Tag Archives: French

TRUE VINTAGE AT-HOME DRESSING GOWN WRAPPER FROM PARIS

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FRENCH COTTON ROBE IN A NOVELTY PRINT

Originally purchased from a store on the Champs Elysee (the label testifies!), this mid-century wrap has tons of personality!  The colorful motif of rajas, elephants, umbrellas and pennants is humorous like so many of the novelty designs of the early mid-century.  It’s always a real plus to unearth one.

Dresses are always wonderful, but a garment like this one is unique and special.  The open, kimono styling makes me think of lazy days in a Paris apartment with aromas of cooking, the taste of good cheese and wine and the laughter of friends and lovers.  I might even add a snap, hook and a belt and wear it as a dress.

So much fun to find it!  Giselle agrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CASUAL TRUE VINTAGE DAY-DRESS FROM PARIS, FRANCE

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A PRACTICAL BUT CUTE MID-CENTURY COTTON FROCK FOR MAKING THE DAILY RUN TO THE MARKET . .. . . . . . . . .

In the same color(?) palette as yesterday’s dress, this one seems more down-to-earth but still has important elements of style.  It was probably custom-tailored, too.  The buttons are clear plastic with a Deco design.  Like the other it needs a belt, but that’s not a big challenge.

Although knock-your-socks-off styles and fabrics send me over the moon, I never pass up a simple true vintage frock that is well-made.  The material, notions and tailoring are always interesting.  Plus, they usually look really good on, because the cuts tend to be so superior.

Giselle is feeling right at home and we’ll be getting a bit more exotic tomorrow . . … . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

EARLY MID-CENTURY DAY-DRESS OR HOUSE-DRESS FROM PARIS

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LOOSE SHEATH IN CUSTOM-TAILORED SILK

I absolutely love this!  The seamstress was almost finished with it, only needing to remove some basting stitches and do a little final finishing.  It has loops for a belt, and there’s no way to tell if one ever existed.  After a final fitting, I’ll see if and where some extra fabric exists that could make one.

Love the collar, and the pocket trim – the whole vintage styling.  It will be very attractive and comfortable to wear.  With the right finishing, it could be a day-dress or a simple house-dress.  And it’s French!  From Paris!!  What more could I ask . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE SLEEPWEAR FROM PARIS

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FABULOUS RAYON GOWN FROM THE 1920’S – 1940’S

First, let me introduce Giselle, the latest addition to my group of models.  She is from France, possibly via Montreal.  Just look at that attitude!  Although she’s new at this, she was born for it.  Today she is wearing one of my first Paris finds.  I absolutely LOVE discovering true vintage fashion from pre- to post-WWII and what could be better than Paris fashion?

This butter-yellow gown has ruching on the sleeves and bodice, plus bias cutting which makes for the great fit.  The peachy beige lace at the neck is an unusual color combination, and very effective.  Leave it to the French!

Yes, from an out-of-the-way place, but not if you do your homework.  Thanks, Theodora! More on the way . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1950’S FRENCH ROOM GLAMOUR & CREATIVE SLEUTHING SUCCESS

FRENCH ROOM GLAMOUR & CREATIVE SLEUTHING SUCCESS

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this jacket! It was from the “French Room” of some department store in the 1940’s – 1950’s and has the most lovely European couture style.

French blue with royal purple cuffs and attached scarf, wicked fit and unusual tailoring details. So unusual! Near the same time, I also found a French wool hat in the same purple – PERFECT!

I looked for several years for the perfect skirt or dress to go with it and, voila’, it did appear, as I knew it would.  Perfect color and fit – a sleeveless sheath dress.  Purples are hard to match, like many other hues.

Ooh, la la! Oui, oui!  So now I have my cute little outfit with just the right sassy chic.  Ce la vie for the Magicvintagespy.  Now for the shoes – I have the most perfect pumps from France in brown leather, but I would so much like purple. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION

FABULOUS FIND – ELEGANT SKIRT SUIT BY DESIGNER HENRI’ BENDEL

FABULOUS FIND - ELEGANT SKIRT SUIT BY DESIGNER HENRI' BENDEL

This suit is SO elegant & classic, it’s hard for me to date it precisely. I’m guessing it may have been made during the 1960’s.

One of my favorite ensembles – it has “couture” written all over it and you really understand what that means when it is on the body. What a cut! I always draw admiring looks and compliments when I wear it.

In a slate blue/cranberry weave with a gorgeous cranberry lining. Cuff detail and silver buttons shaped like turtles – I just love it!

If I ever have meetings with bankers or have other reasons to appear very “well – heeled”, this is the disguise I choose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. (with one of those slips underneath). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

FRENCH MEN’S LEATHER & WOODEN CLOGS – SMALL ENOUGH FOR ME!

WHAT A FABULOUS FIND THIS WAS! HANDMADE SHOES FROM FRANCE!!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

FRENCH MEN'S LEATHER &WOODEN CLOGS - SMALL ENOUGH FOR ME!

Just to keep the fare varied, here’s another pair of shoes – but men’s from France. I am not sure how old these are. They are a size 7B, which is a smallish and narrow men’s size. That works for my 8narrowB feet.

The uppers are leather with laces, black or dark navy. They look like an oxford, but have the full wooden sole, made like the wonderful Scandinavian clogs. Undoubtedly, they are hand-made.

I’m not sure if these are true vintage or not – they appear to be, but European shoes and garments have different labeling and so many are hand-done that it is hard to be sure.  They are a very traditional French design.

Regardless, I love them.  Such quality and style. They were a surprise find and I think they are delightful! Love clogs, anyway – it’s a very early ’70’s thing in the U.S.  I wonder…

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FRENCH MEN’S LEATHER & WOODEN CLOGS – SMALL ENOUGH FOR ME!

FRENCH MEN'S LEATHER & WOODEN CLOGS – SMALL ENOUGH FOR ME!.

BEAUTIFUL MID-CENTURY HAT IN EMERALD GREEN – TRUE VINTAGE MADE IN FRANCE

BEAUTIFUL MID-CENTURY HAT IN EMERALD GREEN – TRUE VINTAGE MADE IN FRANCE.

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! 1950’S NEEDLE-WORK PATTERNS THAT FOLLOWED RUNWAY FASHION IN EUROPE . . .

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! 1950'S NEEDLE-WORK PATTERNS THAT FOLLOWED RUNWAY FASHION IN EUROPE . . ..