Tag Archives: retro

ANOTHER RARE FIND – 1950’s to EARLY 1960’S DEAD STOCK OXFORD SHIRT OF SANFORIZED COTTON

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It’s a plain,white oxford shirt so I won’t bore you with the photo.  The label is worth the whole find and all the details from the 1950’s to early 1960’s – – – – – –

there’s a cellophane collar prop still in place, a paper tag hanging from a button, a paper square in the pocket that was placed there by the final inspector, and an inventory stamp near the hem.  An interesting thing about the fabric (besides being Sanforized) is that the weave gives it stretch, without any of our modern spandex.  An extra tag sewn at the neck advertises this.

The sleeves will be too long for me so, of course, I’ll end up selling it but the best thing is the way that the story still unfolds.  From what I can resource so far, this may have been a British brand.  A find like this is always worth picking up just for the fun!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

LOVE THIS HAND-TAILORED COTTON GOWN IN A PRETTY PEONY PRINT

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The colors are beautiful and the styling unusual, with a faux train detail back and front – falling from the bodice.  My first impression was that this dress may have been made in Hawaii, but I’m not sure.  There is no label and my impression is that it was made by an individual with tailoring expertise or at a small tailoring shop.

The fabric and construction details say true vintage to me, so I’m going with that.  Such a pretty design – it floats from just above the bust-line, swirling down to the hem, which is cut just a little longer in the back to make the dress fall properly.  This is a detail that is not often (if ever) seen in mainstream patterns that have been cut recently – one of the important styling elements that have gone by the wayside in modern times.  Surely true couture houses still observe them(?).

Anyway, gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.  Very informal but extremely elegant.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A 1960’S NANCY FROCK – HOW FUN IS THAT?

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Haven’t found a “Nancy Frock” in quite a while so I’m very happy with this find.  A house-dress, day-dress combo.  The label says you can “wear it anywhere” – a smart style so typical of lower-priced dresses of that era.  Proudly “made in the U.S.A.”.  Such an old, iconic brand name label.

This poly shirtwaist style has an overall paisley print – so 1960’s. Although it doesn’t show well in the photo, the dyed-to-match buttons are sculpted and there is a little neck-tie beneath the collar, which dresses it up a bit.  I love it that this dress also is in virtually perfect condition.  The only flaw I see is the missing original belt.

Also, the original owner had written on the label “New  Long” but I’m not about to try to remove that – it’s part of the story that she probably intended to have it altered (or do it herself).  Looks like she never got around to it, so this garment may be new and unworn.  Fab.

When it rains, it pours.  So, more coming your way tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LATE 1960’S 1970’S PRAIRIE STYLE DRESS FIND – THIS ONE CAN HAVE MANY LIVES

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Could be a Prom – party, wedding or casual summer day dress according to your wish!  Love well-made frocks like this one, which has pretty fabric and trim as well as a liner that prevents see-through (excepting for a bit at the midriff and on the sleeves).  Just right!

I’m always super-happy to find a gown or long dress of this genre and era.  And, in perfect condition.  Things just keep getting better . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TWO WELCOME TRUE VINTAGE SLEEPWEAR FINDS

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Ok, not terribly exciting – but happy finds for me.  The PJ bottoms may be a great partner for an early 1950’s pajama top of a very close color that hangs in my closet.  As you can imagine, the color has been difficult to match but the best things are that the fabric on these pants is also very vintage, and they are my size!

The little Kayser nightie will be a favorite.  Simple and sweet, easy to sleep in without any fussy decoration (though I love those, too) and lightweight for the coming summer months.  Always a fun find and perfect for my everyday wardrobe.  What next?  Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A COUPLE OF REALLY FUN 1960’S FINDS

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A fitted (the best) Western-style shirt in cotton blend with a floral wallpaper stripe and a true vintage paisley scarf, maybe both from “Monkey Ward” (see the shirt label and investigate the nickname online – fun).  Again in my size, though the blouse size must have been for a girl at that time.

Unusual finds per their fabulous condition.  I’ll enjoy wearing them – very much perfect examples of the fashion era when they were made.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

RARE, RARE, RARE SECOND-TIME-EVER FIND TODAY!!! SEE IT TOMORROW . . . .

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-111Wowee – I’m over-the-moon again.  My latest nearly-greatest find will be posted tomorrow.  Stay tuned . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

A LITTLE BLACK DAY DRESS – JUST RIGHT FOR A TRIP TO TOWN

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Another elegant style, to be dressed up or down.  Definitely needs a steam-clean, but we can discuss the details.  Style is a simple, belted sheath (probably had a fabric-covered buckle belt originally) with 3/4-length sleeves and faux pocket detail at the hips.  The fabric is a very nice shantung weave.

A dress like this is SO versatile that everyone owned at least one.  It’s very basic and streamlined so looks smart for errands but dresses up beautifully for cocktails or dinner with high heels, pearls or a sparkly brooch.

I’m so glad to have it in my closet.  Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TWO MORE TRUE VINTAGE LBDs – THIS TIME FROM THE 1950’S

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Little Black Dresses keep coming my way.  Love this one, with interesting tailoring details.  Since these don’t show up in the photo, I will explain while you use your imagination.

Short, short sleeves are very flattering and the front of the bodice is sheer to show off the lace or trim on a beautiful black slip from that era.  There is a fabric tassel at the waist, to be tied into a bow.  From the hip to near the hemline, horizontal pleats add interest to the pencil skirt.  Very elegant and becoming and –

there’s more coming your way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

WELL-MADE 1980’S DOES 1940’S DAY DRESS

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This is a very cute dress, faithful in many ways to the styles and fabrics of the 1940’s.  Women of that time with moderate means would wear designs like this for work and general day-wear.

Although I’d prefer the real thing,  many 1970’s and 1980’s garments that were doing the Forties thing are worth adding to the wardrobe.  Not much since then.

Notice the interesting buttons, geometric print, slash pockets and waist treatment.  It was also made by Damon’s, a division of Damon and Draper, well-known clothier since the early 1900’s.  This one has found a place!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM