Tag Archives: retro

BACK TO LONG DRESSES FOR WINTER HOLIDAY PARTIES. LET’S START WITH A 1930’S RETRO FROCK.

Cold shoulder tailoring and drapey, body con fit was a VERY Deco style. This is a custom-made gown from the mid-century. I can tell from the fabric that this gorgeous dark green velvet didn’t come from the 1930’s. Probably 1960’s or 1970’s – true vintage retro! It’s still a beautiful and unusual dress . . wonder if it was made for a special event, as a glam hostess dress or a costume for a theater production? I’ll wear it in a heartbeat.

Jewel colors are super for winter fashions, as well as black and white. I’ll show more of these in the next few posts as we come forward through the decades. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A FEW TRUE VINTAGE PURSE ACCESSORIES FROM THE 1950’S TO ADD TO FALL HANDBAGS

A FEW TRUE VINTAGE PURSE ACCESSORIES FROM THE 1950'S

Yes, September often means it’s time to switch out some of the Summer wardrobe for warmer clothing.  Traditionally, it was also the time to put away anything white, including accessories.  That means I’m looking over my collection of true vintage handbags and selecting a couple that coordinate well with my Autumn fashion choices.  Not only does that mean switching out a matching wallet, but other handy purse accessories from back in the day can be included.  What savvy dame would forget to equip her handbag with smart and handy accessories?  Here are just a few.

It’s so fun to look back into our mothers’ and grandmothers’ handbags to see what they used to carry on a daily basis.  These are just a smattering of the interesting items I’ve seen.  Mirrors, combs and tiny brushes, lipstick cases, foldable rain hats, key cases and key-rings all came in different sizes, styles and designs.  An emery board and an orange stick were usually tucked in somewhere.  Smokers also had special accessories – cases, lighters and interesting matchbooks.  Little pillboxes were very decorative and pretty.  I’ve got a few of those.

Above we see two note pads (with attached pen or pencil), a manicure set, sewing kit, mirror set (with normal and magnifying glasses), and an attractive case for a comb.

The intelligent and fashionable woman is always well-prepared when stepping out, no matter what her mission may be.  Efficiency and style – that’s my motto . … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S JACKET AND SKIRT

I love the apple-green button trim on this navy jacket from the 1940’s. Alas, the original skirt was lost, but I was able to find one with an almost-perfect color, fabric weave and true-to-the-era style. That is phenomenal and rare, but not impossible for the Magicvintagespy.

Aside from the cute and iconic design, these pieces are able to be worn as separates as well as a suit.  The fabric, though it may be wool-based, is still 3-season and makes this find a very practical part of my wardrobe.

The only downside, if there is one, is that this material must be dry-cleaned and should be protected from moth damage.  When adding true vintage clothing to your wardrobe, it’s important to remember that some fabrics which look like the today’s synthetics and blends were often made with wool years ago.  The up-side, which is definite, is that wool lasts forever and the construction of these garments probably will, too!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

VINTAGE/RETRO-STYLE EYEGLASSES BY GENTLE MONSTER

This brand is a new one on me, but the style is so 1960’s that I had to pick them up and was pleased to learn more about them. Although I’ve seen only a few other modern frames with nosepieces, the look is always good and these are quite close to the true vintage style.

Another great thing to learn was that they are very well-made, in Korea (so no surprise). Good value! This company was founded in Korea in 2011 and makes lots of neat designs. The particular model is called Planet Blu. My research into Gentle Monster products turned up photos of some that are very similar, but not exactly the same. My best guess is that they were made about 5 – 10 years ago. Not true vintage by any standard, but the high quality retro chic makes them worth mentioning.

Gentle Monster makes a variety of ready-to-wear glasses for sun protection, reading and blue light blocking but the frames can apparently be purchased without lenses for your own prescription. This pair probably has prescription lenses which are absolutely in perfect condition but, unfortunately, aren’t suitable for me. So, the decision to keep or not is up in the air, but they’re still a worthy find and good to share. Very unexpected, but you just never know . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SEXY, SHEER ’30’S – ’40’S RETRO FROCK BY VINTAGE STORIES OF LONDON

I’d been thinking of finding something light that would be good summer sleepwear for hot and sticky weather; so that was what was on my mind when I spotted this fabric. I took a good look and said “Oh, my goodness!” Even hanging in my hands, I could see what a good pedigree this style has and, when I was able to try it on at home, OMG!!! Can’t wait to photograph it on Stella. I’m really hoping to find the right slip and to be invited to a New Year’s party.

It fits me like a glove and is so flattering with an hourglass cut, elbow-length sleeves and knee-length hem plus a deep V-neckline. The soft, pretty lace and excellent construction don’t hurt, either. It even has a side zipper. Obviously, this company takes their design and quality seriously.

So, I did a little research about the maker and discovered that Vintage Stories opened in 2017 in London, England with styles inspired by famous people in past decades. I know little more than this about them and am not sure if they are still producing items or exactly where they are sold. Each garment is said to have a story behind it, so I wonder what the story is here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A PUCCI PATTERNED KNIT TOP! IS IT THE REAL THING?????

1980’S DOES 1940’S RAYON DAY – DRESS WITH A LITTLE MORE FASHION – FORWARD STYLING

TRUE VINTAGE CASUAL SWEATERS FROM THE FIFTIES – A CUTE PAIR OF TWINS FOR THE SWEATER GIRLS

IMG_0927     Not your typical “twin-set” – I found this pair of ’50’s cuties together – they probably belonged to the same woman.  They’re identical excepting for the color.  Very becoming to both Madge and Stella, don’t you think?  If you zoom in, you can see the decorative studs on the front of each one.

Of the softest angora blend – rollover neckline, 3/4 sleeves and decorated with button accents on the front – these look great with black cigarette pants or a coordinating skirt.  Perfect for a casual Fifties or early Sixties cocktail hour.  Belly up to the Tiki bar!

True vintage sweaters in perfect condition are always a rare find!  Just another day in the life of the magicvintagespy . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Few 1930’s -1940s – early 1950’s Wardrobe Staples

A Few 1940s Wardrobe Staples

Here are a few items that I ran across by surprise – from the 1940s (or so).  All perfect finishes for a wartime or post-war costume.  Mary-jane all leather shoes (always a classic), Capezio soft leather dance or casual flats and a couple of simple woven bags from the Depression era or time of wartime rationing – a drawstring and one with a metal zip in the top.  It’s fun to find things in such good condition (and at very good prices). You just never know . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

MOD BLACK AND WHITE SHOES FROM THE MID 1960’S – SPECTATOR STYLE

MOD BLACK AND WHITE SHOES FROM THE MID 1960'S - SPECTATOR STYLE

A pair of, low-heeled classic quasi-spectator-style Mod pumps.  Black and white is always “in”, and is always de la mode.  Very practical for any Sixties – era outfit.  You can also dance the night away in comfort.

This pair is by the famous maker Florsheim, a quality name for decades.  Looks great Spring, Summer or Fall.  Probably in Winter, too.  A classic’s a classic, right?

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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