Beautiful, beautiful. Worthy of Mata Hari, it’s classically hand-tailored – but wait – in Japan?! This is a traditional Chinese style frock. Also, because of it’s classic design and the handcrafting techniques used in it’s construction, I can’t tell it’s exact age. So many mysterious and conflicting clues – like when agents are “hiding in plain sight”. Perfect disguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anyway, after hats off to my craft and fellow operatives, I don’t have to worry about those twists and turns because this case is closed. Now all that’s left to do is declassify the file and enjoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Yes, V is for Vintage and also for Vegan. Just posted new intelligence on my Twitter account about a list of companies that sell vegan clothing items and accessories. This is a fabulous tool since it can be difficult to source those things successfully without insider information. The list is recommended and approved by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) which has high standards for the credentials of any company they will include. Companies on the list should also have a label on each garment, shoe, etc. which reflects the PETA approval – PETA-APPROVED VEGAN. This resource makes it much easier for those of us who love all creatures to shop with a clear conscience and the goal of improving the ethical standards of the worldwide marketplace.
Alas, many true vintage wardrobe items were not made in ways which we would call humane today, but their quality, beauty and historical value are still unsurpassed by the things which are manufactured now. If we support the modern market for humane and sustainable goods, we can continue to enjoy clothing and accessories from bygone eras without worry for as long they last. As we humans continue to attain higher consciousness and grow in our compassion and understanding, as well as the technical ability to produce goods of high quality in a sustainable way, it is my vision that this gap will be closed. Kudos to PETA for helping us to get there and can’t wait!
By the way, my archive clean-out is about to begin. Watch for coming posts and stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Here are a couple of very practical dresses which are super-authentic but easy to wear for everyday. They also wash well (excepting for the dreaded oil-based spot which can be stubborn on polyester fabrics – but there are effective ways to manage stains). Outfits like this are very sturdy and durable for work, school, shopping or just taking in a matinee’.
When you want to wear true vintage garments but don’t have time to be especially careful of them and don’t want to worry about wrinkles, a few pieces like these are very handy and also demonstrate your vintage savvy. Tomorrow, the perfect “wrap” for this. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The closet clean-out and de-classification process mentioned in a previous message is on-going and the winter months are perfect this year for clearing old evidence files from the archives. Sales of items moved into the public domain will begin in the first week of December on Ebay. In the meantime I will be publishing previews of a few of the discoveries. Although some of you may have seen them before, they’re always worth another look.
I received word yesterday that Facebook plans to discontinue my page, How To Find the Best in Vintage Fashion, in May. They cite the reason being that the type of account is short on security and needs an upgrade. Sorry, Facebook, but I’m not sure that I want to “upgrade” security with you.
For those of you who have followed me on Facebook, I’m sorry about this news. However, I continue to link with Twitter, LinkedIn, WordPress, Tumblr, Pocket and several boards on Pinterest as well as being available online as Magicvintagespy.com. At the bottom of every post are the available links.
There are big doings happening within the infrastructure of my cell, which is currently operating from a remote location. This is necessary right now. However, when I am able to go to ground at Headquarters once again (probably in June) there will be a large turnover of archived material taking place, with related data-sharing. At present, this is all the intelligence that can be published. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Another pretty pink lingerie item with an impressive pedigree. Although this particular piece was made late in the company’s history and was probably one of the final batches, it’s still beautifully constructed and made from one of the company’s proprietary fabrics, Blendaire.
I understand why these special fabrics were so distinctive and important to the popularity of Barbizon garments. Blendaire is a batiste made of cotton, nylon and rayon. The look and feel of it is so special that I’ll treasure it forever. If you have followed me for some time, you’ll know that I have enjoyed collecting many styles of bed jackets from the 1930’s through to the time of this one.
Although the maker’s label has been made and attached in a modern, ordinary and ugly way, this bed jacket has still been constructed with the precise care and tailoring of older Barbizon pieces. The tiny crystal pleats are perfect, the lace and embroidery trim is carefully stitched, the hem is perfectly finished, the elastic at wrists is stretchy and all the buttons are present. There are even two sets of snaps discreetly sewn at the neckline and mid-bodice to enhance the fit and prevent gapping. I always sigh with joy when finding this kind of careful tailoring and attention to detail.
Magicvintagespy 