Tag Archives: men’s

MY SLEUTHING SKILLS ARE PRETTY SLICK AND THE HUNT CONTINUES TO BE FANTASTIC!

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-111via MY SLEUTHING SKILLS ARE PRETTY SLICK AND THE HUNT CONTINUES TO BE FANTASTIC!

MY SLEUTHING SKILLS ARE PRETTY SLICK AND THE HUNT CONTINUES TO BE FANTASTIC!

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If I do say so myself, this season of investigations has been great so far and looks fabulous ahead.  Finds continue to turn up at my usual $1 – $5 per.  Though I did spend a little more in mysterious South America, all were incredible bargains.

With some of the gorgeous garments I’ve uncovered recently, I’m just as much in search of venues to wear them as the clothing and accessories themselves!  Stay tuned, because the fun and excitement keep on coming and – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S/’60’S TRADITIONAL TAILORED MEN’S PAJAMAS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S/'60'S TRADITIONAL TAILORED MEN'S PAJAMAS

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

MEN’S CLASSIC DESIGN BATHROBE – TRUE VINTAGE ’40’S, ’50’S, ‘6OS

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I know Madge doesn’t look much like your granddad, but she was handy.  These are just about my favorite men’s robes – with the black satin accents. Not easy to find now!

This is such a classic style that it’s difficult to be sure what decade it’s from.  The pattern is helpful and the type of material, as well as other clues.  The satin trim is rare, as is the Sanforized cotton fabric.

Almost every old movie has scenes with men at home, wearing something like this. especially if the man is enjoying his leisure hours.  It really takes me back to classic cinema.  Beats a track suit any day.

The thing about this style is that it is also deadly attractive on women.  There’s something very fun and sexy about wearing your partner’s clothing once in a while – from shirts and PJs to robes, sweaters and jackets. Other stuff doesn’t usually work too well.. . . . . . . . . . . . .

I have another similar one which I’ll show later; it’s in a different fabric.  Perfect costume for film noir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

VINTAGE RETRO – STYLE MEN’S EYEGLASSES

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This pair could be a mate to another that I found last spring.  The other was tortoiseshell, so these  black ones would be a nice switch-off.  I like the pearlized inside, too.

Although they may be only 20 – 30 years old, they were retro-style when made, designed after the styles of the 1950’s and early 1960’s.  Good, heavy construction, though, and strong metal hinges.  These will last a long time, too.

Definitely a worthy addition to the collection.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ALWAYS A WELCOME DISCOVERY – CLASSIC MID-CENTURY TOOLED LEATHER BELT

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I’m including a little close-up photo here of the essential features of these wonderful hand-made belts from the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s.  The best were made by artisans in the Southwest U.S. and Mexico but many home-leatherworkers became quite good at the craft and could rival them, or almost.

Handbags, purses, wallets and belts were the most common items made but once I saw a full set of luggage at an auction.  Almost got it.

The features that distinguish these pieces from newer and less worthy ones are primarily three:  1.  high quality leather  2.  deep carefully-done tooling in traditional designs, with nice finishing and  3.  an adjustable snap-on/off at the buckle end and high quality silver or silver-plate buckle.

Rare enough to be worth pouncing on whenever seen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S ITEM: CLASSIC TAILORED 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S COTTON BATH ROBE

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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

 

CLASSIC VINTAGE WESTERN-WEAR SHIRT FROM THE SEVENTIES

IMG_1484 IMG_1485From one of the best Western-wear dealers in the U.S., a vintage gingham men’s shirt in near-perfect condition.  (Actually, I found another really nice one, too, but way too big for Madge to model).

For casual wear in the U.S. there is nothing more classic than high-quality Western-wear, made in the U.S. to standards of design that have endured for decades.

Especially in the Southwestern states, this kind of shirt dressed up with a silver bolo tie and a nice sport coat can take you almost anywhere. Go with a plain color or a subtle pattern and you CAN go anywhere.  But, be careful about wearing jeans, and super careful about the quality and condition of your boots and hat . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE CUSTOM-TAILORED FOR THE MAN IN HER LIFE

IMG_0961 IMG_0962 IMG_0972Yes, you can also make your husband’s, son’s, father’s, boss’s (lets not get carried away) next necktie, etc., etc, etc, . . . . . .

This red shirt was custom-made, but by a western-wear retailer out West, sometime in the ’40’s, ’50’s or maybe the early ’60’s.  Bespoke attire was a common luxury, even here in the U.S.  Of course, it’s been a tradition and beautifully done in Europe for decades (centuries?)

I’ve recently seen some ads for what looks like business and formal clothing that can be ordered custom-made, with one fitting or at-a-distance alterations near the end of the process.  An improvement on ready-to-wear, but not like having it constructed from the first detail by a tailor having that in-person relationship with you and your body, giving you a perfect fit, exact style preference and real-time preview.

And what a nice luxury it was to have that done for you, or to have the leisure time to do it yourself . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FUN 1960’S MEN’S ORLON SWEATER – A LAUNDRY REVOLUTION FOR MID-CENTURY WOMEN

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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