
Not terribly “different” or “vintage-looking” until you examine the details. This is a typical dance party frock from the time when Barbie was Homecoming Queen . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Not terribly “different” or “vintage-looking” until you examine the details. This is a typical dance party frock from the time when Barbie was Homecoming Queen . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

With winter coming, I just couldn’t pass this one up. Although it’s got some issues and is not my color, I’m going to keep it to wear around the house on a chilly day when I want the quilted comfort of a true vintage robe.
Not into yellow? Well, I can dye it! Yes, this robe is made of acetate, which will accept dye well – at least in my previous experience. So, crimson or hot pink will make a pretty coral color that will warm me up on cold, snowy mornings . . . . . . .
As an aside, don’t try dying at home unless you are experienced or don’t mind having a mistake (maybe a BIG mistake, depending on the garment). It’s a great way to learn, but do so with caution.
P.S. PLEASE VOTE THIS NOVEMBER. IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED, OR AREN’T SURE ABOUT YOUR REGISTRATION, CHECK ON IT AND GET THAT DONE.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I love these! They’re so typical of the day-dresses from the early to mid-Sixties that said “Fall is Here”, mostly for professional women. Anyone who wanted to look nicely tailored, but casual, wore styles like these.
So, I’ve seen lots of them on TV but not in person. It’s great fun to find this blast from the past that probably belonged to the same woman. Wonder what her everyday story was about . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Just fabulous! Custom-made by the same woman, of ultra-soft cotton in a wonderful 1940’s – early 1950’s style that I just love. And, in my size!!!!!
Nipped waist, flirty skirt, shoulder pads and cute sculptured plastic buttons. What could be better? Perfect condition, washed to incredible comfort. I don’t usually go for floral prints, but who can quibble? . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM




McCalls needlework magazine from 1961 has patterns and instructions for these neat tops. It was one of those times when the fashion gets really playful. My most recent finds on this trip are ’60’s!
Not quite so intimidating as trying to make some of the dresses and coats, but challenging enough! There’s no mistaking the styles from that time and I’ll be showing more . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These bracelets are so distinctive-looking – so interesting, to pair with any casual or daytime outfit. They’d also go well into the night, with the right ensemble.
I’ve always pounced when I spotted something like this – rare and fabulous! Though they’re often made of pot metal and plastic (or bakelite), cast rather than hand-made, they are so unusual and will last a long time if you don’t mistreat them.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s my main collection of true vintage white rhinestone collars. From simple and sweet to sassy and sophisticated. These were made between 1940 and 1960, I’d say. Some might be older, or slightly newer.
To be worn alone, or almost alone. Unless you’re doing a period costume from a time when overkill was the usual fashion and everything was worn as a set, these lovelies shine most brilliantly when standing alone.
Just my opinion, for what it’s worth . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Stella stuns in this slim sheath with a draped neckline in back. I know the woman who made this dress back while John F. Kennedy was president and it is exquisitely tailored in charcoal cotton velvet, with a fabric-covered belt.
The style is simple, but dramatic. The cowl neckline in back is what makes the dress. It’s perfect for a necklace that is long enough and simple enough to be draped front to back with a beautiful clasp at the neck, or hidden under a high neckline in front while making a statement on your bare shoulders behind.
But, it doesn’t need much adornment and best to keep it simple . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is one of my favorite little necklaces, from the 1950’s or early Sixties. Very sweet – love the rhinestone bow and the faux pearl drop. The chain, also, is studded with rhinestones all the way.
The earrings are a bit later – late Sixties or Seventies, but they coordinate nicely. A parure like this would have been perfect with a formal pouf dress – depending on the age of the wearer and the occasion.
Definitely costume jewelry, but so pretty . . . .. . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

It’s the time of year when we start thinking about dressy events, dances and holidays again. I’ll be showing more true vintage formal, semi-formal and dressy looks.
These tops would look great with the velveteen skirt from yesterday. And, I’ve got some formal and dressy frocks that need a special wrap to go with them. Often what you already have in the closet just doesn’t work. That’s the time when our grandmothers would get out their knitting needles and crochet hooks . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM