Tag Archives: mid-century

MID-CENTURY 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S COTTON PLAY-SUIT ROMPER FIND!

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Those of you who have been with me for a while might remember a few years ago when I discovered my first 1950’s romper and was so blown away by the rarity of it.  Well, now that I’ve come across a second one, well – you can imagine. . . . . . . .

Pure cotton, easy-on and off with button shoulders, elastic waistline and (the best thing!) a snap crotch.  Potty breaks are no sweat here!  It’s also, again, in my size.  This one specifies a 1950’s size 12.  That’s me!

So, couldn’t be better.  A nice, classic gingham check that will go with everything and just the cutest fit.  Can’t wait for the Memorial Day parties and 4th of July.  I never know what to expect when I embark on an investigation, so keep my mind open and anticipation high because you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RARE, RARE, RARE SECOND-TIME-EVER FIND TODAY!!! SEE IT TOMORROW . . . .

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-111Wowee – I’m over-the-moon again.  My latest nearly-greatest find will be posted tomorrow.  Stay tuned . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

YEE-HAW! GIT ALONG LITTLE DOGIES! AN ICONIC WESTERN-WEAR LABEL SINCE THE EARLY 1900s

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Yes, it’s a standard cotton cowboy shirt with snap closures.  An embroidered patch on the back indicates that it was worn by a rodeo showman.  It’s not that old – 1970’s – 1990’s probably, but the real treasure is the brand label.  Again, look it up on Wikipedia – very interesting history.

Of course, I look mostly for garments and accessories that I’ll add to my own wardrobe but this field of espionage is so fascinating that I sometimes take a little detour.  I wonder what may show up next?  You just never know   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A LITTLE BLACK DAY DRESS – JUST RIGHT FOR A TRIP TO TOWN

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Another elegant style, to be dressed up or down.  Definitely needs a steam-clean, but we can discuss the details.  Style is a simple, belted sheath (probably had a fabric-covered buckle belt originally) with 3/4-length sleeves and faux pocket detail at the hips.  The fabric is a very nice shantung weave.

A dress like this is SO versatile that everyone owned at least one.  It’s very basic and streamlined so looks smart for errands but dresses up beautifully for cocktails or dinner with high heels, pearls or a sparkly brooch.

I’m so glad to have it in my closet.  Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TWO MORE TRUE VINTAGE LBDs – THIS TIME FROM THE 1950’S

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Little Black Dresses keep coming my way.  Love this one, with interesting tailoring details.  Since these don’t show up in the photo, I will explain while you use your imagination.

Short, short sleeves are very flattering and the front of the bodice is sheer to show off the lace or trim on a beautiful black slip from that era.  There is a fabric tassel at the waist, to be tied into a bow.  From the hip to near the hemline, horizontal pleats add interest to the pencil skirt.  Very elegant and becoming and –

there’s more coming your way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SEPARATES FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

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Not always the most exciting things to find, but I am always thrilled because true vintage wardrobes cannot be built without them.  What will you wear with that great 1940’s skirt or pair of slacks?  What blouse will be just right under the beautiful skirt suit?

I also love these garments because of the fabric and tailoring.  A hand-knitted sweater from back in the day is always a great find because they’re RARE and much more nicely crafted than machine-knit mass-produced clothing in the stores today.  I love the Forties/Fifties style of this one with gathered shoulders and ribbed cuffs, fitted waist and a scalloped boat neck.  The short-sleeved shirt is a well-tailored cotton version, so common during the 1950’s and early 1960’s for everyday wear.  The pale pastel palette will be just right with skirts, shorts, jeans and summer whites.

I hit the separates jackpot which I’ll continue to show you tomorrow.  Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TIME FOR GLAM AGAIN – LUXE WOOL KNIT BEADED JACKET FROM THE KENNEDY-ERA 1960’S

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Despite the flash glare, the color of this evening jacket is elegant black black.  There were several companies and up-scale department store brands who made high quality clothing in dense wool knit in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s and here is one example.

Some have survived so well because of their quality and because owners looked after them.  I have a few garments of this type, but not a black jacket so was thrilled to discover this one.  Nothing could be more classic, versatile and wearable for evening.  As always, I look forward to photographing my latest discoveries on the models back at Headquarters so that they are properly displayed.

More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST RIGHT FOR SPRING! A TRUE VINTAGE COTTON HANKIE WITH NAUTICAL DESIGN

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Traditional for Spring since I-don’t-know-when.  Red, white and blue nautical and sailor motifs have been standard fare forever when the new February fashions come around.  This one is a perfect handkerchief to carry in my “newest” purses!  No well-groomed mid-century gal would have been caught without one.

Fine cotton with a neatly hand-finished edge.  I’ve never seen a design like this before, though hankies for daily use were just as common as packs of paper tissues are now.  Most seemed to have floral motifs, however, so I cherish something unique like this one; also souvenir hankies and other unusual pictorial designs.

True vintage accessories are always fun and daily-use items like this example are rarely found in such pristine condition.  My discovery experiences have been full of amazing surprises lately and they’ll keep on comin’.  Stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LOVELY MID-CENTURY LINGERIE FULL SLIP – A FAVORITE TAILORING DECORATION ON THIS ONE

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Although I have so many pretty true vintage lingerie slips, when I find one this nice I always pick it up.  It will be just perfect under the dress I found a couple of days ago (look back on the blog) – right length and color.  The best thing about this one, though, is the design.

I love it when lace is sandwiched between layers of sheer fabric.  So subtle and beautiful, but also protected so it will wear well.  The picture doesn’t do it justice – you really have to see these garments up close to appreciate them.

Light and pretty – fortunately they don’t take up much space to store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RARE AND UNUSUAL FIND – A BEAUTIFUL HAND-MADE KIMONO

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Here’s that gorgeous kimono found about a week ago.  It has been pieced together by hand, as as far as I can tell.  Some of the basting stitches are still present.  The blue-tinted edge dying around the lower hem (and also inside the sleeves) is something beautiful and I can’t figure out how it was done.

Don’t know how old this garment may be, but it’s been around for a while.  The lovely colors illustrate chrysanthemums and cranes – both, I think, traditional Japanese decorative motifs.  I’d love to know more about it’s origin and the history of the design.

It’s also VERY long, so might have been made for a man in spite of the floral pattern (?).  Not my area of expertise.  What next – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM