Today, on a more-or-less routine survey, I had wonderful good fortune. I’m just about to re-examine and photograph my newest acquisitions and get them ready to post on the blog. Because I have already scheduled postings for the next three days, expect to begin seeing these on Sunday, Nov. 13.
Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’ve always loved the garments made by this company, SWIRL, and this one is no exception. It may not be as old as some of the ones I own, but still has the ’60’s – ’70’s applique’ and the great styling.
Like some other things (the dresses I just came up with . . . . .), you can never have too many . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
With winter coming, I just couldn’t pass this one up. Although it’s got some issues and is not my color, I’m going to keep it to wear around the house on a chilly day when I want the quilted comfort of a true vintage robe.
Not into yellow? Well, I can dye it! Yes, this robe is made of acetate, which will accept dye well – at least in my previous experience. So, crimson or hot pink will make a pretty coral color that will warm me up on cold, snowy mornings . . . . . . .
As an aside, don’t try dying at home unless you are experienced or don’t mind having a mistake (maybe a BIG mistake, depending on the garment). It’s a great way to learn, but do so with caution.
P.S. PLEASE VOTE THIS NOVEMBER. IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED, OR AREN’T SURE ABOUT YOUR REGISTRATION, CHECK ON IT AND GET THAT DONE.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s another mid-century at-home leisure outfit. This one is a sumptuous lipstick red velvet design that mimics 1930’s – 1940’s style – I have a true vintage 1930’s rayon robe with tasseled sash – but this one, while still true vintage, is probably from the 1950’s or 1960’s.
LOVE the glamorous look and luxurious feel. What a treat to make a RARE discovery like this one (of course, that happens to me a lot, and each one is a delight!).
With pinked seams, rolled cowl neckline, a long back zipper and the wonderful rayon tassels on the belt plus a lovely embroidered tag. I can just see “The” Marilyn wearing this backstage in her dressing room, can’t you?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
We’re working our way from the Fifties into the Sixties here, starting with a beautiful nylon shorty nightgown with embroidered bodice. This was standard nightwear back in the day.
Second, a lightweight cotton smock, with embroidered pocket. It is even older, and was very common as a morning house-dress. Delicate and sheer, they are quite feminine and usually in pastel colors.
The brown checked house-dress, which can even be belted and worn to town, is early Sixties leisure wear, with the big flower applique’ detail that was popular then.
This was the kind of thing women wore at home early in the morning or between changes of clothing. You often see examples in old movies. They’re fun to have for those hang-around-the-house times. I always pick up good examples when I find them . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
A change of pace for the weekend – let’s slip into some fabulous-feeling vintage nylon. There’s nothing that feels like it – heavy, smooth, creamy and cool on your skin. Well, enough of that – this is a vintage fashion blog, not a . . . . . .
These are what the fashionable woman wore at home while relaxing and/or for casual entertaining. The one on the left is a slip-over design with roses embroidered at the neck. The right-hand style is unique with two fabric layers, a front zipper and long scarf “tails” that can be tied in a bow or crossed in front and thrown over the shoulders. One is by ShadowLine and the other by a less well-known maker.
Those shoulder “tails” are an interesting feature. I have a velveteen sheath dress circa about 1960 which has them and also a jacket, which I think comes from the wartime era. Not sure if this style element was something that repeated – I haven’t seen it often. The color combo on the right has such a characteristic ’60’s look.
When I go sleuthing, or just sorting through my closets, I drift through several decades one after the other. It’s almost as good as going to the movies . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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Not as elegant as the item posted yesterday, but wonderful in its own way. This sturdy cotton housecoat with a cheery floral print was just an everyday item, it has survived all these years primarily due to it’s quality fabric and solid construction.
In one way, it was a mess when I found it – covered with brownish spots that had undoubtedly been there for years. But, I know a gem in the rough when I see it and said “I can fix that!” And, with confidence and experience, I did.
It was well worth the gamble. Often this is true – sometimes it’s not and it is better to walk away. Knowing when to walk away is one of the skills I have picked up over the years and has saved me a lot of trouble and expense.
This one, because of its age, was a rare find – but not so awfully rare for the Magicvintagespy .. . . . . . . .poof!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Wow again. Tons of fun! This one didn’t cause the mystery and the “a-ha” moments that the dress did, but it was just an immediate Back to the Future experience!!
The moment I spied these crazy cats, I was transported to the early 1960’s. There is a cartoon show from that time called The Jetsons, still available to watch online. I can see Mrs. Jetson wearing this in the kitchen or, maybe, their pet cat looked like this. It just made me laugh. And, guess what else I found – the elusive but ever-present safety pin inside. Seems like no mid-century homemaker wanted to be caught without one at hand.
Lots of clues here – no mystery about getting it right. . . . . . . . I take back what I said yesterday – it is just as fun to get knocked over the head with all the information as it is to solve a mystery, just not the same fun. But, hey – fun is fun, right? Sounds like a silly argument to me . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
These kinds of lingerie items are so special and rare. Dainty, lightweight robes like the one on the left were standard bedroom wear in the ’40’s and before – the thing to wear between rising and dressing.
The contrasting colors of the rayon gown on the left are so unusual and little details like the tiny buttons and shoulder-augmentation make this a distinctive garment – not just something to throw on absentmindedly. It’s from the late 1930’s to 1940’s.
The gown on the right is even older. It is of white/ivory rayon satin, with side snap or hook closure in a plain sheath style. I’ve paired a bed jacket with it, made of similar fabric. This could be adapted to a formal dance or wedding gown and would be from the late 1920’s to the 1930’s, similar to a Coco Chanel design of that time (the dress – not the bed jacket).
Anyway, they are wonderful finds and gave me a real thrill to discover them! The fun never ends . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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