directions very carefully because they may end up streaky if you don’t.
With any kind of pants or a pencil, a-line or pleated skirt (depending on your figure) it looks wonderful. This is how it was worn back in the day. Put a scarf at the neck, or pearls. Perfect for every-day or dressed up – clothing of this quality is always elegant.
I found this at a small vintage shop, on the sale rack. I usually find the best things in unlikely places and at unheard of prices! I wonder who wore this one and where? You just never know . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A find from out West last time I went, this is my second jacket of this type. It’s made of a very heavy synthetic fiber – probably an acrylic, and has a real Happy Days feel to me – and unisex appeal. I love the abstract geometric designs on these and the bright Fall colors on this one. Warm and attention-getting. Wear them with slacks, jeans, leggings or they can even go over a skirt or sheath dress. . . . . . .
As I write this, there are four garments in my wardrobe which are made of this textile. It’s a very heavy, glossy yarn and is a mystery to me. Even my sister, with an MFA in costume design, couldn’t help me with more information! I do suspect that it’s from the 1940’s or 1930’s, when natural fabrics such as wool, silk and cotton, were sidelined to produce uniforms, parachutes and other supplies for the war effort. So many great synthetics were developed about that time in history, to produce clothing for the civilian population. If anyone can shed light on this investigation, please send the intelligence. Although it may be Top Secret, it’s time to declassify it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Another rare find! This one was not a high-end item when it was made, but it is an iconic piece with mink-trimmed sleeves. I have a few of these garments with sleeves like this but don’t find them often.
Metallic thread on sheer black fabric, with “Autumn Haze” mink cuffs. Buttons up the back. Back in the day, companies that produced medium-priced clothing still made some “luxury” items that the average woman could afford, and they made them well.
What a pleasure to discover this one!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION
How neat! Classic mid-century styling by Renee Originals with excellent tailoring and hardly any sign of wear. I just love old frocks that testify to the way that women used to value and preserve their clothing; especially the favorites!
The fabric may be a cotton/rayon blend. It’s of a medium weight and printed in a checkerboard floral pattern – fall-ish colors with asters or Gerber daisies. The buttons are black, faceted to look like jet, and there is ric-rac trim on the bodice and skirt.
I’m in love! Of course, this is an Autumn to Winter dress although temperatures this year would let me wear it now. I think I’ll save it for the season. You’ll probably see it, along with other recent finds, modeled properly by one of the working “girls” whenever I get back to Headquarters. We’re on a roll here, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This frock has been with me for a little while. It’s a pink and blue floral on a charcoal background, with a little bow on the bodice. I have added a cloth-covered belt in charcoal. Unusual shades to take us into autumn, still with a light and outdoor feel. Would look nice with darker leather shoes and handbags, for a change, and maybe a coat or jacket as the weather changes.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 