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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Bored in Miami? Snowbound in your photography studio? How about livening things up with a little vintage cheesecake?
Look at those cups on this classic ’50’s Jantzen maillot! If you didn’t have the figure, these suits would do their best to give it to you.
I’ll bet you can think of all sorts of ways to pose in this bubblegum pink cutie, and with all the necessary accessories.
Snowstorms – That’s why your mother wanted you to learn how to play by yourself.
Valentine’s Day – That’s why it’s good to know how to play nice with others . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Cautiously still in shoulder season – sticking to classic tones and sizes – these can still be called Spring hats. The very special one at left on Marlene would have accompanied a particular suit or frock. Hats used to be so creative and capable, if carefully selected, of making a stunningly good impression!
The navy wool hat at right on Celia is the perfect one to wear with an early Spring coat in a coordinating tone. It is simply a classic wardrobe staple and warming when the weather is cool.
Nothing picked up the spirits like a new hat. It seems that women loved them even more than new shoes! Well, I can understand that, because around your face and shoulders the right hat can make you look absolutely beautiful . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Magicvintagespy 