FLOWER POWER! Staying in the Sixties, I love this style! Half caftan/half gown; it accents the waist but hangs free behind and is almost like a cape or a kimono, with a little Nehru collar. Fun!
Haven’t found a piece of lounge-wear quite like this in a while, so I’m thrilled. The fabric, the print and the design are so iconic from about 1965 – about 1970. Fondue Party to Patio Party, here I come!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another pretty, pretty black crepe frock from the mid-century, embellished with bugle beads. Perfect for a cocktail party or a dressy date, etc., etc.,etc. When I tried it on size 2 Stella, it really had a 1920’s to 1930’s feel to the fit, with a slightly dropped waist and bow at the hip, plus drapey fabric and a slouchy fit on top.
Moving on to size 4 Giselle, the fit is still stunning but a little more trim and very classic. Grace Kelly would have been gorgeous wearing this in the 1950’s.
Put the dress on size 6 Madge and it gets very sassy, more of a mini-length and much more Mod – this is the size it was designed for – or was it? . . . . . . . . . The label would suggest so, but –
Isn’t this a good example of how a well-designed, garment that has been well-made of good-quality materials could look equally-beautiful on 3 different-sized women! It’s a keeper!! More finds to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
“My gosh – look at the time! It’s coming up Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and I must think about winter sweaters – many of them may be Christmas gifts.” Our grandmothers were likely saying things like this to themselves right about now, if they hadn’t been knitting since last July!
Such cute and sophisticated handmade beauties – no comparison to what’s in the stores (especially now). Even if your family didn’t take an annual ski-trip to Vail, Colorado or the Swiss Alps, sweaters like these were popular wardrobe items.
If you love old movies and sit-coms, like I do, you’ll see plenty of them along with “stretch pants” and stirrup pants for everyday as well as being ski-wear. If you can do this kind of needlework, Bravo! I just have to keep my antennae alert for the real thing . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Today, on a more-or-less routine survey, I had wonderful good fortune. I’m just about to re-examine and photograph my newest acquisitions and get them ready to post on the blog. Because I have already scheduled postings for the next three days, expect to begin seeing these on Sunday, Nov. 13.
Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A mini-length lingerie slip. What caught my eye most, after the usual evidence of age and quality, was the wide and heavy lace band at both top and bottom.
It has embroidery and applique treatments there and will be a pleasure to wear. Plus, so important to have a variety of lengths, colors and styles in order to have a perfect fit for every dress that might need one.
Often the shorter ones are difficult to find in true vintage examples. So, I’m thrilled!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Although we do Christmas marketing almost year-round, back in the mid-century time no one thought seriously about Christmas stuff until after the American Thanksgiving in late November. But, if you’re making lots of your gifts . . . . .
McCalls needlework magazine promoted doing just that – to economize as well as adding a personal touch. Can you imagine getting all that done ?!
For many of our grandmothers, that was just part of the day-to-day. And, they did produce beautiful things – from hats, gloves, sweaters, socks and scarves to dolls & their clothing, tablecloths & bedspreads, just to name a few.
I love discovering some special true vintage handmade item that was probably made as a gift or a table decoration for a special family holiday. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
These McCalls magazine needlework ads would make you think that our grandmas’ lives were all about simple fun in the kitchen and scheming to get their husbands to give in to their wishes.
That’s the stereotype, isn’t it? I wonder how much of that is true? Don’t think I want to go back there, but the sweater is gorgeous!
Hand-knits from that era are really special, sweet and innocent styles . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Another “new” Australian discovery! Although they’ve been making lots of look-a-like retro fakes for a while now, this one is undeniably true vintage, right down to its label.
I just LOVE this print. Again, not my own best colors but I can’t help enjoying it so much anyway. Even the true vintage labels are delights in themselves – often so artistic and interesting. Sometimes they’re funny!
In your standard poly/synthetic blend fabric of that day, it’ll be easy-care as long as treated gently. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I have collected a number of these, from ’30’s to ’60’s but I’ve NEVER seen one made like this! The outer shell is of nylon and looks like what I’m used to seeing, with common decoration of embroidery and lace at the bodice – familiar pearlized buttons at the neck – but THE WHOLE THING IS LINED IN PINK FLANNELETTE! How warm and cozy is that.
Makes me wonder if there’s a Great Britain connection here – they’re always chilly there and looking for ways to warm up. Our filmy lingerie of North America doesn’t quite do it in the damp air over there. This bed jacket could easily have been imported by someone who moved here, or by a British retailer in Australia.
It’s been so much fun to discover the differences between the vintage garments that were sold here in Australia and those at home. And, I’m only a third of the way through this investigation . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A Mod knit shift dress from the 1960’s or early ’70’s by Mynette – a company which, I think, always specialized in larger size “Plus” clothing for women. The original owner safety-pinned in some little strips that were sold as strap-holders back in the day. Lots of women put them in dresses that didn’t already have them – very useful, like detachable dress shields. Very frequently used during the mid-century.
I’ve put a belt on, but it’s cute just straight, too. It’s the second time I’ve run into this familiar label recently. Fun!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 