As “usual” as it was in its time, here’s another leisure-wear garment that I couldn’t resist. Every woman owned at least one, and the pretty fashion touches aimed at making at-home time a “glamorous interlude”, even for the most average gal.
Women have always been the primary target of advertisers because we do the majority of buying. This was never more true than in the Fifties – especially when creating a home and the lifestyle to go with it was front-and-center for everyone. And, the “feminine mystique” was almost every woman’s drug of choice. What more could a happy homemaker want?
Quilting for warmth, patch pockets for convenience (ho hum) but, then she sees that fabulous raspberry pink in the mirror – the pretty neckline outlining her un-made-up face that needs a little help at this time of the morning – the stylish 3/4 sleeves – the sparkle of rhinestone buttons and, suddenly, it’s possible to be a famous beauty relaxing in the seclusion of her private apartment . .. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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So much about this lovely style is quintessential early to mid – 1960’s. The velveteen fabric (something I’ve seen a lot of in clothing from that era), back metal zipper, bell sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, and just the idea that lounging robes were the popular thing to make and wear at home are all signatures of that time.
No wonder I had to pick this one up when I found it. Like most I’ve seen, the style is pretty, flattering and quite appropriate for receiving anyone who might show up at the door. For decades and even centuries past, the art of at-home leisure and entertaining of “callers” was a significant part of life. These kinds of fashion items seem, for the most part, to have fallen off the radar in recent years. Now, we hang out at home in sweats or super-sexy sleepwear that are not very attractive or practical when the doorbell rings.
But, any true vintage fashion-lover doesn’t worry about that. We create our own time-space wherever and whenever we want to. For me, a little swish & snuggle of that cotton velveteen is perfect with morning coffee. How genteel . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Of rayon and silk, these pretties are some of my best, or most interesting. The embroidery on the two right ones is unusual and the ’40’s white dressing gown is a style that I have seen only 2 or 3 times.
While we’re still snuggled inside, away from the cold weather these little indulgences are a real treat.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST I N VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
SWEET DREAMS, SWEETHEARTS . . . . .
There’s nothing like a silk or fine nylon gown against the skin. These also have beautiful lace on the bodices.
If you dream of being in the movies, here’s your wardrobe. These are real special prizes of mine.
Forget all the lace and frills on anything modern; one of these gowns will give you complete amnesia.
Have a lovely day, and night . .. . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Wonderful dressing gowns from the 1940’s, or maybe even the 1930’s. These are made of rayon with great classic style.
The peachy pink one allows you to sweep into the room with a grand entrance. It has padded shoulders and a little bit of an elongated hem in back – an actual “train”! The flowered one is a little more a’la Blanche Dubois. (A Streetcar Named Desire (play by Tennessee Williams, set in New Orleans – watch it; great movie starring Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando; a classic). Flowered and sweet – very feminine and demure.
Gowns like these are more or less a morning version of the men’s smoking robe. Perfect to wear while enjoying your first cafe’ au lait of the day. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
