While it’s nothing special in terms of its pedigree, I love the styling of this pretty robe and always am delighted with rhinestone buttons! Sheer and lovely – just right for Blanche Dubois – and, on top of being in “perfect” condition, it’s REALLY PERFECT over a black true vintage gown I own which had no matching peignoir!!
So, go figure. . . . . . . . serendipity always happens for
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These are only 20 – 30 years old, so they hardly qualify as vintage clothing, but – they do, and are so pretty and perfect that I couldn’t pass them up. Although the materials aren’t as nice as in 1950’s sets, it’s the designs here that more faithful to beautiful lingerie from that Post-war time. And, they fit me . . . . . . . .
So, I’ll glide around the house in them on the odd lazy morning and not fret about spilling a little coffee, scattering a few crumbs or holding the dog on my lap.
More than this came my way today, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is a really nice little nightwear combo. The early ’60’s is just about the last time we’ll find the truly beautiful things. With the exception of some exclusive designer or handmade item, the trims are not nearly as lovely as during the ’50’s and before and the quality of the nylon or silk is noticeably inferior when you get into the mid ’60s and ’70’s.
As I’ve said before, in my opinion you can’t improve much on 1930’s, 1940’s and 1950’s lingerie/sleepwear when it comes to overall quality and luxurious beauty. The fabrics from that time and the craftsmanship of the trimming detail is the best!
This is not a va-va-va-voom ensemble, but it is lovely and, if you wish it to be, very sexy in its own way. The embroidery trim is done well and the buttons are the nice, sturdy and well-formed little pearlized ones that I always love on true vintage nightwear and sweaters.
Sorry I can’t tell you the maker as I write this, that is, if the tag is still in – since many of the similar items I find no longer have theirs. Sometimes it’s easy to trace their identity despite that – when you’ve been in this racket for a while you know ’em by sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here we have examples of the better nylon and trim quality from the mid – 60’s. These were not high-end items by the standards of that time, but their quality makes them like high-end now.
Learn the look and feel of these, and you’ll never want to go back to modern fabric again unless, possibly, an excellent silk. There’s just no comparison.
We all deserve good quality AND value. Our grandparents and great-grandparents managed to create goods of that type in a much less “modern” and “prosperous” era. Don’t believe for a moment that it couldn’t be done now.
But, I’m still not sure that I’d like them any better than true vintage. The superb cuts and design would be challenging to match. The fascination and intrigue that accompany these styles can’t be re-manufactured . . . . . .
. . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
More mid-century lingerie – this one from the Post-war era in run-proof nylon tricot. By Rogers, it is a quality item and I don’t think I’ve EVER seen this style before! It has no sleeves, and is made to wear as a cape over the shoulders which ties at the neckline.
What a pretty way to spend a while over coffee in the morning, or reading in bed when there’s a chill in the air?
Pale pink color (the whole thing is prettier in reality than in this photo) and delicate accordian pleating with a ruffle at the neck and wrist areas. Perfect condition, and in my size. What could be better? It’s definitely a keeper. Wonder who wore this beauty in 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
There are already at least a couple of dressing gowns in my collection that date from the 1930’s – 1940’s and are made in a similar style. So, although this was was made 30 to 40 years later and the fabric isn’t as nice, it’s pretty true to the design.
I’ll sometimes pick up retro items made by famous vintage makers because they do a pretty good job. This one still qualifies as “true vintage” because of being at least 30 years old, but the real 1940’s would always be my favorite!
Anyway, a pretty find and worth adding to my treasures.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This mid-century wrapper, robe, housecoat, house dress was originally sold at Woolworths dime-store chain, probably in the 1960’s, in Great Britain or Australia – though I wasn’t in any of those places when I found it. FUN!!! I love, love, love housecoats and this one’s story was intriguing to sort out.
In a long wrap style, it’s definitely not for wearing into town but is very flattering and comfy. The large size is somewhat forgiving due to the design, so I’ll enjoy it. The tiny wallpaper print is similar to some of the fabrics shown from the antique quilt I just found and showed a couple of days ago. However, this material is a cotton/poly blend, so made at a later time when easy-care fabrics were more common than pure cotton.
An interesting find, and one that I’ll wear a lot. Tomorrow we’ll move ahead in time by another 15 – 20 years to more fun finds that I’ll love wearing . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A bit rumpled, but perfect! This was a higher-end men’s garment and an indispensable wardrobe item for men in the mid-century. A well-made bathrobe for elegant at-home time was worn by many men every day.
Lovely cotton, rayon and silk were commonly-used fabrics in mid-century and, like their street-wear brothers, these lounge-wear garments were well-tailored and elegant. I’m SO thrilled to uncover another one of these, which is a rare find (my favorite!)
I encounter a lot of rare finds, but they’re all different, so the surprises never stop! Stay tuned – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just when the 1960’s treasures were beginning to feel a little hum-drum, up comes a beautiful men’s item that pulls me back to post-war days and some of the best old movies. Stay tuned – I’ll publish it tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It seems that the Australian women really loved these beautiful lingerie items. I’ve found many in North America, but not as often as when I traveled there. These are some of the prettiest ones I’ve seen, of those made after the 1940’s. Nothing can beat the silk ones from before 1950!
Aside from the size differences between our two continents, there are some slight design features that are different, too. The Aussie versions seem to always be of two layers, or lined!
Perhaps this is because they have been imported from England (or the designs have), where cozier items would be more popular due to the dampness there. It’s a bit of a mystery, and part of what makes these investigations so fun and so interesting . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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