Exquisite nylon bed jackets, in lovely pinks. There’s nothing that feels so luxurious as sitting in bed or in a boudoir chair with one of these over your beautiful nightgown while enjoying a cup of tea.
These are so comfortable and pretty, almost any time of year. As always, the fabric, decoration and details can’t be matched by things sold today.
Sweet dreams! . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The style is so un-fussy and classic that it could be worn casually like a day-dress or dressed up. It could have been made anywhere from the late 1940’s to early 1960’s, but I lean toward the ’60’s because of the cotton velveteen-type fabric, which was popular then. Hard to be sure, in this case.
I am certain that the suit was custom tailored. It might even have been done at home. It’s amazing that many women were able to do this. Tailoring requires a lot of skill!
Look at all the covered buttons. And, the buttonholes are also bound. Amazing! Not to mention the lining, interfacing and padding required to make a garment like this fit properly.
Although it looks very elegant as pictured, imagine all the ways it could be worn and accessorized. As separates, the jacket and skirt add more possibilities. Simple suits like this can be great additions to any vintage wardrobe, making a variety of quick-changes possible . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
With all the casual elegance of the mid-1960’s, this metallic frock is the greatest! I was just thrilled to find this. It’s fully-lined and in great shape. I had to tack up the hem and give it a light cleaning – that’s all!
More perfect party-wear. Couldn’t ask for more this holiday season. I enjoyed this one on New Year’s Eve. Simply-made and easy to wear, that’s the best of the best when it’s also high quality.
Love true vintage . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
We’ve done a little film noir leisure dressing for the men, so here are 3 of my very favorite women’s things of the same era. The fabulous ’30’s robe with shoulder pads and tassels, the cute little wartime rayon dressing gown and the glam ’40’s rayon dressing gown. Hollywood movie star all over!
Imagine Veronica Lake or Joan Crawford sweeping into the room. Deanna Durbin would have looked sweet in that blue and white dressing gown.
I like to recline in one of these while sipping a cognac and reviewing the latest assignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s a lovely, oh-so-flattering jacquard blouse for cocktails, dinner, dancing and parties. It looks superb with a long black skirt or black cigarette pants.
Notice the little bows at the waist. It also buttons up the back (I LOVE that feature of so many ’50’s blouses) with 5/8″ covered buttons. Very swank.
The fun thing about 50’s separates like this is that they were dressed up or down, since rock and roll, rhythm and blues and, later, cocktail parties became such a rage – on top of the more formal and traditional occasions that were always part of the social scene.
As usual, the cut and tailoring of this piece is outstanding. The fabric is quite nice, too. Just the right thing for a woman of intrigue to have in her closet, no? . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
While we’re in a New Year mood, here’s a really special dress from, I believe, the 1950’s. It’s more or less a cocktail style, but could go to dinner and dancing, too.
Originally, it had nude netting on the front bodice and upper back, with skinny binding around the armhole area and the neckline. The purpose is to give a bare look, without the bare.
Very elegant but, unfortunately, the material had some small holes which could not be repaired. I could not locate material of the same type for a replacement, so I reluctantly removed it and restyled things a bit to make skinny straps instead. It works! Being versatile is an indispensable skill.
I love this dramatic pointy accent on the front! The fabric is also very elegant – probably a rayon that looks for all the world like silk shantung. And the hourglass shape!
Worthy of Peggy Lee any day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I knew as soon as I saw it, I knew it would be a perfect match – AND IT IS!!!! Can you believe it – my grandmother’s 1940’s seal cape passed down to me, now with a matching hat. A professional furrier could probably see the difference somewhere, but it surely isn’t obvious. I’ve loved this cape for years.
The hat is a quasi-military shape, which was popular during war-time. The fur on both is absolutely beautiful and has held up so well over all these years. I always love the 1940’s square shoulders, too, and the family connection makes the cape special. What a treat to find a piece to go with it!!!
Although you know that I am an animal protection activist and don’t support the fur trade in any way, shape or form, I do love old pieces pre-1965. There’s no reason in the world to buy modern fur anymore – if you want a new piece, the imitations are fabulous (even beginning in the 1950’s).
Go out and find one and have fun – toot, to-doot, to-doodley-aht-to-doot – he blows eight to the bar (in boogie rhythm . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Isn’t this the neatest and most unusual thing?So many uncommon finds, and it just keeps on going . . . . . . . .
A specialized treatment at the neck and faceted buttons elevate the style to a level above the standard house dress of 1962, but it’s still the same eternal design. Dresses by Henry Lee were always carefully designed and well-made; one of those stand-by labels that women could always depend on.
Looks, to me, like a perfect back-to-school frock for a Sixties elementary school teacher or a secretary, the way they dressed back then. It’s a little bit big for both Stella and me, so will probably find its way to eBay at some point, but I never resist taking rides Back to the Future . .. . . . . . .
Another beautiful bed-jacket, in aqua. I have a substantial collection, but always bring home more when I find them. Why? Though the basic style is the same, they’re almost always different in the details. Pretty and practical, fun to wear. Mid-century women certainly thought so.
Although I haven’t parted with any yet, can you imagine what wonderful gifts they would make?! For someone who loves vintage, or just craves lovely things and the sense of luxury you get from lounging in bed with coffee, dressed to the nines? Or, is going into the hospital or must spend time convalescing at home?
And now, on to the gown . . . . . .. Here, Stella displays it’s charms. Look at that fit!!! It’s probably older than the bed jacket. And I love, love, love the bodice treatment and the way that the straps have been attached. Take a close look.
No buttons or hardware, just a silky sweep of creamy true vintage nylon (the best nylon is 50 – 70 years old). You can’t imagine wearing something that feels so good until you’ve done it. On top of how it feels, is how gorgeously sexy and feminine it looks.
So, I’m ready for dreamland, parties and day-dressing lately, with lots of accessories, too . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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