I just love this cape and it’s little details. I’m an animal rights activist and don’t approve of the fur trade in any way, but I have collected old ones from back in the day.
Not sure what the origin of this fur is. The stripes are clearly dyed, probably to resemble mink. It’s got these funny little tabs to “close” the bottoms of the arm slits, for a better appearance and added warmth.
Of course, it had patches sewn inside with the owner’s initials embroidered on, along with the maker’s label, both of which are gone now. Surprisingly, it’s in great condition for its age – still soft and radiant.
These garments are so full of history that they intrigue me as much as any other vintage fashion. I wear them, too. Some people would say this is hypocritical but I would disagree – buying or wearing antique fur or leather does not support the current market for these things unless someone makes an irresponsible decision. I suggest that we should all be responsible for our choices in the marketplace – so, if you like my vintage fur, don’t use that as an excuse to go out and buy a modern one. Search for another vintage fur at least 50 or more years old or buy an imitation fur replica and do something kind for wildlife or your pet.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Back to wartime or post-war frocks. This is the cutest rayon dress ever, with that iconic swingy skirt that ’40s dresses often have and a wonderful relic from the ever-popular women’s bowling teams of the war years. Just like splashy musical movies, recreational activities like hometown sports were a great distraction from the reality of the times.
Anhauser-Busch or, more likely the local beer distributor, was the team sponsor. Hence, the Busch Bavarian Beer patches on front and back. The belt had the player’s name embroidered on it. Perfect features for costume-wear!
Without the patches, the dress is styled like many day dresses from that time. This one is probably from the late 1940s or, possibly, the early 1950s.
What a thrill to find it, and in excellent if not near perfect condition! You truly just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
My specialty – a fabulous, surprise find! – one of those rare discoveries that give the Magicvintagespy goosebumps of satisfaction. I found it more than a year ago, but didn’t have an opportunity then to make a good photograph. This uniform is from the mid-1960’s.
Don’t you wonder what stories it could tell? And all the conversations it heard and scenes it witnessed? I love to imagine all those things. Every waitress witnesses the whole world while slinging hash.
It’s such a treat to find a garment that you KNOW took a lot of abuse and got splashed with of coffee, gravy (and goodness knows what else) still in such wonderful condition! These babies were made to stand up to it, and I am ever – grateful.
By the way, Happy Halloween hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
She’d just pull out the latest edition of her McCalls Needlework magazine. And, of course, there is the Christmas Pageant, too . .. . .
I can’t believe the intricacy of these home-sewing DIY patterns. Women used to do this all the time!
Once when I was a kid, my (I thought) non-sewing grandmother did whip up a very convincing 1960’s black collarless jacket for me when I wanted to be a Beatle for Halloween. Who knew? . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, at first glance this looks like so many cheesy LBD’S made today and that’s why some discriminatory powers are important to develop. I can tell when something is true vintage or not, with a just little investigation. This example was truly made about 40 years ago.
It is still not a prime favorite frock, but was worth picking up and I’ll keep it because it would make an outstanding costume for a play or Halloween (which is creeping up on us as we sit here!). Keep your eyes open – it gets better . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This example is one of the few cases where picking up a more modern garment is worthwhile. Although it’s definitely retro and not expensively made, this gown has so many of the true-to-style elements that evening frocks from the 1930’s and 1940’s did – I was delighted to see how much of the styling the designers had gotten “right” and couldn’t resist it as a great costume.
For Halloween or a historical play it will be lots of fun and fits me well.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Whether in the parade or afterward, at the big game, some high-school girl or coed strutted her stuff in this set. Sorry that I don’t know what school it was associated with, but she must have kept her letters as memorabilia. Styling and construction put it in the Sixties or Seventies.
Again, a super-seasonal find which makes it all the more fun. Won’t be a keeper in the long run, but we were approaching Halloween when this turned up. I’ve got lots of “new” things which could make dynamite costumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 