Just came up with this one, too. So many of the day dresses from this era were made to very elegant standards. Although a lot of lace dresses have been made in the last few years, trying to duplicate this look, I’ve never seen one done to the level of quality and design as true vintage examples.
So, be vigilant and don’t be mislead by the vintage design charlatans and scam artists . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just found – I sometimes like TVR (true vintage retro-at least 30 years old and made in a retro style) garments if they are well-done. I’ve recently found quite a few.
In this case, we’ve got a south-of-the-border print dress made by Brownstone Studio (a “better” modern brand) with true-to-the-Forties style and a lightweight rayon print shirt-waist in my favorite dark navy and white that kind of flutters as you walk.
For everyday, when I don’t want to have to be concerned about safeguarding a precious true vintage garment while I’m living life, these are just right.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
With polka dots, a flouncy neckline and full metal back zipper this rayon & acetate blouse is pure 1950’s – early 1960’s. Can’t wait to wear it with my “new” black pencil skirt!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Aren’t these the sweetest things! Just love them. Nothing much is cuter than 1960’s shoes. Very Audrey Hepburn.
The Joyce company made nice sportswear during the 1960’s – worth a pick-up if you find anything true vintage by that label. As always, be wary of cheaper latecomers . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Definitely retro (not REAL vintage), but I love the styling and the drape of the rayon fabric. It’s got the iconic fit of 1930’s – 1940’s sheath gowns that were so elegant and dramatic.
The huge hibiscus flower is probably a bit over-the-top in terms of designs from wartime, but some very bold floral prints were made then, too. Anyway, I think this one rocks!
So, Mata Hari, move over! The Magicvintagespy is on a roll . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
NEW WAVE 1980’S SHIRT JACKET
This shirt/jacket is an unusual one for me to include in my collection – is it true vitage or not? The A B S clothing company was started in 1982, so it might be 30 years old and animal prints were iconic at that time (again!). If it was made in 1982 or 1983, I’d be willing to call it true vintage and I’ll explain why.
Animal prints have been a significant fashion trend at one time in the 1940’s, mid/late 1950’s, late 1960’s and again in the New Wave early 1980’s, as far as I know. They show up at other times, too, but were a bigger deal in the fashion world at these specific times.
When I saw this item, I immediately thought of the early ’80’s and was also impressed with the quality of the garment. I have since learned that the A B S company is known for making better-quality clothing than most of what we find now. This shirt was also made in the U.S.A., which is unusual (if not unheard of) in modern clothing.
The deciding factors for me were the quality construction – 1. the fabric is heavy, with a nice hand (feel). 2. The pattern is really well-matched at the seams, so that it isn’t broken up across the garment (an important tell-tale sign of high quality). 3. The buttons are very nice black plastic faceted to look like jet beads. 4 .The shirt/jacket has french cuffs with button cuff-links (which, fortunately, were not missing!) Overall, it is a garment of significantly better quality than most. My size – excellent condition.
So, I have included it and described my thinking that justified buying it. Sometimes you can’t be absolutely sure and some knowledge and skills to make smart decisions come in handy. This is a time when price can be the final deciding factor, as well as how much you love it.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
CUSTOM-TAILORED 1950’S PARTY FROCK WITH RABBIT TRIM
Although this dress looks very cute on Stella’s figure, it really must have been sewn for a petite woman much shorter. I can’t quite imagine a style like this with fur and rhinestone trim made for a teen or a child in the 1950’s. At any rate, the average height of a Fifties lady would have been 5 or 6 inches shorter while still perhaps being a tiny vintage size 10, like Stella.
Imagine my surprise to see this rare garment! If you’ve been with me for a while, you may remember that several years ago I encountered a similar frock in ivory brocade with mink trim on the 3/4 sleeves. That seems to have been a popular early 1950’s trend. In this case, we are seeing very pretty rabbit fur, with a little rhinestone trim nestled in the bodice ornament.
Another surprise is that this frock, despite it’s elegant style and up-scale materials, appears to have been hand-made. It’s construction demonstrates the handiwork of someone who was very skilled, so perhaps it was made by a professional tailor rather than a home-based seamstress. However, who actually knows? With no labels to point the way, it’s just another delicious mystery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Perfect-for-Fall once again. The older garments made by the Leslie Fay label were quite nice. Fortunately, this one caught the wave before quality started to go south in the 1980’s. Now it’s pretty much gotten beached . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Anyway, this gown is nicely-made, a good-quality knit and in just about my size. Union-made and in perfect shape. Though not my usual style, it might be just right for some particular activity – maybe a nursing home visit . . . . . . . . . ..
Uh-oh, I’m being bad today! Guess I had too much fun yesterday. No! There is never too much fun. Go forth and have it – and have a great Labor Day weekend . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
If you can shimmy like your sister Sue, this is the dress for you! It’s my size, but I have to learn how to do it justice on the dance floor. However, it’ll probably make a statement with any kind of dance, excepting ballroom.
Someone made this frock or costume by hand in the 1960’s or 1970’s. Definitely styled to make an impression. If you’ve ever seen someone who can shimmy well, you know what I mean.
What fun! I found another 1960’s version earlier this year – a trend? Who knows. They say that things come in threes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
HAD to pick this up when I found it – a carrying bag for shoes (particularly, dance shoes for ballet, tap, etc.). I had one when taking ballet lessons as a child. Hadn’t thought of it in years – what a blast from the past to see it! I’ll bet that some of you recognize it, too.
Also uncovered some fabulous dresses today and will show them soon . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 