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
Now we’ll go, almost, to the other end of the spectrum for some standard-issue men’s or boys’ cotton PJs – though they’re spiffed up with some really neat prints.
Plain and basic in their style, they’re well-made enough to have survived in good shape. They could even have been from the ’40’s, but I don’t think so. Somewhere between 1955 and ’65 probably hits it.
Though not luxurious, they are comfortable (I can wear them!) and a lot of fun! The red fans on the right are an unusual, to me, motif for men’s pajamas but, hey, what do I know? They are a traditional East Asian motif and may have been an influence of the Pacific arena wars the U.S. had just been through in the Forties and Fifties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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
With all the features of a fine men’s at-home lounge-wear garment, this robe may have been a bespoke item, though probably ordered through the menswear department of a large store. Alas, the original belt has gone missing but – amazing surprise – I have material that is a great match to make a replacement! It’s such a project to find matching/coordinating colors and fabric types for a job like this that I’m really fortunate in this case.
Another rare find that just caused me to jump for joy when I discovered it . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Heavy synthetic knit and great colors. Again, fabulous graphics on this one with a metal zip up the back. The lacing tie and empire waistline are fun style features, too.
I know, I get a little excessive with my enthusiastic descriptions sometimes but that’s how I feel when discovering great true vintage garments. Keep on cleaning out your closets, grandma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Embroidered all over with gold metallic thread, this designer dress from the famous high-end retailer is a fabulous find! Couldn’t believe it. Luxurious at-home wear that can easily go out and about – there are no “rules” these days saying that would be “not done”.
I love true vintage hostess and patio dresses, as well as other at-home wear from eras past. Often the better-quality items are in fantastic condition because they were worn sparingly and/or cared for so well by their original owners.
Just another marvelous day in Mid-Centuryland for the Magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Perfect-for-Fall once again. The older garments made by the Leslie Fay label were quite nice. Fortunately, this one caught the wave before quality started to go south in the 1980’s. Now it’s pretty much gotten beached . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Anyway, this gown is nicely-made, a good-quality knit and in just about my size. Union-made and in perfect shape. Though not my usual style, it might be just right for some particular activity – maybe a nursing home visit . . . . . . . . . ..
Uh-oh, I’m being bad today! Guess I had too much fun yesterday. No! There is never too much fun. Go forth and have it – and have a great Labor Day weekend . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
The miracle fabric called Orlon – machine washable and dry-able at home! Oh, my . . . . . .
Back when sweaters had to be dry-cleaned or hand-washed, this was a revelation for homemakers and a big time-saver. However, I must say that even today they still haven’t gotten it just right – pilling remains an issue. So, I don’t mind treating my vintage acrylics with special care.
This one is so “from that time” and it’s always fun to find a guy’s clothing item. But, even though it’s a LARGE size, looks more like something for a medium-sized woman now. Maybe it will even fit me under the right styling conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s the tell-tale zipper in the back waistline. VERY rare find! One of my wonderfulest discoveries.
The tailoring is impeccable and they’re in almost perfect condition.
Be careful – modern copy-cats just don’t measure up . . . . . . . … . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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