Just fabulous! Custom-made by the same woman, of ultra-soft cotton in a wonderful 1940’s – early 1950’s style that I just love. And, in my size!!!!!
Nipped waist, flirty skirt, shoulder pads and cute sculptured plastic buttons. What could be better? Perfect condition, washed to incredible comfort. I don’t usually go for floral prints, but who can quibble? . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, I’m back at Headquarters now – unpacking and taking care of business. Although these finds are out-of-season right now, despite the heat, I like to show brand-new discoveries ASAP.
What makes these worthy of my closet? The styles are simple, but the vintage fabrics are REALLY NICE. Also, the hand-done tailoring touches, like a full lining, well-cut facings and hem allowances make them special garments.
I always pick up pieces of exceptional quality. They are rare treasure, not seen in the marketplace today. Stay tuned for more . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
We’re working our way from the Fifties into the Sixties here, starting with a beautiful nylon shorty nightgown with embroidered bodice. This was standard nightwear back in the day.
Second, a lightweight cotton smock, with embroidered pocket. It is even older, and was very common as a morning house-dress. Delicate and sheer, they are quite feminine and usually in pastel colors.
The brown checked house-dress, which can even be belted and worn to town, is early Sixties leisure wear, with the big flower applique’ detail that was popular then.
This was the kind of thing women wore at home early in the morning or between changes of clothing. You often see examples in old movies. They’re fun to have for those hang-around-the-house times. I always pick up good examples when I find them . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
GIRLY, GIRLY, GIRLY FLORAL DRESS FROM ABOUT 1970
See the similarities to the dress shown yesterday, from Canada? Yes, the siren call of Fashion was making slaves of us all on both sides of the Atlantic. All over the world, women who were able to follow the latest trends were rushing to wear this 1940’s retro style. Even though Paris was slow to be corrupted, it happened.
The thought of it kind of ruins your day, doesn’t it? Well, thankfully we’ve now reached the era when we can wear whatever suits our fancy without worrying about whether we’re up-to-date. Because, if we develop our own unique, personal look, we will be very fashionable (and who cares, anyway)!
This dress was probably custom-tailored, too. We’re still in polyester (of course), but not in a knit. This is a woven fabric with a much lighter hand and a woven-in stripe for texture and eye appeal. Same prim collar, fussy trim, puffed sleeve, nipped waist and swing skirt. It’s also a little more sophisticated than yesterday’s frock – less of a rockabilly feel.
Still not haute couture, by any means. And, like all the “newer” garments, it carries the stamp of international trends and fabrics that take away from it’s Parisian roots. That’s one reason that I always prefer clothing from the early 1960’s and before. But, if you have to go with something made later, why not choose something from Paris? Tomorrow, we’re off to Ireland . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
EARLY 1970’S RETRO-STYLE SHIRTWAIST DRESS
I’m dodging out of Paris and into Canada for one day because of today’s find. In my favorite brown and blue combo, a custom-tailored poly frock from the early 1970’s that rocks the 1940’s vibe.
I’m impressed with how well the tailor set these ruffles on the collar and sleeves. It testifies to some expertise. i’m not so much into ruffles, personally, but I adore swing skirts!
A simple dress but definitely from that time about 1973 when lots of cutesy ’40’s style elements were coming out in popular clothing. I so love being able to date a garment very closely like this. That makes it extra special. It’s a perfect fit for Giselle, too. We’ll go back to Paris in the same time-frame tomorrow . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This gorgeous little number says summer all over. It is the brightest yellow, with little embroidered flowers all over the bodice, each with a pearl center.
If that isn’t enough, around the hem are larger flowers, all embroidered in the same bright yellow thread. fit, as you can see, speaks for itself . . .
The label is long gone, but I am sure that it was commercially-made. There are too many professional details. Fully lined, of a really nice woven fabric with a bit of texture – metal zip up the back.
Although this is not a formal dress, it is quite refined and could go into the evening very confidently. In the heat of the summer, it could go shopping, lunching, to dinner and dancing without missing a beat.
Natalie Wood would have loved it. “I feel pretty, oh so pretty . . . .”. Almost as if it found its way from her closet into mine . . . . . . .. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I see Sophia Loren wearing this dress and running down a street in Naples, Italy (in black stilettos) – chasing Marccello Mostriani in their latest film. Someone custom-tailored this little beauty in a style that falls low on the shoulders if you are petite.
It’s a sunny, breezy style with the 1950’s wasp waist and full skirt, in cotton print material, made for whatever casual activity is on the agenda. However, like most dresses of the era, a little jewelry and a hat (and, maybe, gloves) made it suitable for a slightly more formal event such as a luncheon date.
I prefer to let fantasy take my imagination away with this one – a bottle of local wine, a loaf of bread, cheese and fruit on a balcony overlooking the Adriatic Sea – with a very good friend . . .. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This dress was custom tailored at home, I’m sure – though some simple items like this were commercially made then, too. Many women who wore these day – in and day – out as house dresses and for working were accomplished seamstresses and made most all of the family’s clothing.
I love the pretty plaid cotton here, and the cute sculpted buttons at the neck and the pocket flaps. Since the original belt was missing, I made a tie belt by taking a couple of inches off the hem, which was mid-calf length. Easy.
Probably, this one belonged to a woman who farmed – and I imagine that a small blue stain on the skirt happened when she made a blueberry pie. So many of these pieces tell a story, and you just never know . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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What a surprise! At a party where we all contributed “white elephant” gifts, guess what turned up? After some swapping, this was one of my prizes. True vintage decorated tote bag or purse from the 1960’s/’70’s. Near mint condition.
How do I know it’s original vintage? 1. the style 2. the types of decoration used 3. the construction 4. in this case, some minor signs of age.
How do I know where it (probably) came from? The Cardinal and the Dogwood are the official state bird and flower of North Carolina. Eat your heart out, Sherlock.
It’s so beautifully done. Love the colors. Fun!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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What could be prettier and more cool-looking over the next few weeks as the temperatures begin to rise? These were made by Life Stride, the long-time shoe company that, I think, is still in business. They are fabric-covered all over with a peek-a-boo lace upper.
Fortunately, these were made during the time when quality materials and workmanship were still the standard. I love it that the heels and toes are reinforced and that they are constructed to last! What could be prettier for spring and summer wear . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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