Tag Archives: robe

A Cozy Mid-Century Housecoat and Very Vintage Robe

This pretty aqua at-home garment by It’s A Charm is remarkable because it looks virtually new after about 60 years. Classically styled, the front snaps are made to look like buttons. The string tie at neckline is fastened on with a little safety pin in order to be removed when you put the item in a washing machine. So practical. The cute flower basket embroidery on the pocket really is Charming.

On the other hand, I can’t help but love this ratty robe (men’s, I think) that needed a little mending at the collar. It’s probably the older of these two pieces and testifies to lots of loyal service on weekends and evenings, year in and year out. Made of cotton fabric in an attractive plaid – I’ll still need to find or make a belt for it, but that should be a cinch (no pun intended?). Who knows – I may even encounter one the next time I get out in the field . . . . which brings up the aviso that outlets may be closing again due to current threats . . . . . . . . . . . .

Still more to come, however.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MY LATEST TRUE VINTAGE FINDS – HERE’S THE BABY OF THE FAMILY . . . . . . . . . . .

From the mid-1960’s a psychedelic print wrapper house dress made at home from wonderful fabric. The material has the feel of smooth, glossy slinky knit but is woven instead. So interesting.

When I finish adding snaps where some are missing and re-attaching 1/2 of the belt tie, it’s got a comfortable but very sexy fit. You’ll have to wait until I return to Headquarters to see it properly displayed.

The moment I saw this I knew it was old and, even with the missing fasteners, the potential of a really neat house dress was obvious. Can’t wait to wear it! After this latest haul, I wonder what’s next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER UNUSUAL VINTAGE LOUNGE-WEAR KIMONO – TRADITIONAL EAST ASIAN

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What a beautiful handmade garment!  I can’t date it and have never discovered one like it before.  Because of the traditional style and motifs, it may be hard to say exactly how old it is.  Could be several decades old, or very modern.  I was attracted by the beautiful colors and the hand-tailoring.

The belt I have used is not original, but necessary for this robe.  As I understand it, obi belts are often made separately from the robe, to special order.

Although it seems very large and long, after you wrap it it fits little size 2 Stella.  What a puzzle – not sure who it would have been made for.  The motif of cranes suggest a man (?) but I’m certainly no expert on these!  But wait – more mysteries to come . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LATEST FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S HOUSECOAT – MOD AND SWEET

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Nothing “Lady of the Manor” about this dressing gown – a little bit more Carnaby Street.  Still a perfect hostess gown or leisure wear garment.

Lovely, heavy nylon with cute button trim at the neckline and the Sixties bell sleeves.  I love the print and the colors in this gown!

It’s always such fun to find beautiful clothing that is 50 years old but still in perfect wearing condition.  I breeze around the house in this one a lot!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

TRUE VINTAGE ROBES AND DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE LATE 1930’S – 1940’S

TRUE VINTAGE ROBES AND DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE LATE 1930'S - 1940'S

We’ve done a little film noir leisure dressing for the men, so here are 3 of my very favorite women’s things of the same era.  The fabulous ’30’s robe with shoulder pads and tassels, the cute little wartime rayon dressing gown and the glam  ’40’s rayon dressing gown.  Hollywood movie star all over!

Imagine Veronica Lake or Joan Crawford sweeping into the room. Deanna Durbin would have looked sweet in that blue and white dressing gown.

I like to recline in one of these while sipping a cognac and reviewing the latest assignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

MEN’S CLASSIC DESIGN BATHROBE – TRUE VINTAGE ’40’S, ’50’S, ‘6OS

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I know Madge doesn’t look much like your granddad, but she was handy.  These are just about my favorite men’s robes – with the black satin accents. Not easy to find now!

This is such a classic style that it’s difficult to be sure what decade it’s from.  The pattern is helpful and the type of material, as well as other clues.  The satin trim is rare, as is the Sanforized cotton fabric.

Almost every old movie has scenes with men at home, wearing something like this. especially if the man is enjoying his leisure hours.  It really takes me back to classic cinema.  Beats a track suit any day.

The thing about this style is that it is also deadly attractive on women.  There’s something very fun and sexy about wearing your partner’s clothing once in a while – from shirts and PJs to robes, sweaters and jackets. Other stuff doesn’t usually work too well.. . . . . . . . . . . . .

I have another similar one which I’ll show later; it’s in a different fabric.  Perfect costume for film noir. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

COZY 1970’S ROYAL BLUE ROBE BY EVELYN PEARSON – IN VINTAGE VELOUR

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After all that running around to cold and dark hideaways, searching out the best in true vintage fashion, I’m ready to curl up in front of the fire for the Holidays!  Nothing could be nicer than this silky soft robe, made especially touchable by vintage Triacetate fabric.

As soon as I felt it and noted the maker’s name, I knew that it was a worthy pick.  The details are very nice, it’s virtually “new” and soooooooooo comfy and elegant.

I wish for you, too, all the best of Comforts and Joys!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S ITEM: CLASSIC TAILORED 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S COTTON BATH ROBE

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With all the features of a fine men’s at-home lounge-wear garment, this robe may have been a bespoke item, though probably ordered through the menswear department of a large store.  Alas, the original belt has gone missing but – amazing surprise – I have material that is a great match to make a replacement!  It’s such a project to find matching/coordinating colors and fabric types for a job like this that I’m really fortunate in this case.

Another rare find that just caused me to jump for joy when I discovered it . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

PRETTY NYLON GOWNS FROM THE 1950’S TO EARLY 1960’S – SOMETHING I ALWAYS LOVE TO FIND

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So pretty and feminine, so slinky and comfy.  Mid-century lingerie sleepwear just can’t be beat for quality and style.  Wearing it always makes me feel like I’m in a film noir or an early 1960’s sit-com.

The details on older lingerie are so beautiful and artfully-made, much of it truly by hand even on commercial gowns and robes.  We’re so lucky that these items can still be discovered, with a little persistence and discrimination.  With care, they’ll last you the rest of your life and that’s a long time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MADE IN JAPAN – LOOK AT THIS FAB COTTON KIMONO!

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Although the phrase “made in Japan” used to connote (in Western countries) some cheap trinket back in the WWI, WWII and Post-war days before their technological revolution, Japan is also the country that is known for gorgeous kimonos and traditional garments of the most elaborate embroidered silk.

Another unusual and  surprising find.  I’m not sure exactly how to date this 100% cotton robe, but it’s beautiful and well-styled in it’s elegant simplicity.  The fan motifs are very wonderful and I love the colors (as does Stella – with that auburn hair it’s dynamite on her!).

Definitely a keeper.  More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM