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
This was another surprise discovery and I was absolutely amazed! Someone safeguarded this lovely outfit for decades in the back of her closet. It’s hardly been worn, if at all.
Aside from the killer ’40s fit, look at the tailoring details on the jacket – the piping on cuffs and collar and the little “pocket” at each shoulder, just for fun!
There is a maker’s label on the jacket facing. Lightweight wool material in a tattersall check of ivory, black, sky blue and cranberry. The jacket is lined. The skirt swings. Love it! I have lots of suits from the ’40s – ’60s and love to mix and match the jackets and skirts with other items from my wardrobe, as well as wearing them as a suit for certain occasions – there’s nothing more arresting and pulled-together-looking. Great way to make an impression.
Love fun surprises! but, ah well, it’s all just in another day of sleuthing . . . . you just never know. .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I love this one so much! Beautiful, soft suede in a luscious red. As always, wonderfully tailored – great buttons, lovely lining, nifty, elegant style. Forties shoulders are always a favorite of mine.
This one was originally purchased at the Holiday House in Estes Park, Colorado (also in Scottsdale, Arizona). I have found many more wonderful leather and suede jackets in my vintage-hunting expeditions, and always at great prices.
It pays to be a magicvintagespy!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This one is a favorite of mine. It is of a heavy cotton-type material with a quilted lining. Warm, but not too heavy. Fabulous Forties style and, also, very practical.
The colors are ivory, green and red. It’s perfect for spring and fall weather. The attached belt across the front and some elastic in back give the nipped waist feature that I really love. And, of course, pads in the shoulders. So flattering!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I have collected a number of these, from ’30’s to ’60’s but I’ve NEVER seen one made like this! The outer shell is of nylon and looks like what I’m used to seeing, with common decoration of embroidery and lace at the bodice – familiar pearlized buttons at the neck – but THE WHOLE THING IS LINED IN PINK FLANNELETTE! How warm and cozy is that.
Makes me wonder if there’s a Great Britain connection here – they’re always chilly there and looking for ways to warm up. Our filmy lingerie of North America doesn’t quite do it in the damp air over there. This bed jacket could easily have been imported by someone who moved here, or by a British retailer in Australia.
It’s been so much fun to discover the differences between the vintage garments that were sold here in Australia and those at home. And, I’m only a third of the way through this investigation . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Beautiful true vintage western-wear jacket from the 1950s/early ’60s. Notice the superb workmanship and tailoring (even though it would look best on a size 4 model rather than size 6).
I LOVE the older leather items made in the American west, or in Mexico and Europe. So beautiful! Forgive me if your country has made wonderful leather items, too, and I have not mentioned you here.
The materials are of high quality and have enabled it to last for 50 years with very little sign of wear. Find a jacket of this type and enjoy it for life!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It’s the time of year when we start thinking about dressy events, dances and holidays again. I’ll be showing more true vintage formal, semi-formal and dressy looks.
These tops would look great with the velveteen skirt from yesterday. And, I’ve got some formal and dressy frocks that need a special wrap to go with them. Often what you already have in the closet just doesn’t work. That’s the time when our grandmothers would get out their knitting needles and crochet hooks . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It’s the details and the fit that make these things so wonderful! That’s what I love about true vintage and hand-constructed clothing. Check out these photos from a 1950’s needlework magazine, given to me by a woman who did this every year.
For a woman who had the skills to make these, it must have been so much fun to look through the new knitting magazines. These weren’t runway styles that were out of her reach!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Probably my favorite 3-season skirt suit (Spring, Summer, Fall)! It has a GREAT fit (very saucy) and neat 3/4 sleeves. It’s so light that you can ditch the jacket during really hot weather.
In this picture it looks like Madge’s dresser was having an “off” day, but I have left the blouse un-tucked in order to show it better – it is NOT true vintage, but was made by Trashy Diva in New Orleans. Her couture deserves special mention because she designs with vintage features and uses vintage fabrics. I have referenced her shop in my book.
This lightweight little suit is as versatile as a little black dress. It can be dressed up or down, with or without the jacket. Any variety of tops can be worn and changes the presentation completely, from work to shopping to cocktails, to dinner, etc., etc. It also shows off jewelry beautifully against the black fabric.
This garment was never a high-end item, but was worn by a very fashionable woman who I knew. I was so pleased to find it at her friend’s yard sale across the street one day! As always, it goes to show that you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Found yesterday! A beautiful cotton sundress with matching bolero jacket. These lady-like dresses were popular in the early 1960’s for everyday wear. Perfect for a day at the county fair.
Another reason for the good condition is the quality of the fabric and the workmanship. A maker’s tag is still at the neckline and indicates that it was from an upscale mid-priced clothing line.
It’s another rare find. I’m always so thrilled with the lovely tailoring details on these older dresses. As usual, someone cherished this one and took excellent care – there’s hardly a bit of wear. Just another day in the life of . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 