Tag Archives: rayon
TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S RAYON DAY DRESS – AN APPLE A DAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Patriotically short and with minimal sleeves in observance of wartime rationing, this drapey frock still looks fashionable and sweet for day. Belted, with a bow at the neckline and cute little apples all over. I’ve been itching to photograph it on Stella for almost 2 years and I knew it would suit her to a T. I love Forties rayon dresses – they fit like a dream.
That means I can probably wear it, too, but first it needs attention to a couple of tiny holes on the back of one shoulder. No sweat for the Magicvintagespy and it will be ready for next summer!
During this series, I’m going to do something a little different from the usual. Garments will be posted in the order of their style decade, even though that might not be when they were actually made. All are true vintage, at least from the 1980’s – ’90’s or before, but I picked up several well-done retro pieces 1 or 2 years ago that I’d like to show you. So, stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE 1940s BOWLING TEAM DRESS / UNIFORM
Back to wartime or post-war frocks. This is the cutest rayon dress ever, with that iconic swingy skirt that ’40s dresses often have and a wonderful relic from the ever-popular women’s bowling teams of the war years. Just like splashy musical movies, recreational activities like hometown sports were a great distraction from the reality of the times.
Anhauser-Busch or, more likely the local beer distributor, was the team sponsor. Hence, the Busch Bavarian Beer patches on front and back. The belt had the player’s name embroidered on it. Perfect features for costume-wear!
Without the patches, the dress is styled like many day dresses from that time. This one is probably from the late 1940s or, possibly, the early 1950s.
What a thrill to find it, and in excellent if not near perfect condition! You truly just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE 1940s – ’50s LIGHTWEIGHT KNIT SWEATER OR BLOUSE
Lovely nylon knit sweater-blouse in soft green. Perfect for making a transition to the cold weather. By Canterbury – a company which was known for beautiful cardigans, too. What’s the special magic about this one?
Look at the fit. The knit drapes so nicely and it is full-fashioned, which always improves the way that a sweater fits the body. At the neckline there are many tiny vintage shell buttons – the kind that are substantial and well-shaped, even though they are very small. They do allow you to close the neckline, if desired, but are mostly for decoration. I just love that button detailing.
As long as you protect it from snags and stains, an item like this is very easy to care for. Hand washing (or delicate in a newer machine) is best, with similar colors. This avoids stretching and, also, protects the color. Nylon can absorb other colors in the wash so it’s always best to wash it alone or to avoid washing it with contrasting shades. If you want to change the color of a nylon item, they accept dye very well. Just be sure to follow the directions very carefully because they may end up streaky if you don’t.
With any kind of pants or a pencil, a-line or pleated skirt (depending on your figure) it looks wonderful. This is how it was worn back in the day. Put a scarf at the neck, or pearls. Perfect for every-day or dressed up – clothing of this quality is always elegant.
I found this at a small vintage shop, on the sale rack. I usually find the best things in unlikely places and at unheard of prices! I wonder who wore this one and where? You just never know . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BEST TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SUNDAY, DINNER, PARTY, DATE, OCCASION JACKET DRESS
Beautiful navy and pink combo on this special jacket-dress from the 1940’s. A real beauty. Nice drapey crepe in flattering navy and pink hues.
Flower petal collar. Easter splendor. Come on Springtime! . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
MY FAVORITE (FOR NOW) 1940’S RAYON DAY DRESS
A super-startling surprise find! Beautiful 1940’s fabric, perfect condition and just my size. Fun floral for spring and my favorite dark, dark navy in the background. These rare and interesting flaps that fall from the waist at both hips are a style feature I’d never seen before finding this beauty. They were a common sight on many 1940’s dresses.
It’s a simple, easy pullover style that falls just right because of the cut, the fabulous rayon drape and the shoulder pads. I think I’ll be wearing this one for at least the next 40 years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE RAYON DAY DRESS FROM THE LATE 1930s TO EARLY 1940s
Here’s another lovely shirtwaist dress for a Spring day, this one in rayon. It could have been custom made or ready-made – no tags or tell-tale details to help me be sure. In most cases, dating true vintage clothing is not an exact science, but with knowledge and experience can be pretty close. This frock makes me think of something Bonnie, of Bonnie & Clyde, might have worn.
Due to its age and previous history of wear, it did require a bit of rehab despite the wonderful condition. Buttons had to be replaced and, as I mentioned in a previous post, a “new” belt had to be constructed as the original was missing. I keep a store of vintage buttons for cases just like as this. Also, I keep vintage belts that are worn in order that they can be re-covered. That’s exactly what I did here – as there was lots of extra fabric in the hem allowance, I was able to harvest enough to re-cover a belt without messing up the original hem length. You can see that the color of the fabric in the belt is slightly darker than that of the dress, but I don’t mind. Sometimes that is done on purpose to add extra interest. Also, since covered belts usually would not be laundered along with a dress (since their insides are like cardboard), the dress fabric might fade a bit more over time. So, this un-faded piece of fabric from the interior of the hem (never exposed to sun) ends up being a perfect authentic-looking touch!!
To me, nothing says “Spring” more than these pastel printed dresses in breezy styles. The lingerie that must go with them, because of their sheerness, just adds to the package.
When I find one of these I really jump for joy! It’s just one thrill after another because, you just never know .. . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.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
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
Magicvintagespy 