This uniform jacket belonged to a family member who served as a Staff Sargeant in the Army Air Corps, World War II. I especially love the little Peace medallion on the lapel. Not sure if it would technically be illegal to wear this as a Halloween costume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
“Hi” to my friend in Barcelona who loves these beautiful garments, too.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This example is one of the few cases where picking up a more modern garment is worthwhile. Although it’s definitely retro and not expensively made, this gown has so many of the true-to-style elements that evening frocks from the 1930’s and 1940’s did – I was delighted to see how much of the styling the designers had gotten “right” and couldn’t resist it as a great costume.
For Halloween or a historical play it will be lots of fun and fits me well.
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
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
Another classic specialty from the 1930’s to the 1960’s was decorated sweaters. This one is a unique favorite. It’s casual/dressy and has applique’ and beads on the front. Most of this decoration was done by hand and would be fabulously expensive today.
I like the 3/4 sleeves, the little collar, the dusty green color and the fabulous flattering fit! Looks great with a skirt or pants. Keeps me wanting to find more true vintage slacks and skirts to wear with it.
Although it was a casual style, it has a very tailored look to it. By our standards today, women looked “dressed up” almost no matter what kind of outfit they were wearing.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
The nights are getting pretty cool, to say the least! So, I’ve pulled out my flannel robes and this one is a favorite – owned by a great-aunt in the 1940’s.
There’s nothing like snuggly cotton flannel on a cold evening. And, red is even better. Warms me up just to look at it.
Cuffed sleeves, patch pockets, tie belt – what makes it different? The look of the fabric and the construction details, for two. Nothing could be more classic, but this one is true vintage, too.
It just puts me back-in-the-day immediately because I know it has curled up by the fire on many a cold Autumn or Winter night . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
Just right for Autumn, these dark tones are unusual and attractive. The fabric wasn’t expensive, but is distinctive with a slightly nubby stripe woven in. Take a zoom-in look. A very practical style, like the women of that day.
The buttons add some interest with silver rims and extras trimming the collar. That’s a smart place to put an eye-catching touch to the design with additional specialty buttons which would be hard to find. A lost button would have a ready replacement.
I’ll love this frock for a long time. As much as finding dressy, elegant and off-beat outfits thrills me, these more everyday, easy-wear items are still a favorite.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG; MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This combo is perfect for early autumn. Three of my favorite separates, which are very versatile.
The blouse is a silky fabric – maybe silk or might be a synthetic of the time – in cafe’ au lait with black polka dots. It’s so pretty here, or with pants or a suit.
The bolero jacket by Fashion Frock is also a favorite. It’s a tweedy brown/black fabric with a black velveteen collar and fills out the ensemble nicely.
The skirt is wonderful! Black velveteen with a big bow behind, between the buttons. It’s also got a hem that dips a bit in the back. Dressed up or down, so many ways to wear it and it’s so cute!
All these pieces are from the Forties or early Fifties. That’s always a favorite era for me, and I so LOVE finding things that I can put together in lots of different ways . . . .
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 