Tag Archives: Forties

JUST FOUND – 1980’S NEW WAVE 1940’S DRESSY DRESS

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This pretty raspberry-colored midi frock has nice details.  Love the shoulder treatment that broadens without the heavy shoulder pads!  The coat-style button front is different, too, and the belt that buckles in the back with a point in front (or back, as you wish) makes it easy for me to date it almost exactly.

I’ll enjoy wearing this one with its slim lines and adjustable front hem opening.  Very versatile and, again, very vintage – New Wave did it pretty well.   More on the way. . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

MORE DRESSES! 1: FABULOUS ’70’S OR ’80’S DOES 1940’S HALTER NECKLINE SUNDRESS

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What a pretty frock!  Although it was retro when it was made 30 – 45 years ago, it’s true vintage now and gorgeous.  So glad that summer is far from over – I’ll really enjoy wearing it.

I’ve discovered a treasure trove of dresses and clutch purses lately, so stay tuned . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TODAY IT’S A TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S NYLON LADIES’ ROBE

TODAY IT'S A TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S - EARLY 1950'S NYLON LADIES' ROBE

I’ve had lots of fun finding “new” things! I love the fit and drape of this robe. It fits the neckline so nicely and the hem swirls a bit in back.

As soon as I put it on, I could tell that it was an older item by the fit as well as the tailoring details and the fabric. That’s one of the most fun things about discovering, because the clues lead you on to lots of “aha” moments.

And, there’s no more favorite expression than that for a true vintage sleuth . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER CLASSIC FORTIES FROCK, IN BLACK CREPE

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When it rains, it pours.  I’d like a better picture, but it’s that black thing again and the fact that it’s really too big for Stella, who might show it off a little better.  Midi-length, with dolman sleeves, faux pocket detail and elegant stitching on the upper bodice.  Looks like something Joan Crawford would have worn.  Just my style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

FOUND YESTERDAY – CUTEST EVER 1950’S CLUTCH HANDBAG

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It was just a vinyl bargain bag at the time, but oh-so-sweet novelty for carrying with summer dresses.  This one may have come from the “five and dime”, but some girl loved it and it held up well over the years.  Plain zipper opening on top with a bit of bead chain to hold a key.  I’m off to the carnival!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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STILL IN DISCOVERY MODE – SOMEONE CUSTOM-TAILORED THIS CUTE LITTLE BOLERO JACKET ABOUT 60 YEARS AGO

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All hand-made – it’s a classic style which we still see, but the fit and style are different in the way that only true vintage designs can be.  It hits just above the waist and belongs over a plain, black or white dress.  I probably have one or two that will fill the bill . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS 1940’S DAY DRESS – ANOTHER FIND FROM THE WARTIME YEARS

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Love this frock!  They had such fun print designs then.  This one’s a bit atomic – hope they’re not supposed to be bombs.  The wide collar, sleeve cuffs, fabric-covered buttons and bronze color give unusual touches to this example.  The original belt would probably have been covered with the same material as the dress.

It’s got some stain damage down near the hem from bleach or a storage spill, but I don’t care.  Those kinds of accidents were so common in mid-century laundry rooms and have, unhappily, occurred also to many garments that were stored in basements along with chemicals and cans of paint.  As much as I love finding items that are in pristine condition, sometimes the little dings and dirt add a certain je ne sais quoi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY’

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SOPHISTICATED 1940’S LADIES’ HAT OF SUEDED WOOL FELT

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This hat is made of the most wonderful fabric that feels almost like fine suede leather! It’s so hard, sometimes, to photograph black items – I hope that you can see the two bows under the brim in the first photo.  The hat is almost a beret, but has stitched decoration on top and a kind of souffle’ construction so that it can puff up or lay flat on the head.

I suspect that it would be worn more like the first photo, in order to expose the bows above the hairline.  Tricky to do with any kind of hairdo and probably would require hatpins.  What women used to go through to get the “right” look!

So, maybe it was designed to be worn with a sleek head and hair coiled up underneath or massed beneath at the nape of the neck.  It’s fun to wonder what the milliner who designed this beauty had in mind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ANOTHER WARTIME – POST-WAR STRAW HAT. THIS ONE HAS SUEDE TRIM!

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Spring, Summer, Fall?  Who cares?!  This unusual ladies hat will make any simple outfit a stand-out.  Suede leather is a unique combination with the woven straw.

The odd UFO platter shape makes me lean toward dating it in the Forties, but who knows for sure.  During the decades of millinery-mania, there were many innovative and even bizarre styles.

It’s so fun to find an example of that hat madness that is not a run-of-the-mill, frequently-seen design.  More on the way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..  . .. ..

 

MORE FUN TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAGS DISCOVERED

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Garay, made in Hong Kong, Lumured – famous names from the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s. Classic as they come, and in wonderful condition.  I’ll be keeping these for a while.

Never can have too many – especially in navy (not as many around as in black) and white (not as many in pristine condition).  The woven wicker bags are sturdier and more abundant, but finding one that’s undamaged and  has great Lucite trim is another plus. The vinyl interior is very plain, but is a great foundation for a beautiful cloth lining, which I’ll probably make and attach myself (pretty simple).  Remnant pieces of vintage fabric or old scarves and hankies are perfect for the job!

I’m still working through the most recent finds, but I’m sure there will be more.  Maybe tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM