Tag Archives: Post-war

THE QUINTESSENTIAL MID-CENTURY SHIRT-DRESS, IN ALL IT’S COUTURE SPLENDOR

IMG_2775

Handmade back in the day by “Rosalie Couturier” – I’ve never seen this common and popular style done so elegantly, by one seamstress.  All the best of beautiful little details and stunning fit are really only found in purely hand-tailored examples.  What a treat it was to find this one!

The fabric is also very special – a rayon or rayon blend that was used in off-the-rack garments only in the 1940’s – 1950’s, if you were lucky.  And the buttons!  I’m over-the-moon on those – heavy, polished and perfect in their iridescence.  Nothing can compare to old shell buttons.  You can see in this photo another example of the phenomenon I mentioned a day or two ago – the belt looks slightly darker, probably because it was never cleaned along with the dress.  Spy-craft!

Just in time for Spring, right out of classic cinema – Mrs. Miniver or June Cleaver would be right at home wearing this frock any old day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WE’RE GEARING UP FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY – START WITH TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S & 1950’S LINGERIE

WE'RE GEARING UP FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY - START WITH 1940'S & 1950'S LINGERIE

Believe it or not, I do not have a single GREEN slip that would be suitable for my St. Paddy’s Day dresses! Two green rayon beauties in my closet from the 1930’s are way too long and full . . . . . . .

So, here are some blue-green pretties from the Forties & Fifties that might suit. If they’re not showing through, I don’t think any one would really mind, do you?  Once the dress is off . . . . . . . . . . .

Again, we have beautiful fabric, contrasting embroidery and some applique’. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. . . .. . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

2 FINDS TODAY – 1. HANDMADE 1940’S EVENING GOWN

IMG_5268

Love, love, love this beautiful dress!  It’s all handmade in elegant simplicity, with gorgeous fabrics.  The black velvet bodice is off-set by the pale sage green satin skirt and trim.

What a lovely surprise – and it wasn’t the only one.  Wait till you see the fabulous gabardine jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1940’S RAYON DAY DRESS – ANOTHER FABULOUS FROCK DISCOVERED!!

1940’S RAYON DAY DRESS – ANOTHER FABULOUS FROCK DISCOVERED!!

Just about my favorite dress era – WWII to Post-war – and in my size.  I was SO thrilled to uncover this wonderful rayon frock in a great green & white on black ferny print.  Very well-made and in fantastic condition.  Love those mid-century women who looked after their clothing so well.  If I’m looking for some green to wear on the 17th of March, this one has enough green to get me in the door.

So iconic and perfect.  Drapey rayon in a wonderful art print.  It “made” the start of my day.  Even though I always expect to find treasure, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE RED! VA-VA-VA-V00M TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S LINGERIE SLIPS

MORE RED! VA-VA-VA-V00M TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S LINGERIE SLIPS

Here are some ultimate underthings to wear whenever and wherever. No one can resist this color!  Don’t wait for next Christmas or Valentine’s Day!!

Look at the beautiful lace and detailing. Each one is a little dress in itself.  And, with wonderful true vintage quality that makes them really exquisite.

It always pays to have slips of various lengths, as shown here.  At far left would be the perfect one to wear with the ensemble posted yesterday.  The proper length for any dress or skirt is important – best just 1 1/2 – 2 inches above the hem to avoid sagging below, but maybe still giving a little glimpse when your skirt moves . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

PRETTY IN PINK: 1930’S – 1940’S – 1950’S NIGHTWEAR FOR THE VINTAGE BOUDOIR

PRETTY IN PINK: 1930'S - 1940'S - 1950'S NIGHTWEAR FOR THE VINTAGE BOUDOIR

Now we’re talkin’!  Setting the mood here for Cupid’s Day.  Some are relatively demure, but all are beautiful nylon and silk sleepwear from a time when those things were really special.

Whether a young girl heading off to college, or a young woman on her honeymoon, one (or two) of these would surely be stowed in her luggage.

Madge likes that cute robe with the double button closure at the waist.  It would work well over the little short-sleeved gown – perfect for dorm room dreams. As for the silk number in the center, well, it is Valentine’s Day so forget the robe . . . . . . . … . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG;  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PRETTY (AND ALMOST PERFECT!) IN PINK – A MID-CENTURY PILLBOX HAT THAT LUCY, JACKIE AND DIANA WOULD LOVE

IMG_2923

Marlene is mesmerizing in this gorgeous veiled hat.  Just covering the eyes, it adds a bit of mystery to a bright and open face.  She was so inspired by the Spring hue that she even changed her haircolor . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’ve honestly not seen a veil made this way before and am a bit unclear about how it is supposed to be worn. However,  it’s situated in the right direction so maybe this is it. Perhaps it could be worn tipped a little farther back on the head.  Many hats from the Forties had parts hanging over the shoulder in kind of a gypsy touch.

Anyway, it’s beautiful and just right for the season.  When flowers and grass are coming up,  here we go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL 1940’S – 1950’S WHITE STRAW HAT WITH GROSGRAIN BOW

IMG_3419IMG_3418

I found two wonderful mid-century straw hats on my last expedition!  This one is summer-perfect and great with Marlene’s coloring.  It’s a simple style that suits almost everyone and the big bow gives it a coquettish allure.

Straw hats are so lovely and grosgrain ribbon a classic and elegant trim.  More tomorrow . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER 1940’S HAT FIND – THIS ONE WITH THE BOX!

img_3427.jpgIMG_3404

I’m always tickled to have the original box for any of my hats!  In this case, I don’t know the brand of the hat (if there was one) but I know WHERE it came from.  The department store Famous-Barr in St. Louis, MO was a division of the Macy’s chain for decades and finally closed in 2013.  It had evolved in the early 20th century from two other store members of the Federated Department Stores organization and opened in 1914.  The old department stores were such fun and so exciting for women, where they could receive very personal and professional service – now we just see glimpses of them in classic movies.  Modern malls and superstores can’t compare.

Anyway, this “pretty” with a black velvet crown, bow decoration and a lacy woven ribbon brim is elegant without the weight of heavier styles that might dominate during the colder months.  This one lets you carry the season-less drama of black into Summer and early Fall.  Works for me . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM