Tag Archives: Happy Days

TRUE VINTAGE CASUAL SWEATERS FROM THE FIFTIES – A CUTE PAIR OF TWINS FOR THE SWEATER GIRLS

IMG_0927     Not your typical “twin-set” – I found this pair of ’50’s cuties together – they probably belonged to the same woman.  They’re identical excepting for the color.  Very becoming to both Madge and Stella, don’t you think?  If you zoom in, you can see the decorative studs on the front of each one.

Of the softest angora blend – rollover neckline, 3/4 sleeves and decorated with button accents on the front – these look great with black cigarette pants or a coordinating skirt.  Perfect for a casual Fifties or early Sixties cocktail hour.  Belly up to the Tiki bar!

True vintage sweaters in perfect condition are always a rare find!  Just another day in the life of the magicvintagespy . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEW FIND FOR THE GUYS – 1950’S LAKELAND WISCONSIN SWEATER & SUEDE JACKET!

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I’m over-the-moon with this one!!  Last year I found a wonderful sweater made like this, with soft, fine suede – but this one is a full jacket WITH A ZIP-OUT PILE LINING! – and braided leather buttons.  Just LOVE the quality and style of jackets made between 1940 and 1960.  What a fabulous mid-century vibe.

It was another magic moment for the Magicvintagespy because this coat is in virtually perfect condition.  Just like stepping into a Happy Days episode or going Back to the Future. What fun!  More to come . . . . . . . stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A TRUE VINTAGE HEAVY KNIT 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S AUTUMN SWEATER-JACKET

A TRUE VINTAGE HEAVY KNIT 1950'S - EARLY 1960'S SWEATER-JACKET

A find from out West last time I went, this is my second jacket of this type.  It’s made of a very heavy synthetic fiber – probably an acrylic, and has a real Happy Days feel to me – and unisex appeal.  I love the abstract geometric designs on these and the bright Fall colors on this one.  Warm and attention-getting.  Wear them with slacks, jeans, leggings or they can even go over a skirt or sheath dress.  . . . . . .

As I write this, there are four garments in my wardrobe which are made of this textile.  It’s a very heavy, glossy yarn and is a mystery to me.  Even my sister, with an MFA in costume design, couldn’t help me with more information!  I do suspect that it’s from the 1940’s or 1930’s, when natural fabrics such as wool, silk and cotton, were sidelined to produce uniforms, parachutes and other supplies for the war effort.  So many great synthetics were developed about that time in history, to produce clothing for the civilian population.  If anyone can shed light on this investigation, please send the intelligence.  Although it may be Top Secret, it’s time to declassify it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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ICONIC TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S MINK-TRIMMED BLOUSE – ANOTHER TREASURE FOUND NEW ZEALAND

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAnother rare find!  This one was not a high-end item when it was made, but it is an iconic piece with mink-trimmed sleeves.  I have a few of these garments with sleeves like this but don’t find them often.

Metallic thread on sheer black fabric, with “Autumn Haze” mink cuffs.  Buttons up the back.  Back in the day, companies that produced medium-priced clothing still made some “luxury” items that the average woman could afford, and they made them well.

What a pleasure to discover this one!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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FABULOUS FIND!!! 1940’S – 1950’S COTTON CIRCLE SKIRT DRESS

A dream find for any vintage-hunter!  Love this pretty day-dress so much.  It needed some TLC with stains from storage, but I was up to the challenge.  Beautiful decoration and comfy cotton; it’s the perfect summer frock.

Imagine this kind of intricate stitchery on an everyday dress today – even similar-looking examples are only cheap imitations of what used to be the standard of quality back in the day.  More newly-discovered treasures are coming – we’ve only just begun . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

FLATTERING TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S SUMMER DRESS IN APRICOT

FLATTERING TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S - EARLY 1960'S SUMMER DRESS IN APRICOT

I love the styling of this frock, with its wasp waist, free hips, cap sleeves and delicate neckline that really enhance the figure.  Madge’s fuller measurements give it the right “va-voom” fit.  I also like the peek-a-boo effect of the white band below the waistline.

This was another “surprise find” – always the most fun!  Summer days and nights, here we come . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CLASSIC GARAY EVENING CLUTCH FROM THE 1950’S

So many clutch purses are made today in vintage styles, but there’s nothing like the quality and attention to detail found in true vintage examples.  I’ll ALWAYS go for those instead!  I love rigid handles that can be folded inside the purse to hide and beautiful satin fabric covering is always elegant and versatile.  Two compartments inside with a see-through vinyl divider is so practical, too.

This Garay handbag is elegant and probably never carried.  There is a bit of storage wear, but the inside is absolutely perfect.  Sigh – another happy escapade!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE ELEGANT 1950’S HANDBAG

This purse is a great example of the things I love about handbags made in the 1950’s.  The true size is about 10″x 12″x 2″ – not too big, but it can hold a lot and has many interesting features:

Soft fabric finished to mimic suede.

Several inside pockets and a matching satin lining

  • High quality, attractive hardware
  • Two large outside pockets worked into the design so that they are invisible
  • A cute attached coin purse that keeps cash safe and accessible

So many of these older bags are in near-perfect condition, too – many with tissue paper inside.  Owning fine accessory items and caring for them well (even without servants) used to be one of the hallmarks of an elegant lifestyle, and still is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER SURPRISE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S/’50’S DRESS WITH THE TAGS STILL ON!!

ANOTHER SURPRISE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S/'50'S DRESS WITH THE TAGS STILL ON!!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE surprises like this!! A polished cotton Spring shirtwaist frock from back in the day that’s new to me!

This dress would have been sold in a hometown store or a department store – it was a budget to mid-priced item – but the quality of workmanship would beat most of what is sold today.  That’s not even to consider the fabric – it’s really superior and you won’t find anything like that now!

It was just an everyday day-dress to Rosie the Riveter or Lucy Ricardo, but I think it’s cute with a lot of attitude today. That’s what it’s all about.  Madge thinks it’s pretty swell . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

A HAPPY TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY PARTY DRESS

BYE - BYE BLUES! A HAPPY FIFTIES PARTY DRESS ENDS MY BLUE SERIES, for the time being . . . .

If you find a good deal on a vintage dress with stains like these, don’t let it worry you. I’ve had great success learning how to deal with them . . . . . . . . .

In heavy rayon or a blend, with its own rhinestone pin and a sassy fit, this dress has 1950’s party written all over it. In a pretty robin’s egg print, it’s just right for Spring. Try it with a little bolero jacket or sweater.

A frock such as this one is too good to pass up, if you feel confident about your skills. . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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