Today, on a more-or-less routine survey, I had wonderful good fortune. I’m just about to re-examine and photograph my newest acquisitions and get them ready to post on the blog. Because I have already scheduled postings for the next three days, expect to begin seeing these on Sunday, Nov. 13.
Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another “new” Australian discovery! Although they’ve been making lots of look-a-like retro fakes for a while now, this one is undeniably true vintage, right down to its label.
I just LOVE this print. Again, not my own best colors but I can’t help enjoying it so much anyway. Even the true vintage labels are delights in themselves – often so artistic and interesting. Sometimes they’re funny!
In your standard poly/synthetic blend fabric of that day, it’ll be easy-care as long as treated gently. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Rare fabric, rare makers, rare designs. Men’s shirts, but small – for me! Love these!! I have a few, but these are unique. So fun to find labels that I rarely or have never seen, fabric that I had to research and these great prints that just pop out like nothing else.
And, as always, at a fabulous bargain . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Great black velveteen top from the 40s or, maybe, early 50s. It’s a vintage size 16 (can you imagine! Size 4 me can wear it, though it’s very Jane Russell w/o all the decolletage). Just goes to show how sizes have changed.
The back neckline is a wide scoop. There is a short metal zipper at the waist on left. Imagine this worn with a long sweeping skirt, a pencil skirt or cigarette pants with a wide belt – all black or imaginative color combos. This style can easily go elegant or boho/beatnik.
The style is really flattering & dramatic. The neckline is beautiful left alone or showcasing a necklace or long dangling earrings (not both, please).
Another fabulous example of original true vintage elegance, found unexpectedly. You just never know . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Two finds from the 1970’s, put together perfectly. I love the cute 1940’s vibe; these pieces were made in the early 1970’s when that style was revived. The shirt was from Sears Junior Bazaar and the slacks made by a company called Beeline. How fun!
The pants are long, so they’re great with platform sandals – another thing popular at that time – also part of the 1940’s retro thing. As a true vintage sleuth, it’s so fun to watch how the styles go around and come around again.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Probably my favorite 3-season skirt suit (Spring, Summer, Fall)! It has a GREAT fit (very saucy) and neat 3/4 sleeves. It’s so light that you can ditch the jacket during really hot weather.
In this picture it looks like Madge’s dresser was having an “off” day, but I have left the blouse un-tucked in order to show it better – it is NOT true vintage, but was made by Trashy Diva in New Orleans. Her couture deserves special mention because she designs with vintage features and uses vintage fabrics. I have referenced her shop in my book.
This lightweight little suit is as versatile as a little black dress. It can be dressed up or down, with or without the jacket. Any variety of tops can be worn and changes the presentation completely, from work to shopping to cocktails, to dinner, etc., etc. It also shows off jewelry beautifully against the black fabric.
This garment was never a high-end item, but was worn by a very fashionable woman who I knew. I was so pleased to find it at her friend’s yard sale across the street one day! As always, it goes to show that you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
1980’S NEW WAVE BLOUSE
This is the last of the blouses that I picked up in Dublin, for two reasons. First is the New Wave design, which was a fun and rather avante garde style element of the early 1980’s, even in some mainstream clothing. Second is the brand name – Shapely. That company made some nice pieces in the 1980’s, so I often pick them up when I find them.
Otherwise, it’s not a remarkable garment, as most things made from that time on have not been. Tomorrow we’ll head back to the 1960’s, 1950’s and 1940’s again – much more interesting territory for a true vintage hunter . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Talk about fussy and pretty .. . . . .! Although they’re similar in some ways to the blouses shown yesterday, I like these so much better. In spite of the high neckline on the left, they’re less prim and will look great with jeans and peasant skirts.
These styles go way back, from the 1890’s (with long gloves or a jacket, of course. Can’t show those arms!) to the 1940’s and 1950’s when peasant-style was all the rage. As always, the fashion came back in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s and was just as iconic then.
As I’ve said, it’s rare to find blouses and shirts this old in fabulous condition. The things that make this possible are the high-quality construction and fabric plus the fact that people used to care for their clothing much better than we do now. For modern vintage sleuths, our gain!
So, never give up – just learn how to sneak smarter . .. . . . . . . . . . .. ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here we have Victorian meets 1940’s in these girly, secretary-style blouses that were really popular 40 to 50 years ago. Paired with a straight skirt and mid-heel stiletto pumps, they were office-worthy attire or might have been seen on your favorite teacher.
The polyester used at that time was not as weird-looking and feeling as a lot of it has been since about 1975. In this case, it’s much more refined-looking and might even be blended with rayon or acetate, which were very popular fabrics in the decades before then.
I’m certainly not professionally trained in costume design, but have learned a lot. Average off-the-rack blouses from mid-century have many stories to tell. These probably got a lot of wear, too, but it’s amazing how well they have held up. Blouses of this style and quality are another rare find – more tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I just LOVE finding true vintage blouses! They’re so pretty and versatile – and so rare to discover in great condition.
This one was kind of a bargain-basement item – not top quality, and maybe produced during WWII when materials were rationed. But it’s got a lot of personality to make up for that.
I see it paired with a pencil skirt or cigarette pants. Tomorrow I’ll show some great platform sandals that go well with it, though certainly of a higher-class . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 