Tag Archives: rayon

LIKE THE LAST 1940’S JACKET AND SKIRT? HERE’S ANOTHER!

LIKE THE LAST JACKET AND SKIRT? HERE'S ANOTHER!

This is one of my very favorite jackets – a lighter-weight rayon/synthetic number with an abstract print in brown on ivory, with black velveteen collar, cuffs & buttons. I wear it with a modern (80’s or 90’s) black silk skirt, at present.

Somewhere between the late Forties and the mid-Fifties this garment with an atomic print made a very stylish statement. It is utterly unique and I LOVE it!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ONE OF MY FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SWING JACKETS – ELEGANT AND STRIKING

ONE OF MY FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S JACKETS - ELEGANT AND STRIKING

Couldn’t believe it when I spotted this one – an ivory crepe swing jacket with lovely shoulders and fabulous drape. It closes with a single covered button at the neck.  It’s a great silhouette, very elegant with lots of presence!

Over skirt, dress or slacks it’s so elegant and moves wonderfully. One of my best examples of what made Forties
fashions fabulous . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER DISCOVERY! TRUE VINTAGE ’70’S DOES ’40’S JUMPSUIT

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FROM THE EARLY 1970’S RETRO FORTIES ERA

This is an unusual purchase for me, but it is so iconic of that early ’70’s time that I just had to nab it – and some of the details are compelling.  Jumpsuits were a big deal (briefly) during the early 1970’s, as they were (briefly) during the 1940’s, too.  Can’t wait to photograph it on Stella.  It’s a small size that will fit her to a “T”.

The first thing that caught my eye was the color – love this wonderful glossy Bordeau wine hue – and the fabric.  It’s a blend of acetate and rayon (very popular in the Forties) and gives the garment that wonderful drape plus adding the depth and shimmer to the color.

Shoulder pads, a nipped waist and plunging back above a button-and-zipper closure.  Couldn’t be a more flattering style on someone with a slim figure.  The waistline also has  belt loops, showing that a wide cinch belt was the original.  It will be fun to find the one I like best. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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1950’s LBD WITH SHEER BLACK SLEEVES AND SEDUCTIVE SHAPE

1950's LBD WITH SHEER BLACK SLEEVES AND SEDUCTIVE SHAPE

Leave it to the 1950’s to produce the most come-hither styles . . . .. . .. How could anyone resist this one?  The inventors of the “cocktail dress” knew their stuff.

Rather than a sleeveless style, “demure” sheer sleeves add just the right touch of modesty and mystery and end up amping the “sexiness” to new levels.

One of the mistakes that so much modern fashion makes – it’s so in-your-face that after the shock and awe wear off in a few minutes, it’s pretty boring and tacky.  True vintage fashion rarely, if ever, makes that goof.  It’s usually has just the opposite effect.  And, high quality materials and tailoring is the cherry on top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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FABULOUS RAYON FIND – A TRUE VINTAGE BEADED DRESS FROM THE 1930’S/1940’S

FABULOUS RAYON FIND - A TRUE VINTAGE BEADED DRESS FROM THE 1930'S/1940'S

Was I ever thrilled to run across this beauty! Sleek and slinky, it’s got great film noir presence.  Another dress that Madge can’t wear, but I can’t wait to photograph it on Stella because it would fit her just right!

With a side zipper at the waist and fabulous design, it’s such a neat wartime style.. The color is tricky to photo – a medium mauve, grayish purple. Very unusual and lovely.

The best thing is the bead trim – and especially the trailing streamers that hang from the hip area. You’ll see more of these rare & interesting tailoring features in some future posts.. . . . . .

No, it’s not a dirty camera lens and Yes, there is a flaw on the front, with a funny stain or fade on the left bodice that can’t be remedied. However, it’s just the right place for a pin, a flower or corsage which early mid-century women often wore for a night out.  I think I’d love a piece or two of markasite jewelry with this frock . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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2 TRUE VINTAGE DRESSY FROCKS FROM THE FLIRTY THIRTIES

2 TRUE VINTAGE DRESSY FROCKS FROM THE FLIRTY THIRTIES

Here’s another detour to the days of film noir – lets check out a couple of little black dresses from that time . . . ..

Black crepe with major embellishments. the dress on the left is quite form-fitting, but with no stretch, and has a small side zipper, so you have to wiggle in. It is covered with metal stud decoration.

The frock on the right – also black crepe – is less fitted and easier to get into. Has a huge beaded design on the bodice – looks like a Firebird(?) – I guess we can make it whatever we want . . . . . . . .

These are rare finds, and in excellent condition. A couple of cherished items – like a hundred or so others in my closet . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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THE FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE MYSTERY DRESS FIND EXPERIENCE!!

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FABULOUS CUSTOM-TAILORED GOWN

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Wow!  Another nice little journey that made my day!!  Not only did I spy this little number by turning a corner in a place where I don’t usually look, but when I got her home and made a closer examination, many elements of her story revealed themselves.  What a fun surprise!

The second two photos are what I first saw.  I knew it was true vintage right off the bat, but the lace puzzled me.  It looked a bit too modern and odd in it’s placement, but then I’ve been surprised before doing a little research in the past, so that didn’t stop me.  There were other factors which testified to her era . . . . .

Later on, I found more.  And, the lace was tacked on as an afterthought.  Did the original seamstress just want to gussy it up a bit or was it adapted as a costume years later?  It has a bit of a dance-hall girl flavor to it . . . . .

So, off came the lace and look what happened to the skirt when it wasn’t tied up a bit! Not a full circle, but with lots of movement.  And the fabric is incredible – a heavy rayon with a double-sided pattern that you could almost wear inside-0ut.  I’ve got a two-piece jitterbug dress from the pre- or post- WWII era that is made of similar material, so I think that I’ve got my time frame.  I’m going to go with that . . . . . . . . how cool!

It’s always fun to spot something that immediately leaves no questions, but those that reveal an on-going mystery story are the real icing on the cake.  More tomorrow . . . . .

 

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TWO LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE 1920’S – 1940’S

TWO LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE 1930'S - 1940'S

These kinds of lingerie items are so special and rare. Dainty, lightweight robes like the one on the left were standard bedroom wear in the ’40’s and before – the thing to wear between rising and dressing.

The contrasting colors of the rayon gown on the left are so unusual and little details like the tiny buttons and shoulder-augmentation make this a distinctive garment – not just something to throw on absentmindedly.  It’s from the late 1930’s to 1940’s.

The gown on the right is even older. It is of white/ivory rayon satin, with side snap or hook closure in a plain sheath style. I’ve paired a  bed jacket with it, made of similar fabric. This could be adapted to a formal dance or wedding gown and would be from the late 1920’s to the 1930’s, similar to a Coco Chanel design of that time (the dress – not the bed jacket).

Anyway, they are wonderful finds and gave me a real thrill to discover them! The fun never ends . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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HOW ABOUT A LITTLE FILM NOIR? TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940’S RAYON DRESS

HOW ABOUT A LITTLE FILM NOIR? TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940'S RAYON DRESS

A beautiful, belted rayon dress in midnight navy – with a little collar, rhinestone buttons and an apron peplum. Just right for a vintage weekend dinner – date and dancing.

This frock is from the post-war years following World War II when everyone was beginning to think about starting a better life. The luxury of more variety and quality fabrics again meant longer hemlines and a return to pretty details.

Someone had kept this beauty in her wardrobe all these years, as a reminder of those elegant and victorious times, and the Greatest Generation. Thanks again, boys . . . . . . . . . .. .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TWO UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE EVENING COATS – 1940’S – 1950’S

TWO UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE EVENING COATS - 1940'S - 1950'S

I just had to add these to my collection when I found them! The coat on the left is a lightweight wool in a textured weave and could possibly be worn over a dressy day-dress, too. The coat on the right is a lightweight black crepe.  Let me describe them in more detail . . . . . . ..

The brown coat on left has a rippley collar and bands of fur – probably mink (not sure) – around the collar and down the front.  It has big fabric-covered buttons in front and on each sleeve. It could be knee-length only if you’re quite short.  This one was made during the 1940’s.

The black one – more an “opera coat” (but not long enough) – is made of black rayon, lined in white, with sable-colored mink on the cuffs.  Perfect sleeve length for long gloves.  It would be knee-length on someone of average height. I think it was made to wear over LBDs in the ’50’s.

What finds! I discovered 3 of the longer coats within a few months of one another – 2 black and one ivory cream – but I’ve never seen one since. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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