Tag Archives: Forties
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 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
SECOND FIND: GREAT GABARDINE JACKET FROM THE 1940’S
Oh, I love this – just my style. Dark navy gabardine fabric with a fabric-covered belt and interesting details. Peplum waistlines are so flattering, on the right figure.
This beauty is in such good condition for it’s age. I do need to replace the tattered lining and re-install shoulder pads, but that is a minor repair. The best things are the authentic 1940’s styling, the belt in great condition, the quality fabric and tailoring. I’ll wear it forever.
What’s next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.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
THE MOST WONDERFUL SHIRT – LET’S START HERE
Handmade for a man in the 1950’s, or maybe even the Forties, but I’ll make it my own. Neat little way of unbuttoning the neckline so that it can be slipped on. The most fabulous soft cotton, due to many washings and wearings. LOVE the french sailors print!!!!!!!
And, of course, a chest pocket on the left. There is damage under one arm, so I will be taking the sleeves off and making it a cap sleeve tunic. Don’t mind – as an alteration, that’s probably better. Love it when I find unusual things like this. More coming . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
MID-CENTURY SWING DRESS FIND
Fun find – a custom-tailored frock made sometime between 1960 and 1985. It’s got overall a great day dress style, harking back to the 1940’s. The best thing about the styling, I think, is the flared skirt design which will flip and twirl with every movement. A perfect dress for dancing!
Another neat thing is that the seamstress put in a LONG side zipper so that it’s really easy to put on and take off – no need for contortion or someone to help you zip, as sometimes happens with back zippers.
This is a relatively simple dress, but little clues tell me that the maker put special thought into the styling and construction, which make it special. Love it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
NEW FIND – MORE LINGERIE SLIPS FROM WARTIME AND POST-WAR
Fabulous! Both these slips are rare finds, but the one on left – the oldest – is REALLY RARE. Let me describe them both, and the most fascinating details –
The long slip on right is a post-war 1940’s – early 1950’s length. Look at the beautiful embroidery on the bodice. It’s a very small size (not unusual at that time), but I can wear it and it’s perfect under many of my dresses from that era. Nice to have the hemline lower for those midi-length frocks.
The shorter slip on left is the real elusive find. It’s made of cotton or cotton blend, which is extremely rare and sought-after for wear during the warmer months. I have a couple in white, but BLACK is like WOW!!!!!!! Black sheer summer dresses in my wardrobe will get a lot more wear now. Also, look at the bodice decoration – cute embroidery and RUCHING, which is rarely seen and an older style of embellishment.
The red color of the lace may be due to the effects of perspiration over time. It’s so uniform that I’m not sure about this, but could be that the lace is of a different fabric content (likely) which reacted to the chemicals in sweat. It could be re-dyed but it is kind of pretty as is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
JUST FOUND! DRESSY POST-WAR UPTOWN RAYON DAY DRESS
Made probably in the late 1940’s by a small designer/tailor, it has all the hallmarks of hand-tailoring – pinked seams, reinforcing at the waist, hand-stitching. Love it!
Someone loved this frock very much because it is nearly in perfect condition. Somewhere, sometime she lost one little rhinestone from a button. That’s all. Then, when her estate was unpacked, someone lost the original belt.
You just can’t find good help anymore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
POST-WAR DRESSY DINNER FROCK, CUSTOM-TAILORED IN SOUTH AMERICA
Here’s another dressy frock from Montevideo, Uruguay – probably just a few years younger than her sister shown yesterday. This dress is stylish, but not as Crawford vampish as the other. The 1940’s styling has been played down, excepting for the puffy shoulders and embroidered mesh trim. I forgot to take a picture with the black curly lamb jacket which was also a recent find, from the early 1950’s. Would be a perfect wrap over this dress.
No, it is not bare on the bodice. The mesh has been lined with a flesh-tone panel which is a perfect match for bare skin peeking out at the shoulders. The tailoring of these mid-century frocks is just astounding, especially when they were hand-made by dressmakers. The well-to-do ladies in Montevideo would have had much of their clothing custom-made to their specifications and fit.
However, remember the dressing gown from a few days ago? It was also hand-made, but from France, and probably purchased before the European war. Many Montevidean women purchased French fashions and accessories back in the day.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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