Recent finds, again, from the early 1950’s, 1960’s and maybe into the 1970’s. A couple of these garments are directly in the categories of other recent finds – interesting how things tend to come in multiples . . . . . . . . . . .
Won’t be posting until Sunday, as I have to spend time volunteering for abused and injured animals tomorrow. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although this top is not haute couture and it needs a simple stain treatment, it’s a great find to me because of it’s age and all the interesting characteristics. It’s times like this when I really miss having access to my models – Madge or Stella would show off the unique features of this rare blouse and the true fit more clearly.
Love the early mid-century collar design and the utility pockets. It’s got pinked seams and other hallmarks of hand-made garments from back in the day. Hard to know how it was originally worn; Either a smock, maternity blouse or shirt cut for a full-figured (though not large) woman. It’s fun to think what the seamstress had in mind.
The fabric is a really nice color combo with an unusual feel to the weave. There are a hodge-podge of vintage buttons for one reason or another and I may see about replacing them with a matched set from the same era.
So rare to discover a blouse from the war-time 1940’s and I’m really thrilled! Wonder what’s next – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
From about 1965 – 1970, this ordinary-looking little frock is an exciting find to me. Why? It’s rare to find a dress from this era in perfect condition and with all the hallmarks of a true vintage piece. And, it’s very cute!
In traffic – sign yellow, which was a very popular color for clothing at that time, it’s an eye-grabber. It’s a slightly – fitted A – line style that is very flattering on the body. Although there are many dresses on the market in recent years that may look identical from a distance, this one stands out on closer examination with authentic construction and styling from back in the day. Always thrills me!
Although some modern companies have tried to mimic these features and fool shoppers into thinking they’re buying a vintage garment, they’re not successful if you know your stuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG; MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Made in Great Britain and definitely a genre of it’s own. For the women who love them, it would be a great find. Not my own personal style, but worth picking up when in such good condition.
If it fits, I might do some restyling or use the nice fabric for something else. There’s ample yardage here to accomplish a variety of alternate things. Could be visualized as a nice 1940’s – style skirt and blouse combo, or a swing dress. Endless possibilities. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Iconic evening style of the time – 3/4 length sleeves with fur cuffs. This one has the bateau neckline that I love, with a deep plunge in back. The hemline is below-the-knee, but not quite midi.
An off-the-rack piece with only an inventory label, but very lovely. The tailoring is quite good, with a full lining, underarm gussets and the overall condition is exceptional. Obviously, the owner considered it a spacial frock and guarded it carefully over the decades.
More to come, tomorrow . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a great find! Not too many like this one left and it’s a real gem. The apron’s been sewn together of cotton fabric with our ’50’s housewife embroidered on. She has a cotton print pouf dress with a lace collar, pearl necklace and earring. In one hand she holds a coffeepot and in the other a cup, which doubles as the obligatory little pocket for a hankie or small tool.
Finding something so unique and whimsical is a real treat. And, to think that it was made for fun 60 or more years ago is a bonus. So much better than anything modern, no matter how cute.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Very simple, but with the 1960’s bona-fides. This fabric can’t be found today, no matter that some modern materials may be lookalikes at a glance. Maybe some girl made this as a first project for Home-Ec class, though whoever it was did a pretty good job. Not fancy; no bells and whistles, but sturdy, useful and very cute.
The elastic neckline is still stretchy and there are no stains, so someone stored this for a long time and didn’t use the heck out of it. It’s our good fortune that many great true vintage garments were cared for this way by our moms and grandmothers, let alone the generations before. Our current throw-away culture has played havoc with the quality of items that we can buy as well as any encouragement to keep things. However, prices just keep going up and up out of all proportion.
Well, la-dee-da – not so much of a problem for the Magicvintagespy. Wonder what’s next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Long, sweeping gown in a beautiful, heavy cotton(?) – the photo on left shows the cut while the photo on right gives the true color and close-up of the interesting print. This dress has many construction contradictions; some point to 1940’s and some to 1960’s. Undoubtedly, it was custom-tailored.
Maybe our mid-century tailor was very experienced and knew how to use various methods to achieve exactly the slinky, hourglass fit she wanted. The bell sleeves and commercial braid trim say 1960’s but the mid-back zipper placement, dip in the front waistline and fabulous art print fabric say 1940’s. Looks like a film noir hostess gown. I love a mystery!
Anyway, it’s an absolute beauty and fits me like a glove. Dresses with the zipper placed mid-back are always a trick to get into and out of – pays to understand the method. However, when the fit is right and the construction good, it’s a snap. Tomorrow I’ll show you a cute shift with a clear Sixties pedigree. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I came across a whole bunch of classic nylon sleepwear pieces that are ALWAYS worth adding to your collection – even if you already have several. My rationale? :
1. if you’ve never slept in mid-century nylon pj’s or gowns (just about 1950’s to very early 1970’s), you don’t know what you’re missing! There is nothing (including silk) that is more comfortable as well as practical in bed and for lounging. They add warmth and are also cool, plus luxuriously smooth and soft. The fit is forgiving. 2. well-made and classically stylish, you won’t find anything equal in modern garments. 3. often you may find single pieces – these are great for matching later, with an identical or similar mate, or as an accessory, such as the black sleeveless cape pictured above. I plan to wear it over a black nightgown.
Not to forget, photo 3 is of a satin storage bag I discovered. These have been staple pieces in women’s undie drawers and storage chests for decades. Not sure if they are still being made to the same standard, but this one is great. Pretty peachy pink and brown in the classic style with inner pocket and fold-over styling, plus ribbon closure ties. Nothing is better for keeping hosiery and delicate garments safe from snags and dust. Grab these, too, whenever you see one. A girl can never have too many . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a smart and well-made garment! If it weren’t for the Ladies Garment Workers label, I might have wondered if it had been made in Paris. Classic true navy/white check with a full rayon lining, little pockets and heavy sculpted buttons. A tailor”s snap holds the front in place below the neckline. Close fit, with a high hip hemline that will be perfect with a shell blouse and pencil skirt or slim pants – or even over a fitted sheath dress.
Yes, it needs a professional steaming to re-block the shape and re-align the lining and a little seam repair inside. No big deal! I can probably do that myself, but it would be a minor expense to have it done for me. Sigh. LOVE beautiful jackets. What’s next? . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 