Tag Archives: shopping tips

MORE ABUNDANCE – LOVELY LINGERIE WITH SURPRISING COLORS, DETAILS AND TAILORING

I have found lots of lingerie slips lately but haven’t published them because, though beautiful, they were not the most interesting or fine examples of vintage underclothes.  In this case, you should see these pretty features.

Pretty pastels are always a favorite.  Bright pastels, red and black are major favorites but I don’t think I have ever seen a mid-century nylon slip in royal purple!!!!!!!!!  Maybe the previous owner dyed it to match a favorite dress?. . . . . . . Could have been, (nylon takes dye really well) but NO – the maker’s tag is attached as originally, with no evidence of exposure to fabric dye.

In the second close-up photo of the pale pink half-slip shows a beautiful applied design on the center front.  I LOVE these, and don’t find them often anymore.  Details done on lingerie up to the early 1960’s was often absolutely gorgeous.

Finally, on the oldest piece in this photo I’ve pictured the seaming detail that carefully shapes the bodice.  Most items sold today are almost a one-size-fits-all construction, within a broad category such as S, M or L and don’t fit really well.  This sacrifices a lot of their purpose (after all, these are supposed to be FOUNDATION GARMENTS which used to be designed to give support to and accentuate the fit of the clothing worn on top).

So, that’s a little session about the neat features of true vintage lingerie slips.  I’m always on the look-out for them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS – A 1950’S – 1960’S CUSTOM-TAILORED DRESSY FROCK

I’m so thrilled to have discovered this one!  It’s very well-made and has a nice wiggle shape, without being too tight.  The all-over soft gold embroidery is just the right festive touch for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, or, or, or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’ll have to think about whether to add a pretty belt and what jewelry to include.  Time to get out the gold!

Nothing could be more classic and beautiful, but wait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER RECENT FIND – FANTASTIC LATE 1930’S – WARTIME 1940’S MUSKRAT FUR CAPE

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It’s not as fine as a couple others I have, but just as wonderful with the big shoulders, pockets, arm slits and silky lining.  Very good condition, too – just a little wear to the fur along the seams here and there.  I’ll be able to wear it more casually than I would my others.

Some woman who didn’t have the money then for a more expensive fur enjoyed the glamour of that time in spite of the Depression and looming war.  By a furrier in Winnipeg, the animals whose pelts were taken would have been trapped in the midst of Canada’s woodland and prairie country and might have represented the livelihood of some rural family.  As much as I reject the modern fur trade, the hardships of those times were real.

As it is, I can enjoy this antique piece, too, and wear it until it’s done.  Today, faux fur pieces have become so sophisticated and beautifully-made that there’s no reason to support the fur trade.  Cherish the old furs for their bygone charisma and say good-bye forever to animal cruelty.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

THE FIRST OF TWO FABULOUS MID-CENTURY FINDS – NEW LOOK CUSTOM-TAILORED BALL GOWN

This gown is hand-tailored with extreme attention to detail.  It would be worn with a crinoline for a full, bell-shape.  Because of the styling, I would guess that it was made in the early 1950’s but, possibly, as early as the late 1940’s.  A special occasion dress, of course, and there’s hardly any evidence of wear.  Maybe it was even made for a Prom or Homecoming dance back in the day.

Women were so happy to dress in longer skirts, sumptuous fabrics and new styles after the austerity of the war years.

I’ll be showing a sister gown tomorrow – very similar style and probably made a few years earlier.  What fabulous discoveries!

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

 

MIXING IT UP A BIT – HERE’S A NEW FIND THAT WOULD GO WONDERFULLY UNDER THE RED DRESS OF A FEW DAYS AGO . . . .

A gorgeous 1950’s nylon full slip by Dorsay.  Such beautiful lingerie!  The workmanship and materials can’t be rivaled by modern versions.

Just look at the tiny pleats on the bodice and embroidery at the hem – plus lace, etc. and wider straps.  the heavy fee of the nylon fabric is a delight, too.  I’m sad that it’s too big for me, but I have many lovely others and, I’m sure, more on the way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

WHAT A WONDERFUL ENSEMBLE FIND! LOVE THIS!!!!!

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Found these two pieces separately, but aren’t they perfect together?  The pencil skirt is a true vintage 1950’s design by the vintage California Lorrie & Deb label.  It fits like a dream – looks as good on me as it does on Stella.

Later, I came across this blouse.  It is a more modern retro design (might still be true vintage by the definition of 30 years old or more) and I fell in love, also knowing that it would likely look great with my skirt.

Well, guess what – how wonderful can you get?  I was over the moon when I tried them on together and will remain so every time I wear them.  So, chalk up another one for serendipity and the Magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:   MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

DRESSY AND FRILLY FROCK FROM THE 1960’S

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So, here’s an earlier version of the dinner dress genre that I showed a couple of days ago.  See again the sheer sleeves and over-skirt and classic design elements (the bow tie, self-belted waist and ruffles).  Though not a specific retro style, it harks back to special occasion frocks that have been made just about forever.

However – and it’s a big however – this design does not have the level of elegance and true timelessness of the black style I just showed.  When you look at it, you know immediately that it is dated.  Pretty, if that’s your taste, but dated.  A truly elegant garment strikes you first with it’s attractiveness and then takes you a while to decide whether it’s new or not, even if you can decide.

Yes, true vintage for sure but the best of the best?  In my opinion, No.  That’s just my style bias and fashion arrogance for the day.  I still nabbed it and consider it a worthy culprit in the True Vintage Intrigues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

OH, THOSE DISCO DAYS FROM THE SEVENTIES

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An all-round perfect dance dress from the 1970’s.  IMG_3936

Pretty styling on the shoulders makes up for the otherwise ordinary construction.  However, for the Seventies it’s a nice example and couldn’t be better suited to dancing the night away.  The perfect dress for Karen Carpenter or Olivia Newton-John.

Since it’s not my color, I probably won’t end up keeping it but thought it worth a pick-up for it’s iconic value.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SMOCK TO REMIND ME OF FAMILY KITCHENS ON THANKSGIVING DAY

IMG_1756HAPPY TURKEY DAY EVERYONE!  We have so much to be thankful for, and I’ll think of all the excitement and happy times that this mid-century smock has probably seen over the years while I enjoy a beautiful meal at sea.

This is probably the oldest smock I’ve discovered, of delicious cotton that is SOOOOOOOOO soft now.  Of course, it was meant to wear while cooking or doing housework, but I may wear it as a summer top, too. Over pants, shorts or a skirt it will be very cute!

I love to imagine the stories that my true vintage garments could tell and, if I look closely, I can find clues.  This one tells of how hard it worked, but still held up for many, many years.  It tells of how meticulous it’s wearer was in preventing stains, burns or tears.  The only damage, which I fixed, was caused by the number of times that sash had been tied on . . . . . . . .

Thank you, also, to you – my faithful followers – who have stuck with me for years and to all who have enjoyed the fun and surprises with me.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM