DRESSY TRUE VINTAGE HAND-KNITTED OR CROCHETED SHAWLS FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES, COTILLIONS, THE OPERA . . . . . . . . .

DRESSY TRUE VINTAGE CROCHETED SHAWLS FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES, COTILLIONS, THE OPERA . . . . . . . . .

Two beautiful hand-crocheted or knitted shawls for party-wear or any festive occasion. In neutral pastel shades with metallic yarn accents.

Items like this were especially popular in the years moving from the 1950’s to the 1960’s. Many women made these garments at home.  Nothing dresses up a little black dress in such a feminine and beguiling way as a needlework accessory.

If you like doing handiwork, look for old pattern and instruction books from the ’50’s and ’60’s.  Although many types of scarves and shawls are sold now, nothing compares to a handmade item in a soft, genuine wool yarn.

And, if you can find a true vintage shawl – go for it!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

THE LAST (I THINK . . . AT LEAST, FOR NOW) OF MY BEAUTIFUL 1940’S – 1950’S BED JACKETS

THE LAST (I THINK . . . AT LEAST, FOR NOW) OF MY BEAUTIFUL 1940'S - 1950'S BED JACKETS

With this photo, I’ve shown most of my true vintage bed jacket collection.  But, as always, you just never know . . . . . . . .

The one on the left is obviously the most unusual, and the oldest (probably 1940’s), but look at the gorgeous lace, ribbons and embroidery, the feminine styles, the soft and flattering  blues of the 1950’s versions.  And, even quilting, for a morning that’s colder. No wonder I love them and do a happy dance when I find another.

All of these were probably owned by women from middle-income families and were part of an average wardrobe – frequently used.  Oh, the charm of it all . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S OR ’50’S SATIN & LEATHER PLATFORM HOUSE-SLIPPERS

TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S OR '50'S SATIN & LEATHER PLATFORM HOUSE-SLIPPERS

Imagine gliding around the house in these, wearing your newest peignoir and gown or a lovely hostess ensemble.  At-home leisure wear became a significant part of many North American and European women’s wardrobes in the 1900’s.  In the mid-century decades when movies gained popularity  sophistication and glamour were very important to the average gal.

These are so much fun!  Platform shoes have always been a favorite of mine (since they came out in a fashion revival for the 3rd or 4th time in history!)  For me, nothing can beat 1940’s and early 1950’s footwear.  And, to find a pair in excellent condition is always a dream come true.

Although these are a decade or two older than the hostess gowns I’ve found lately, their classic elegance would make them wearable with either of them.  That’s the beauty of the best . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

LATEST FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S HOUSECOAT – MOD AND SWEET

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Nothing “Lady of the Manor” about this dressing gown – a little bit more Carnaby Street.  Still a perfect hostess gown or leisure wear garment.

Lovely, heavy nylon with cute button trim at the neckline and the Sixties bell sleeves.  I love the print and the colors in this gown!

It’s always such fun to find beautiful clothing that is 50 years old but still in perfect wearing condition.  I breeze around the house in this one a lot!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

TRUE VINTAGE NIGHTGOWNS – 1940’S TO 1950’S

TRUE VINTAGE NIGHTGOWNS - 1940'S TO 1950'S

More things that I love about colder weather – it’s a time when we feel like wearing something a little heavier at night (or just wearing something, period).  Here are 3 beautiful nylon gowns with applique’, embroidery, bows, lace and gathers.

Back when it was a pleasure to get dressed!  The longest is from the ’40’s, I believe, or the very early ’50’s.  Nylon was rationed during wartime,  so that would put it into the late ’40’s at the earliest.

The two shorter gowns would be from the ’50’s and show a little more decoration – when items were more lavish after the Forties, and hemlines higher.

Like ’50’s lingerie, you can’t beat the nightgowns of that time for feminine detail and, sometimes, over-the-top frills!  On the other hand, early ’30’s and  ’40’s silk gowns are to die for.  We’ll see some of that, too.

Dressing for day or dressing for bed – could be an adventure in itself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

A FAB LEATHER JACKET FROM THE 1950’S

A FAB LEATHER JACKET FROM THE 1950'S

I love the fit of this jacket! Down the middle of the back, there is a deep inverted pleat. Bracelet-length sleeves are wonderful, too – great for showing off jewelry or beautiful gloves.

Tailoring in these old leather jackets is just outstanding.  Colors are also sometimes unusual, though not garish.  The ones I’ve seen are very subtle and lovely.

A jacket of this type is just right for three seasons of the year . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

MORE GORGEOUS TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE FROM THE 1940’S & 1950’S

MORE GORGEOUS TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE FROM THE 1940'S & 1950'S

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

 

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY CUSTOM-TAILORED CLASSIC SUIT

TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC WOMEN'S SUIT - JACKET/SKIRT FOR FALL

 

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

 

ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES COCKTAIL PARTY DRESS

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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

 

FUN SIXTIES DRESS BY ANOTHER CLASSIC VINTAGE CLOTHING LABEL

IMG_1777This little ’60’s or ’70’s frock is a bit whimsical in coloring, but very traditional in style. The maker is Lanz, which started in 1922 making Tyrolean costumes in Austria.  The brand became well-known with sportswear in the mid-century U.S. and branched out.

Although their styles were fun and popular, they also remained loyal to traditional design and high quality.  This dress is a little too fussy for me, but I thought it was worth picking up for the reputation of the exceptional brand name.  Always fun to say “hello” to an acquaintance I’ve made  before . . . . . . . I’ve got at least 3 of their garments already.

The fabric seems to be silk, though there is no content label.  With this maker, I wouldn’t be surprised.  I put a red belt on for the photo, but it is not original.  The original belt may have been a tie belt – probably purple, but I’m not sure yet.  Fortunately, the hem allowance is large enough to provide the fabric for a replacement (love that!!).

Anyway, it kind of looks appropriate for this time of year with some family gatherings and more traditional events on the calendar.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM