Tag Archives: spring

BACK TO BEDDIE – BYE IN PRETTY 1960’S GOWNS AND PEGNOIRS

BACK TO BEDDIE - BYE IN PRETTY 1960'S GOWNS AND PEGNOIRS

Here we have examples of the better nylon and trim quality from the mid – 60’s. These were not high-end items by the standards of that time, but their quality makes them like high-end now.

Learn the look and feel of these, and you’ll never want to go back to modern fabric again unless, possibly, an excellent silk.  There’s just no comparison.

We all deserve good quality AND value.  Our grandparents and great-grandparents managed to create goods of that type in a much less “modern” and “prosperous” era. Don’t believe for a moment that it couldn’t be done now.

But, I’m still not sure that I’d like them any better than true vintage.  The superb cuts and design would be challenging to match.  The fascination and intrigue that accompany these styles can’t be re-manufactured . . . . . .
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MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A FUN 1960’S FIND TODAY

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Not a big day on the treasure hunt, but still a time for FUN.  This custom-tailored Sixties blouse is all that these separates used to be!

Made from textured poly flower-power print fabric in the blue-green color combo that was really popular for a while during that decade.  It has a scalloped hem in front (look carefully and you can see) and an almost full-length metal zipper in back.

Although a lot of the mid-century garments are fairly plain in their design and, especially some that were made at home – there are almost always little design touches or tailoring details that betray their well-bred and elegant background.  Most clothing made during this time still reflected the superior tailoring that was the norm in previous decades.

So, we see a bit of this evidence in the example of this blouse.  Sometimes (often) I have to give respect to the simplest true vintage clothing because of the care with which it was constructed.  Wonder what I’ll find the next time I go hunting . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEWLY-DISCOVERED MID-CENTURY BLOUSES LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!

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At first, I thought that the green/brown blouse on top was a camouflage pattern – but it’s not.  It is a 1950’s art print fabric that is so fun!  It was commercially-made, with a care tag at the neckline.  I love cap sleeve blouses and yesterday’s finds were a real bonanza!

The two on the bottom are identical, excepting for the colors, and undoubtedly were custom-made by the same person, from interesting rayon or rayon-blend fabrics.  I’ve shown the back view on the right so that you can see the back buttoning and the interesting seaming.

Like so many mid-century garments, these are sporty and dressy at the same time.  I can wear them with shorts or Capri pants, like the ones I found last week, or with a skirt or under a suit jacket.  Always smart and elegant, no matter what the occasion.  That’s the beauty of true vintage fashion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE TRUE VINTAGE 1960 FINDS IN NAUTICAL COLORS

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Here are 3 of my finds from yesterday.  Remember the blouse from a few days ago and how I was talking about the traditional popularity of nautical colors for Spring?  Well, here they are again!

The navy and white items were commercially-made and the red polka dot blouse was custom-tailored.  Vintage zipper and buttons are fun.  The fit is always superior.

Fortunately, I can wear them all and, though they need to be cleaned, that’s no big deal.  At the prices I pay in the odd places I find these treasures, any laundering or repair costs are nothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MOD CLOTH RETRO SIXTIES DRESS

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This is a modern retro-style dress that I wouldn’t usually buy or show, but I’m impressed with how well it has been made so it is worth a nod.  Many vintage tailoring details like extra closures and seam tape on a 1 1/2″ hem allowance are a couple.  There are also special lining features that distinguish it from most retro styles made recently.

So, this maker deserves some respect compared to the majority of modern brands.  Of course, it doesn’t rival a similar dress really made in the 1960’s, but I can’t be a total snob – just most of the time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SMART EVERYDAY 1960’S BLOUSE BY RHODA LEE

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Nothing way special about this shirt, but the mid-century cut and fit are very nice.  I picked it up because of that, and the true navy/white stripes – perfect for Spring!  I love separates with a nautical feel for February – April and nothing could be more classic.  That style and color combo shows up decade after decade.

With a pair of sailor pants or a pleated skirt, it’s a very cute look.  Lots of versatility for this elegant style, with nice tailoring.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS NEW FIND! COTTON PRINT MID-CENTURY SKIRT

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This is SO fabulous!  I love this sportswear skirt from the 1950’s with Grecian urns in pretty colors  printed all around.  In fact, that’s the name of the fabric design, printed on the selvage edge.

Can’t wait to wear it this Spring and Summer!  It was beautifully taken care of, with hardly a flaw.  Thank you to the woman who did that!

As I make my way here and there, to various shops, sales and stores in many different countries, the only thing I regret is that I usually don’t know the names of the original owners of the treasures I discover.  It’s always a big plus when I do, because the specific history adds so much to the story.

Oh, well.  As it is, I can imagine that Audrey, or Jean, or Margaret or Lois bought this skirt to wear on her first Roman holiday – and had a wonderful time!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SUPER-UNUSUAL LINGERIE BED CAPE FROM THE 1950’S OR BEFORE

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More mid-century lingerie – this one from the Post-war era in run-proof nylon tricot.  By Rogers, it is a quality item and I don’t think I’ve EVER seen this style before!  It has no sleeves, and is made to wear as a cape over the shoulders which ties at the neckline.

What a pretty way to spend a while over coffee in the morning, or reading in bed when there’s a chill in the air?

Pale pink color (the whole thing is prettier in reality than in this photo) and delicate accordian pleating  with a ruffle at the neck and wrist areas.  Perfect condition, and in my size.  What could be better?  It’s definitely a keeper.  Wonder who wore this beauty in 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CLASSIC SUNDRESS BY HENRI BENDELL

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Here’s the example I promised yesterday – by the iconic Paris designer, Henri Bendel, a summer frock of exceptional fit and construction.  Although this dress may be no more than 8 years old since the company stopped selling clothing in 2009, it’s quality and pedigree made it worth picking up.

I also have a suit by Henri Bendel, made in the 1960’s.  The design and tailoring of his garments are exquisite.  Although this sundress does not look like anything special hanging here, it fits beautifully (my size!) and is very well-made.

If only for the legacy of this classic Parisian designer, I was happy to find it and will wear it with pleasure . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TIMELESS CLASSIC SILK CHEONGSAM SHEATH, FULLY HAND-TAILORED

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Oh, I LOVE this!  Been looking for just the right one for a long time and here it is – in my favorite color (or one of them . . . . . . . . .).

This style dates from the 1920’s in Shanghai, China and the custom-tailoring is so classic and timeless that I can’t date this dress exactly.  It could be true vintage or made recently – but – one rarely sees the pure classic style done so well in recent years.  And, it is 100% embroidered silk, which is also a rarity.  This may not be the case with garments made for  Chinese women, but anything on sale for tourists or the larger market is usually of a lower quality, in my experience.

Anyway, I’m totally thrilled!  So perfect for a cocktail party.  I’ve had this frock in my sights for several years . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM