One of my very favorites – this Spring hat is so distinctive and unusual. With classic lines and straightforward coloring, but a surprising and flattering asymmetrical trim.
That feature reminds me of a green hat that Greer Garson wore in the WWII movie Mrs. Miniver. To die for . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Of rayon and silk, these pretties are some of my best, or most interesting. The embroidery on the two right ones is unusual and the ’40’s white dressing gown is a style that I have seen only 2 or 3 times.
From the glamour days of motion pictures and film noir –
While we’re still snuggled inside, during the transitional weather, these little indulgences are a real treat.
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Here’s a real variety of styles in a more casual group. They all look very Spring-like!
Also, imagine these cute, stylish versions in full leather and/or other quality materials, hand-made. No wonder they’re still around for us to admire. What a dream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Here’s another great collection of sling-backs & pumps.from the shoe museum in Mexico City. Look at the decoration on the vamps and the peep-toes. LOVE peep-toes!
Can you imagine owning beautiful designer styles like this, in 100% leather construction, done by hand? Heaven! Used to be, shoes like that were available in most shoe stores. Now they’re all made of ticky-tacky and they all look just the same.
’40’s shoes are some of my very favorites, and such a pleasure to see so many examples in such beautiful condition.
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This is one of my very favorite jackets – a lighter-weight rayon/synthetic number with an abstract print in brown on ivory, with black velveteen collar, cuffs & buttons. I wear it with a modern (80’s or 90’s) black silk skirt, at present.
Somewhere between the late Forties and the mid-Fifties this garment with an atomic print made a very stylish statement. It is utterly unique and I LOVE it!!
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Couldn’t believe it when I spotted this one – an ivory crepe swing jacket with lovely shoulders and fabulous drape. It closes with a single covered button at the neck. It’s a great silhouette, very elegant with lots of presence!
Over skirt, dress or slacks it’s so elegant and moves wonderfully. One of my best examples of what made Forties
fashions fabulous . . . . . . . . . . .
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FROM THE EARLY 1970’S RETRO FORTIES ERA
This is an unusual purchase for me, but it is so iconic of that early ’70’s time that I just had to nab it – and some of the details are compelling. Jumpsuits were a big deal (briefly) during the early 1970’s, as they were (briefly) during the 1940’s, too. Can’t wait to photograph it on Stella. It’s a small size that will fit her to a “T”.
The first thing that caught my eye was the color – love this wonderful glossy Bordeau wine hue – and the fabric. It’s a blend of acetate and rayon (very popular in the Forties) and gives the garment that wonderful drape plus adding the depth and shimmer to the color.
Shoulder pads, a nipped waist and plunging back above a button-and-zipper closure. Couldn’t be a more flattering style on someone with a slim figure. The waistline also has belt loops, showing that a wide cinch belt was the original. It will be fun to find the one I like best. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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A gorgeous dance dress that may have been for Prom or just for any Big Band dance party – they used to be so popular back in the day. Will LOVE to see her on Stella, when I get around to it.
The year I found this beauty (not long ago), a famous label made one in the same basic style but not nearly so well done. No lovely flowers at the waistline and (horrors!) in a choice of several different colors. Can you imagine spending $250 for a dress and seeing one just like it (but maybe blue) at the party, too?!
After purchasing her for about 70 cents (that’s right – seventy pennies!) and exercising a little of my rehab know-how, this is what I had about 4 days later and just my size. Not bad, huh?
This frock could show up any time and have her dance card full immediately. The Belle of the Ball and completely unique. Some girls have all the luck . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s Marlene in a great hat – might look good with that bright red ’40’s suit shown a few days ago . . . . . . .. It’s a beanie style with a tassel, all in Valentine red wool.
This is another example of what I call “witty” vintage style – fun, even amusing, details or designs that just make us smile. True vintage is full of that in a much better way than I ever see it done now.
Take a look at the necklace, too. I’ve got another picture of it coming later, but this one might even have better detail resolution.
Time to switch a bit, away from the truly Wintery-looking things. The hat collection is coming, plus some jewelry – though most of that will be later – maybe this summer. Got to get through the LBD’s first, and the shoes, some more Springy things plus the odd this and that which always turns up. In other words, stay tuned . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I just love the hugely distinctive tailoring on this jacket!! The ensemble, of course, is woven of wool. Big shoulder pads and a belted jacket which leaves the back hanging free. The belt passes through slits in the waistline of the jacket that allow the back to fall straight. There is decorative button detail at each shoulder-blade area in the back, too.
The jacket, alas, was found without a matching skirt. But, by searching high and low I discovered one almost a perfect match. The original was probably longer than this one is, however.
Although this suit doesn’t have a fur collar, the collar is very high for warmth and a sweater could easily be worn underneath, rather than a blouse. it could be worn alone, without a coat, on a cool or cold day. Very practical, standard dressy day-wear for wartime and post-war women.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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