Sportswear, day outfits, professional attire, dress-up events – you name it. Beaded or ribbed, plain or patterned; the combinations were endless and all set off that full skirt to perfection. Many would also look great with your Capri’ pants, a straight skirt or even short shorts.
Of course, some needed special accessories . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Could this be a real Emilio Pucci design from the 1960’s, when they were mega-Mod and popular? It’s not signed anywhere and there are no labels, but I will always dream. This knit is very well-made with a beautiful fit and the design looks authentic (to my eye). At least, it may be a wonderful fake from Italy, where knit clothing has been exceptionally constructed for decades.
What a fab find!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Not your typical “twin-set” – I found this pair of ’50’s cuties together – they probably belonged to the same woman. They’re identical excepting for the color. Very becoming to both Madge and Stella, don’t you think? If you zoom in, you can see the decorative studs on the front of each one.
Of the softest angora blend – rollover neckline, 3/4 sleeves and decorated with button accents on the front – these look great with black cigarette pants or a coordinating skirt. Perfect for a casual Fifties or early Sixties cocktail hour. Belly up to the Tiki bar!
True vintage sweaters in perfect condition are always a rare find! Just another day in the life of the magicvintagespy . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Whether in the parade or afterward, at the big game, some high-school girl or coed strutted her stuff in this set. Sorry that I don’t know what school it was associated with, but she must have kept her letters as memorabilia. Styling and construction put it in the Sixties or Seventies.
Again, a super-seasonal find which makes it all the more fun. Won’t be a keeper in the long run, but we were approaching Halloween when this turned up. I’ve got lots of “new” things which could make dynamite costumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Lovely nylon knit sweater-blouse in soft green. Perfect for making a transition to the cold weather. By Canterbury – a company which was known for beautiful cardigans, too. What’s the special magic about this one?
Look at the fit. The knit drapes so nicely and it is full-fashioned, which always improves the way that a sweater fits the body. At the neckline there are many tiny vintage shell buttons – the kind that are substantial and well-shaped, even though they are very small. They do allow you to close the neckline, if desired, but are mostly for decoration. I just love that button detailing.
As long as you protect it from snags and stains, an item like this is very easy to care for. Hand washing (or delicate in a newer machine) is best, with similar colors. This avoids stretching and, also, protects the color. Nylon can absorb other colors in the wash so it’s always best to wash it alone or to avoid washing it with contrasting shades. If you want to change the color of a nylon item, they accept dye very well. Just be sure to follow the directions very carefully because they may end up streaky if you don’t.
With any kind of pants or a pencil, a-line or pleated skirt (depending on your figure) it looks wonderful. This is how it was worn back in the day. Put a scarf at the neck, or pearls. Perfect for every-day or dressed up – clothing of this quality is always elegant.
I found this at a small vintage shop, on the sale rack. I usually find the best things in unlikely places and at unheard of prices! I wonder who wore this one and where? You just never know . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another rare find! This one was not a high-end item when it was made, but it is an iconic piece with mink-trimmed sleeves. I have a few of these garments with sleeves like this but don’t find them often.
Metallic thread on sheer black fabric, with “Autumn Haze” mink cuffs. Buttons up the back. Back in the day, companies that produced medium-priced clothing still made some “luxury” items that the average woman could afford, and they made them well.
What a pleasure to discover this one!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION
Although this top is not haute couture and it needs a simple stain treatment, it’s a great find to me because of it’s age and all the interesting characteristics. It’s times like this when I really miss having access to my models – Madge or Stella would show off the unique features of this rare blouse and the true fit more clearly.
Love the early mid-century collar design and the utility pockets. It’s got pinked seams and other hallmarks of hand-made garments from back in the day. Hard to know how it was originally worn; Either a smock, maternity blouse or shirt cut for a full-figured (though not large) woman. It’s fun to think what the seamstress had in mind.
The fabric is a really nice color combo with an unusual feel to the weave. There are a hodge-podge of vintage buttons for one reason or another and I may see about replacing them with a matched set from the same era.
So rare to discover a blouse from the war-time 1940’s and I’m really thrilled! Wonder what’s next – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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