Tag Archives: Thanksgiving

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

 

 

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’s – EARLY 1960S SAPPHIRE BLUE TAFFETA PARTY FROCK FOR THE HOLIDAYS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960S SAPPHIRE BLUE TAFFETA PARTY FROCK

Isn’t this an absolutely stunning color? Combine that with the sophisticated tailoring, elegant simplicity and gorgeous fit and we have an incomparable dress that rivals anything available today. In my opinion, it wins hands-down on quality and unique design.

Heavy taffeta like this almost has a presence of its own when the wearer walks into a room. In spite of the color, this is not a flashy dress but it will draw many eyes to it.

Although it has no maker’s label inside, I am sure that it was made by a clothing company rather than by an individual seamstress. The tailoring details are complex in the bodice and achieves the excellent and eye-catching fit.

Where would you wear this?  – a party, dance, dinner, special event – it would even make a great part of a bridal group. Jewelry?  – rhinestones, pearls, the real thing.  Nothing too flashy or “too much”, but this dress can support something outstanding!

Shoes? I favor a pair in the same color, with your jewelry accents taking the attention. At another time, in another place I found a pair from the same era that coordinates perfectly – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

HALLOWEEN’S IN THE BAG – TIME FOR ALL 1950’S HOMEMAKERS TO THINK ABOUT THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS . . .

IMG_0935 IMG_0936Although we do Christmas marketing almost year-round, back in the mid-century time no one thought seriously about Christmas stuff until after the American Thanksgiving in late November.  But, if you’re making lots of your gifts . . . . .

McCalls needlework magazine promoted doing just that – to economize as well as adding a personal touch.  Can you imagine getting all that done ?!

For many of our grandmothers, that was just part of the day-to-day.  And, they did produce beautiful things – from hats, gloves, sweaters, socks and scarves to dolls & their clothing, tablecloths & bedspreads, just to name a few.

I love discovering some special true vintage handmade item that was probably made as a gift or a table decoration for a special family holiday. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE RED VELVETEEN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Both of these garments were custom-tailored in the late 1950’s to early 1960’s.  Here’s the holiday dress from last year properly modeled on Stella, finally – just look at those wonderful rhinestone buttons and belt buckle.  Try finding those now!  I’d tend to wear it at Christmas, but it would be beautiful at a dressy Thanksgiving dinner, too.

The skirt is a new find, in a slightly deeper red, which I love.  Dresses are great, but I’m always happy to find separates because of their versatility.  Now I have something true vintage to wear with pretty blouses and sweaters.

Black is always superb, but I love red and these unusual finds just put me in the holiday spirit!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

 

EIGHTIES DOES FORTIES DRESSY SILK DRESS – IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

IMG_1679This frock would do nicely for Thanksgiving dinner or a December celebration.  Properly displayed on Stella, you can see the 1940’s cut and tailoring.

Silk makes the drape perfect and the shoulder padding is just right – not too much or too little.  3/4 sleeves and a classic below-the-knee hem length will allow me to go anywhere with approval from ALL the family members.

It’s rare for me to pick up something this “new”, but when I have wardrobe needs, I’m happy to find a piece with well-done, classic retro style.  This dress is by Maggie London and is, technically, true vintage.

You’ve already seen my green velvet treasure finds – there’s more velvet and sparkle to come . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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