Tag Archives: shopping tips

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY DAY DRESS – THE FINDS KEEP COMING . . . . . . . .

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAHere’s another T.V. day frock that I love. To an uneducated eye, it looks like something modern. Actually, this dress is from the late 1960’s to mid-1970’s. Very sweet and simple style and totally practical for everyday wear.

I’d much rather have it in my wardrobe than any of it’s similar lookalike cousins that were made recently. Until you’ve experienced the difference, you won’t know how much better it feels. Until you’ve owned one and used it, you won’t appreciate it’s superior qualities and how they can improve your life.

Sometimes the differences are subtle, but always valuable. The material is nicer, details of better quality and the cut is a little better. Which means – that it will fit in a more flattering way, last longer, perform better in the wash and feel better to wear. If you’re also helping the planet and your budget while preserving fashion history and quality workmanship, what could be better? Well, we’ll get in to that another time . . . . . . .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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MOST EXCITING FIND YESTERDAY! – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S DRESSY DAY DRESS WITH LOTS OF CLUES . . . . . . . .

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Yesterday I found 3 more true vintage garments and none of them look exciting in the photos. But, if you know more about them and can “see” where they came from, each one is great!

This is a dressy frock for day, a date or a significant appointment. It should look fabulous on Stella because it’s tiny, as are many from that era. There are tailoring details that told me it was not a modern copycat and set my thrill-meter going.

Looks like a rayon/linen blend that needs a press and light cleaning, but it’s in great shape. The facings and hem need to be stitched down, but that’s a fast job that anyone can do by hand and doesn’t intimidate me at all. I’ll probably make a replacement belt from some fabric in the hem, which does take more time, but it’s not hard and is worth it for a dress like this because I’m almost certain that was the original look.

Since there’s no label, I’m wondering at this point if the dress was custom-tailored and maybe hadn’t even been quite finished yet. If so, the tailor was a real professional and it’s such fun to trace the story through the clues in the details.

Well, there’s another episode in fashion history when I get to experience the story from someone’s years-ago closet and lifestyle. It’s a great way to time-travel . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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I KEEP FINDING TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BLOUSES – SWEET!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Been having such good fortune with a few rare items turning up for me all month. Love these two – both from the 1960’s or early 1970’s:

1. more black & white in my favorite boat-neck, cap sleeve, pullover style. The only thing missing is the original belt, but that won’t be a big deal to replace. The polyester fabric has a really nice hand. Take a look at the label. It’s a small maker that is new to me – such fun to find!
2. this classic button-front style has such great stripes! It’s the print and colors that made it stand out from the crowd. Takes me right to the late ’60’s and I will love wearing it.

If you love the Sixties and the Beatles music, I recommend the LOVE show by Cirq de Soliel here in Las Vegas. Came highly recommended to me and I pass that on . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

RARE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY ’60’S ORLON POLO SWEATER

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Beautiful Orlon acrylic is just the best for the comfy and pretty sweaters that were part of everyday wardrobes mid-century. Almost nothing feels softer and lighter, excepting a top-quality cashmere.

In a pretty butterscotch color, this sweater will be so easy to wear! It’s rare to discover one, because knits can be so vulnerable over time. Besides its wonderful feel, true vintage Orlon seems to pill less than the acrylics common today – and that is always a very welcome feature.

This one will be so pretty with skirts and slacks. I love the tiny buttons at the neckline – there is another little one right under the collar, too. And, the style! The Peter Pan collar and short sleeves are so classically flattering and feminine on a woman yet work equally well when designed for a man.

Uh, oh – elegance spotted again . . … . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

IT WAS A DARK NIGHT IN THE CITY . . . . . .

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-11I wish! Just got back from a steamy sleuthing sojourn in the Southwest. Wowee! 106 degrees Farenheit is no walk in the park. I do prefer dark alleys in the evening, but one has to pursue a trail when it’s hot.

I found the pickings slim, but did scoop up two finds – one of them rare, and both quite nice. Also, I did see 3 gorgeous old fur jackets from the Fifties, but they weren’t for
for me today, given their condition vs. the prices asked. It’s important to learn when not to take trails that might lead to a dead end . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES DAY DRESS – IT’S A MAD, MOD, MID-CENTURY WORLD

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA What a fun find! Classic black and white knit dress by Caron of Chicago, in the most marvelous mod, op-art design.

It’s a beauty! Haven’t seen one by this brand name in a while, so I love catching up with a previous acquaintance. Although this classic style will never go out of fashion, the graphic is so eye-catching that it will always seem new and avant guarde.

What a great example of fashion artistry!! We always love the “timelessly elegant” design that is never flashy, but eternally beautiful and ageless no matter when it was made – but there’s also this category of knock-your-socks-off great designs that look fabulously new and fresh, even though they’re 50 years old!!!

No wonder its first owner took such good care of it, but then, treasure is always worth safeguarding. Quality true vintage – just like a pot of gold . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE EARLY MID-CENTURY NIGHTGOWN – SEXY, SIMPLE ELEGANCE

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Don´t know for sure if this gown is from the Forties or Fifties, but I´ll bet on the early 1950´s.  This sweeping, silky style is so gorgeous on!  No frills and fussy details, just the most wonderful nylon that feels fabulous.

You might remember the gown I discovered a year or two ago which has a similar treatment of the front straps.  I just love this – no hardware or bulky seams.  Looks like origami.

Palest pink is always flattering and perfect for lingerie or sleepwear.  I´ll enjoy this one so much . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE MID-1960´S PARTY FORMAL – FOR PROM OR ANOTHER SPECIAL OCCASION

SWEET SIXTEEN IN THE SIXTIES

SWEET SIXTEEN IN THE SIXTIES

I´d love to have Stella here now!  This innocent, cotton-candy gown is just right for a petite figure like hers – made to fit a teen-age girl like Buddy Holly´s Peggy Sue, but about 10 years later.  Lace and bows and sheer pastels, plus an ankle-length hem  – all the things that used to be standard for a Prom dress back in the day.

It´s just so iconic of that time – in between some of the sophistication that was coming out in the late Fifties and very early Sixties, and before the Mod fashions hit hard.  Less elegant or frilly, a little more casual, but VERY sweet and girly.

We´re so lucky that many women of the Sixties and before tended to hang on to their favorite ¨special¨ dresses for decades, preserving them for fashion archivists and those of us who adore true vintage today!  The best treasure is usually buried pretty deep . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

WONDERFUL TRUE VINTAGE 1950´S BLOUSE AND SHIRT – A DELICIOUS NEW FIND!

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COULD IT REALLY BE PIMA COTTON?

When I saw these beautiful colors, classic styles and FELT the scrumptious fabric, I was over the moon.  As I always tell you,  true vintage blouses and shirts are a pure gold find.  And, mid-century designs are my favorite!

The cap sleeve blouse was custom-tailored, like so many mid-century garments.  I love that style and the print is fun.  Also in my beloved turquoise.

Surprise – the red shirt is actually a boys´, but just the right size for me, with a classic wallpaper print.  I love the small wing collar and the slanted front pocket.  Made in California – I couldn´t be happier with the color, too.

Another, and maybe the BEST thing about these shirts is the material.  I said that it feels fantastic and that is an understatement.  In a substantial cotton, which might have been Pima cotton since that was so popular and one of the best available in the 1950´s.  So, it might have come from Pima County in New Mexico!  If you have ever felt one of these old cottons – especially after they have been washed and used for a while – you´ll remember that it feels just like you´ve gone to Heaven.

So, for the second (or third, or fourth) time this trip, I felt like I´d won the jackpot when I spotted these babies.  It`s worth every bit of shoe leather and the trenchcoats that I have to replace . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY DANCING SANDALS – MY MOST FABULOUS NEW SHOE FIND, STRAIGHT FROM THE STARLIGHT BALLROOM . . . . . . .

A LITTLE FOX-TROT, ANYONE?

A LITTLE FOX-TROT, ANYONE?  

Can you believe these perforated leather peep-toe sling-back sandals – made for dancing the night away in the early 1950´s (or, maybe, before) . . . . . .

Tale a look at the heels with the cut-out design!!!  They are just the coolest thing.  Very Peggy Lee, Benny Goodman and all that.

Completely hand-made, I´m sure.  All leather, with a swanky brand name printed in gold.  That´s the kind of quality and style that our grandmothers and great-grandmothers took for granted and had at their fingertips in any mid-priced department store.

Sometimes I´m a little bit envious of them, but then, why should I be? . . . . . . .  Stay tuned for more evidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM