Tag Archives: ladies’

I’M IN A BLUE MOOD IN TRUE VINTAGE HEAVEN – MORE PRETTY SHIRTWAIST DRESSES

IMG_0984 IMG_0983     I LOVE shirtwaist dresses!  Madge shows these off very well because they don’t have side closures.  The first one here is a mid-century piece with a matching fabric-covered belt.  Both are day-dresses but this one is prettier and more dainty.

The second is an ’80’s does ’40’s style.  Not the original belt on that one – so I’ll find another or make one with fabric from the hem, if I decide to shorten it.  It’s a sportier style, but can be dressed up, too.

I also love the Blues, and there are more to come . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

FABULOUS FUN FALL FIND TODAY – TRUE VINTAGE 1970’S JUMPSUIT!

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Another nod to the 1940’s, 1970’s style.  Cool!  I’ll have so much fun wearing this one, right away!  Lovely knit with covered buttons on the cuffs – although it was a mid-priced item, it’s still been well-made by the fabulous Ladies Garment Workers Union.

Just the right weight for the transitional weather that we’re about to step into and perfect Autumn colors.  I’m looking forward to a Labor Day weekend music & beer party in a few days but, I think I’ll wear one of my mid-century Mexican skirts this time – just because.  These fabulous jumpsuits only have one little drawback . . . . . . . . . . . .  In spite of the similarities with cat burglar leotards, not good for sleuthing in, either . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY HAPPY DAYS COTTON BLOUSE FOR SUMMER – ONE OF MY FIRST AUSSIE FINDS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA So simple and plain, but it really transports me to photographs of women having fun at the seaside in the Forties, Fifties and early Sixties. And, there’s LOTS of absolutely beautiful seaside in Australia!  Although we’re thinking about Autumn here and getting ready for cooler weather, the Australians are thinking about the blazing heat to come soon “down under”.

This top was custom-tailored in a lovely heavy woven cotton (not knit). Sleeveless, boxy cut, square neck with a little decorative pocket in front.  Just grazing the waistline, to show a little tummy once in a while.

Nothing could be more basic or classic.  Worn with a pair of “capris”, “pedal pushers” or “short shorts” or, even, with a pleated white skirt or a pair of jeans – that’s how it was done back in the day.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A TIMELESS FIND FROM “DOWN UNDER” – TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC WHITE BLOUSE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA     This shirt joined my true vintage wardrobe when I was in Australia several years ago.  It’s of the most wonderful cotton/cotton-blend fabric! That was my first tip-off to its age.  I have another white blouse from the Forties with similar tailoring details, but this one is not quite so old.  Although it’s a timeless style, the little clues that it isn’t modern are all over.

With no label, its origin is a mystery.  It looks as though it was commercially-made, but not completely.  Sometimes custom-made garments from tailoring shops had that look.

Although the answers are elusive, it’s different and I know it.  Imagine my delight to discover this hiding among all the ho-hum modern things . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LATEST FIND – A LOVELY LACE BEADED DRESS FROM THE EARLY 1960’S . . . . . . .

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About 4 – 5 sizes too big for Stella, but it has to be shown on a model because of the swishy skirt and the way it drapes.  Lace overlay was very popular in the Kennedy era and much more nicely-done than the cheap versions we’ve seen lately.  The fabric is glossy substantial, and there are pearl bead accents sewn all over.

Another great part of the design is the way that the back swoops toward the waist.  So, it’s not a drop-your-champagne-glass-when-you-see-it type of frock but it’s a lovely, classicaly-tailored garment that was worth collecting (and a design that is easy to alter!). .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SILK DRESS & 1950’S SHEER BLOUSES WITH PRETTY SKIRTS & LINGERIE SLIPS

IMG_0993 IMG_0994Really pretty outfits, a dress and skirts/blouses.  I have combined more modern vintage skirts with sheer true vintage 1950’s blouses.  The pink leather peep-toe slingback pumps are ’80’s or early ’90’s does ’40’s – Nina brand. (’90’s – I have a hard time calling that “vintage” , though some people do) since I love the old classics much more.  The slips are true vintage and the silk dress is authentic 1940’s or 1930’s, too.IMG_0995FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

LOOK WHAT I FOUND TODAY!!

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Vintage high-top ladies’ roller skates, complete with pom-poms and original carry-case.  (I can even wear them!)  How cool is this!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LOVE IT! CUTE TAILORED 2 PIECE DRESS FROM THE SIXTIES – SEVENTIES

Lovely late-mid-century tailoring.  Picture this dress on a shorter model – it’s not supposed to be midriff-baring.  I love this nautical flair in dark navy and white, with asymetrical back and side buttons on the top.  Such an unusual design!

It’s cute and sassy while also being elegant.  That’s the best type of vintage design in smart casual wear.  They used to do it so well . . . . . . . . . . . .

I was super-happy to encounter this set.  Unusual pieces always give me a thrill.  So, wait till you see what I discovered next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER FUN MID-CENTURY FIND

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This maxi dress from the ’60’s to ’70’s is a popular style of that time.  In this case, the Hostess Gown has elements of the Asian Cheongsam style dress that is classic and very flattering.  A Mandarin collar, frog closures, a shadow design of fans and flowers and walking slits in the hem hold true to traditional Asian dress design.

In this case, the dress is handmade and has a vintage Talon zipper.  Although it may have been made in some U.S. woman’s home rather than a Chinese tailor’s, the mid-century handiwork of that time adds to the value of a dress made then.  So, another garment a bit large for me, but worth collecting.  Things tend to get more exciting from here on, so –

Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MY 1st NEW FIND – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S CLASSIC GIRLY BLOUSE

I’ll start off with this conservative but very of-the-time ladies’ blouse.  Not my style (or size), but oh-so-vintage and worth collecting.  In this case, it’s a well-made version from Montreal, where style has always been ascendant – so it has a good pedigree.  That French influence is always a plus!

“Whipped cream”, Georgette fabric finish was popular in modern synthetics of that time.  Along with the lace and embroidered trim, it adds a pretty, feminine element to the style of this shirt.  I also always love little pearlized buttons wherever they turn up on vintage clothing – usually blouses and sleepwear.

Don’t know much about the history of this clothing company – sometimes the background on Canadian makers is less available.  However, it’s well-made and stands up well against any American maker’s products of that time.  I always love to see examples like this, no matter where they come from.  Keep on bringin’ ’em on – and I do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM