Tag Archives: short-sleeved

1940’S RAYON SWING DRESS FROM PARIS

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JUST MADE FOR SWING DANCING – AND DON’T YOU LOVE THE NOVELTY PRINT?!

This discovery came from a different arrondissement, but still within the city of Paris.  It is another treasure that only Stella can fit into.  I’ll get her to model it after returning to headquarters.  Also will be busy scouting out belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Couldn’t be more pleased, though, to find another wartime rayon frock in a fun, fun print. These are some of my favorite garments.  This one tells the story of WWII as it was custom-tailored and shows the signs of saving on fabric and notions.  The design is very simple with no extra decoration and a very narrow hem allowance, though the tailor did indulge in a big sailor collar with piping.

Such fun to find another rare novelty print – atomic squiggles with goofy birds and other animals.  The color combos are also unique.  Won’t ever find another one like it . .. . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE SLEEPWEAR FROM PARIS

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FABULOUS RAYON GOWN FROM THE 1920’S – 1940’S

First, let me introduce Giselle, the latest addition to my group of models.  She is from France, possibly via Montreal.  Just look at that attitude!  Although she’s new at this, she was born for it.  Today she is wearing one of my first Paris finds.  I absolutely LOVE discovering true vintage fashion from pre- to post-WWII and what could be better than Paris fashion?

This butter-yellow gown has ruching on the sleeves and bodice, plus bias cutting which makes for the great fit.  The peachy beige lace at the neck is an unusual color combination, and very effective.  Leave it to the French!

Yes, from an out-of-the-way place, but not if you do your homework.  Thanks, Theodora! More on the way . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SUNNY YELLOW TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES DOES THIRTIES FROCK

SUNNY YELLOW TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES DOES THIRTIES FROCK

This is so cute! I think it is from the late ’60’s, but might also be from the early ’70’s. It’s a ’30’s revival style with a flounce at the hem.  Lovely, drapey rayon, cut on the bias.  It’s missing the original belt, but otherwise is perfect.  Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun . . . . . . . . . .

Not my color, so this one was sold but I just couldn’t resist!   Wish I’d had Stella at the time, for the photo, since Madge couldn’t possibly get into it.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MY TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S THAI SILK DRESSES

MY 1960'S THAI SILK DRESSES

Yes, you did see the one on the left a few days ago, but here’s my photo with both. The vibrant-colored fabric with such a rich hand makes these garments radiant and unique.

Thai silk is like no other. The fabric is so lustrous and with a hand-made texture. The colors are gorgeous, in beautiful combinations.

On top of that, the hand-tailoring of these garments makes them so beautifully detailed and fitted. Both of these dresses would have been custom-made for someone who was vacationing or living in Thailand or China.

And, of course, in classic styles that are as wearable now as they were in the 1960’s . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER DISCOVERY! TRUE VINTAGE ’70’S DOES ’40’S JUMPSUIT

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FROM THE EARLY 1970’S RETRO FORTIES ERA

This is an unusual purchase for me, but it is so iconic of that early ’70’s time that I just had to nab it – and some of the details are compelling.  Jumpsuits were a big deal (briefly) during the early 1970’s, as they were (briefly) during the 1940’s, too.  Can’t wait to photograph it on Stella.  It’s a small size that will fit her to a “T”.

The first thing that caught my eye was the color – love this wonderful glossy Bordeau wine hue – and the fabric.  It’s a blend of acetate and rayon (very popular in the Forties) and gives the garment that wonderful drape plus adding the depth and shimmer to the color.

Shoulder pads, a nipped waist and plunging back above a button-and-zipper closure.  Couldn’t be a more flattering style on someone with a slim figure.  The waistline also has  belt loops, showing that a wide cinch belt was the original.  It will be fun to find the one I like best. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER AUTHENTIC 1930’S DRESSY FROCK

ANOTHER AUTHENTIC 1930'S DRESSY FROCK

This example is not quite as glitzy as the two I posted a couple of days ago, but I guess that’s a matter of opinion. With elegant, classic styling and art deco chevron decoration, this dress is as sophisticated as the others, if not quite as showy.  It can easily go from day to evening with a simple change of accessories.

Black crepe with a fabric-covered belt and little metallic studs across the front and skirt, it’s a little more day-time dressy.  but beautiful enough for cocktails, dinner or a party.

I was SO happy to discover these rare frocks and always love finding them!  More tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER FIND! FROM COCKTAILS YESTERDAY TO SHOPPING AND HOUSEKEEPING

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Another mid-century style – this time from the mid-late Sixties –  but in a most casual house dress.  Sorry it’s a bit out of focus – I love this print and always enjoy red.  It’s in a half-size 14, which was  vintage language for Plus-size but it’s really not BIG at all.

The half-sizes were cut bigger in the bust and pretty straight through the waist (I’ve pinned this one in the back) but the shoulders are small, so I can wear it fine with a belt.  It was apparently belted originally because there are signs of belt loops.

I love the embroidered tag sewn in the neckline, the pointed collar and pearlized buttons with stems.  The fabric, again, is a mystery but doesn’t feel like polyester.

A no-nonsense frock that any average homemaker might have worn while going about her daily housekeeping duties.  Just the simplest and easiest thing to wear, and cute to boot!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER SCORE! 1960’s TRUE VINTAGE DRESSY ILLUSION DRESS

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Fast-forward from yesterday – about thirty years . . . . . . . . . . . This surprising frock looks so plain, at first, but is elegant as can be!  It’s made in a style that was popular, I’ve found, in the early 1960’s – a dress made to look like a 2-piece ensemble. Hemmed to hit at the knee or slightly below.  Perfect for cocktails or dinner out.

Although it appears pink in the photo, the fabric is a vivid coral color in a smooth knit. I’m not sure what the material is made of.  The sophisticated, simple style is very nice and I can’t wait to get it onto Madge, who I’m sure would do it justice with her robust and curvy figure!

The best aspect though, from a construction point of view, is the beautiful high-quality rhinestone trim such as we haven’t seen for decades! Each stone is set in metal prongs, like they used to do in the Thirties, Forties and Fifties. It is very lovely and adds just the right touch of dressy bling at the upper arms and hips.

Love the embroidered tag, too.  I’m excited – haven’t found something of this particular genre in a while – makes it all so FUN!  Another “new” discovery is coming tomorrow, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE NAME BRANDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

This pretty Seventies sweater is made by Banff – a company that has made high-quality knit clothing for women for several decades.  Sweaters, suits, jackets, ponchos, etc.   I picked this up very recently, mostly on the strength of the brand name (and, it’s awfully cute, too . . . . . .. )

I can never resist (nor do I want to!) beautiful lingerie from the Fifties and Sixties,  especially when the brand name is not one I see frequently.  This lovely half-slip was made by Dorsay.  The nylon has a wonderful feel and quality, and the applique’ embroidery is gorgeous.

Last, but not least, is a 1960’s bed jacket by Shadowline.  Their mid-priced lingerie and sleepwear is never over-the-top, but their designs are attractive and I can always count on the quality.  Worth it, every time.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER RARE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S RAYON SHIRT IN A PSYCHEDELIC PRINT

IMG_1707Men’s true vintage shirts in great condition are an even more elusive find than women’s are because, alas, you blokes have never been known for looking after your clothing very well.  So many wonderful pieces just haven’t survived.

But, this one – in the silkiest, most beautiful rayon weave, is almost like new. Looks like another example of the late Sixties, “Carnaby Street” days (like the women’s blouse shown yesterday), but that’s indefinite and subject to further research..

The pockets are so skillfully applied that I almost didn’t see one of them and saw the other one mostly because I expected it to be there.  Superb tailoring and marvelous fabrics are two of the factors that make vintage fashion so fabulous.

Fun, fun, fun . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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