I always pick up these old cotton or cotton blend housecoats when I find them. Although there are similar ones being made now, the older ones tend to have the best quality and most interesting styling and decoration.
Such fun to know these little differences that make a big impact on your satisfaction when you wear them!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although the phrase “made in Japan” used to connote (in Western countries) some cheap trinket back in the WWI, WWII and Post-war days before their technological revolution, Japan is also the country that is known for gorgeous kimonos and traditional garments of the most elaborate embroidered silk.
Another unusual and surprising find. I’m not sure exactly how to date this 100% cotton robe, but it’s beautiful and well-styled in it’s elegant simplicity. The fan motifs are very wonderful and I love the colors (as does Stella – with that auburn hair it’s dynamite on her!).
Definitely a keeper. More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a surprise to come across this custom-tailored frock. It’s got many clues that told me of it’s age and how it came to be, but the styling was the real delight. SO unusual to discover a maternity dress or a “tent dress” from the mid-1960’s.
Tent dresses were all the rage for a while during the Mad Mod Sixties. Fortunately, the style didn’t hang around too long. But, what could be more perfect as a maternity design? This one is meant for fall and winter partying in heavy velveteen. I have to say, it is cute on Stella.
After discovering a treasure like this, I wondered what could be next and it didn’t take long to find out. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Wowee! Someone custom-tailored this cute mini-dress that falls from above the bust-line and is a really flattering shape for someone whose waistline has temporarily disappeared. It also could have been a “tent” style, which was all the rage about that time. In any case, it’s perfect for Fall no matter how or why she wore it!
All kinds of “new” stuff, including a wonderful hairdo for Stella. She’s psyched! So am I. We’ll be spreading a lot of rockabilly vibes and more. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Classic true vintage ’40’s – early ’50’s style, custom-tailored by Rosalie Couturier. I loved finding this dressmaker’s personal label in the waistband of this beautiful frock! What a nice surprise since it was hidden. The best labels, like this one, were embroidered on cloth.
It’s amazing that this beautiful garment has survived 60 – 70 years in such wonderful condition. Its original owner obviously loved it and cared for it well.
Lovely rayon fabric, with stitched-in pleats on front and back – bodice and skirt. So many little hand-done details. Beautiful, big sculpted shell buttons, fabric-covered belt. A little wear there on the buckle, but that is the only flaw.
And, when I got it home it fit Stella beautifully. Perfection!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’ve left the shirt un-ironed to show that it is 100% cotton, rather than poly or a blend. And the feel of true vintage cotton – so soft and wonderful after being washed, worn and loved for a while!
The close-up shows some of the detail that covers the front, with tucks and crocheted lace. A 1/2 inch ruffle goes all the way around the hem. Few blouses made in the U.S. have this amount of gorgeous, high quality decoration – even the old ones!
For that reason, I wonder if this one was made in Europe where they routinely made glorious cotton garments like this one – maybe still do . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a gorgeous, tailored dress and jacket. Glossy rayon fabric with a shantung – style weave. The bodice treatment is so lovely.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What could be more classic than a sailor collar? These have been popular fashion for decades and always come back. Side vents, detachable “modesty panels” in necklines, and tartan plaid have also been important details found in iconic true vintage styles. This blouse was made in the 1940’S
to early 1950’s. The label says it is made of “Sanforized” cotton – Sanforization was a process developed in the 1930’s. It’s so unusual to find a blouse from that time that is in wonderful condition!
White cotton blouses used to be a major staple in every woman’s (and man’s) wardrobe. Men still wear them, more than women do, because they usually don’t do any of the ironing that is required!
Yes, they require more care in some ways, but it’s well worth it. Nothing can compare to this fabric. Also, if you do get a stain, it’s often easier to remove than from easy-care synthetics because cotton can withstand hot water.
Discovering a garment like this is always a high point of any investigation, for me.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Such a smart-looking little day-dress by Lora Lennox. Apparently, this was a dressmaker label that was common back in the day. The polka dots and big buttons are a lot of fun – plus the vibrant salmon – orange color; not garish and softened just a bit by the pinkish undertone.
I ALWAYS love shoulder pads and the hem flounce is very saucy. These are wonderful when you walk in them.
Doesn’t this dress look fabulous on Stella? I love it. And the fact that I found it in Kansas City – well, that conjures all kinds of possibilities in terms of it’s history . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
In these few photos 
from an early – 1960’s needlework magazine, the styles are very plain and, in some cases, they are so generic that they’re very boring! BUT, every woman pictured looks smart, elegant, fashionable and attractive.
Obviously, it’s not mostly about their clothing. Sure, they’re all slim and attractive people but that’s not the main thing, either. Take away the good fit and quality of what they are wearing (super-important as a base for everything else) and what is left that REALLY does it?
It’s their grooming, posture and ACCESSORIES. None of those ensembles would look half as good without the accessorizing touches – imagine each of them without the necklace, bracelet, gloves or handsome handbag. Makes a big difference, doesn’t it?
So, as much as I love fabulous true vintage style and details I also know that I can easily stand out in a room dressed in a plain ’50’s skirt and sweater, or even a pair of jeans with a great true vintage shirt. Our grandmothers understood that perfectly. And today, it’s VERY easy NOT to stand out . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 