Pretty easy-wear polished cotton sundress from the early to mid-1950’s, in the New Look style. Bit of an atomic thing going on with the applique’ design. Somebody had a lot of fun with this one!
Can’t wait to see it on Stella – it’s a real knockout on a gal with an hourglass figure. Marilyn would have loved it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The most interesting fabric, fun buttons and near-perfect condition. This is a great example of an everyday dress for a woman after WWII.
Very nicely tailored, despite it’s modest category. Grandma was happy to have better clothing to wear again after all the wartime deprivations. We’re just getting started – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
IT’S STILL WAY COLD ENOUGH FOR THESE. BOTH ARE 1950’S TRUE VINTAGE. THE ONE ON THE RIGHT WAS FROM MY FAMILY. THERE’S HARDLY A MORE BEAUTIFUL FUR, THOUGH UNLESS I FIND A TRUE VINTAGE ITEM AT LEAST 60 YEARS OLD, I PREFER TO BUY IMITATION.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I just love finding one of these! True vintage mid-century sleepwear is so precious and, often, beautiful. The quality material, tailoring details and interesting styles are great – whether it’s a woman’s garment or a man’s!
This beauty has gorgeous lace detail at the shoulders and is in virtually perfect condition. An example of the extraordinary care taken in the past is the little decorative bows, which are attached by tiny safety pins so that they can be removed and the gown can be washed without damage. I’ve seen many done this way and it’s such a high quality practice that has been lost.
Back in the day, this was more or less a run-of-the-mill item and now would be an exclusive and expensive one. And we think we’re so smart . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Dig the hairstyles, too. Now that Christmas and New Year’s celebrations were over, women in 1961 turned their attention to Spring and travel styles, as well as Prom & Easter.
With the crazy weather, we’re also thinking of flowers and sunny colors. Although our grandmothers and great-grandmothers thought about new needlework projects in their spare time, it’s still FASHION, and we continue to think about it now, but in different ways (what’s on my favorite Internet site?).
in 1961, the subscribers to McCall’s Needlework and Crafts magazine looked forward to these styles.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
So rare! A blouse from sixty years back, in exceptional condition. I just love these mid-century blouses that are basically proper, but show just a little bit of waistline when you bend or reach up. With a sporty skirt, cigarette pants, capri’s or shorts it’s a classic sexy look for summer.
Hard to see in the photo, but there’s a V cut in the front neckline which is a great little design feature. Buttons up the back. Clothing from California makers has always been trend-setting and attractive in a sporty way. Such a thrill to find it – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Sticking with up-scale day frocks and moving forward a couple of decades, look at this fabulous late Sixties frock! These were iconic color combinations from that time.
This size 10 dress on x-small Stella is a good clue to it’s era. The fabric is a glossy rayon & linen blend – a bit dressy, with a nice drape. A pretty day-time sheath with a bit of attitude.
No matter the time of year, the hunt continues and you just never know. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Here’s a lovely retro frock from my collection.
It’s a beautiful re-creation of an early 1900’s up-scale day dress style. Wonderful rayon-type fabric, cut on the bias with all the figure-following qualities that has and very well-tailored. Designers from those early decades really knew how to enhance the figure and the designer of this one (no tag or label) – probably from 1980 – 2000 – did a wonderful job of imitating their style.
I prefer true vintage and don’t usually wear a lot of retro, but this frock was too good to pass by. It’s a sheer dress with it’s own rayon slip underneath. The long necktie that wraps around as a belt is perfect. Of course, it’s also my size . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Thrilled, thrilled, thrilled! One of my favorite finds, from a favorite decade. And, in beautiful condition.
Very popular post-war shirtwaist day dress with pretty, carved rhinestone buttons. This was a day-to-day item for women in the late Forties and early Fifties when nice clothing was becoming available again. The prints were so interestng.
This one was hiding in a big way, but not from the Magicvintagespy. What will show up next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just LOVE finding these knitwear items that have been so well-preserved for 50 – 60 years!! Unusual finds are always tons of fun.
This shirt was made by a Sears, Roebuck & Co. brand that quit producing in the early 1960’s. Very nicely tailored, with a longer tail (prevents embarrassing views that are all too common today). Hard-to-see in this photo, but the sleeves are a ribbed knit contrast to the flat knit of the body.
These older things all have features and stories to tell that keep revealing themselves. The star item of my recent adventures is coming up tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 