Tag Archives: top

GREAT 1970’S SEPARATES FIND!

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Wouldn’t normally wear these together, but it was convenient to photograph them that way and the look surprisingly good.  I’d just been dreaming about finding some wide-leg, high waist pants and more blouses . . . . . . . . . .

Love these!  They both fit me really well and I’m already enjoying wearing them.  The pants are Bobbie Brooks (always a reliable vintage find) and the blouse is by Mardi Modes New York.  How cool is that?!  A really neat feather print on the shirt, and nice colors.  I wouldn’t wear the neckline in a frilly bow, but prefer a high-neck tie effect.  The pants are just super-flattering and, with a navy and ivory coloring, are great with my pea jacket find.

So, it keeps going on and on.  What next? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

WHAT A WONDERFUL ENSEMBLE FIND! LOVE THIS!!!!!

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Found these two pieces separately, but aren’t they perfect together?  The pencil skirt is a true vintage 1950’s design by the vintage California Lorrie & Deb label.  It fits like a dream – looks as good on me as it does on Stella.

Later, I came across this blouse.  It is a more modern retro design (might still be true vintage by the definition of 30 years old or more) and I fell in love, also knowing that it would likely look great with my skirt.

Well, guess what – how wonderful can you get?  I was over the moon when I tried them on together and will remain so every time I wear them.  So, chalk up another one for serendipity and the Magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:   MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FUN AND RARE FIND! MID-CENTURY MOD HAPPY DAYS KNIT TOP

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Not a really finely-made example, but a really rare one that I’ll have lots of fun with.  Just because of the similar color, I’ve paired it in this photo with a well-made 1980’s gored skirt in 1940’s style.

Whenever I feel like hanging out in jeans and penny loafers or saddle shoes on a fall day, I’ll reach for this top.  Great disguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

 

TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC COTTON SUMMER BLOUSE

IMG_1486 IMG_1487I’ve left the shirt un-ironed to show that it is 100% cotton, rather than poly or a blend.  And the feel of true vintage cotton – so soft and wonderful after being washed, worn and loved for a while!

The close-up shows some of the detail that covers the front, with tucks and crocheted lace.  A 1/2 inch ruffle goes all the way around the hem.  Few blouses made in the U.S. have this amount of gorgeous, high quality decoration – even the old ones!

For that reason, I wonder if this one was made in Europe where they routinely made glorious cotton garments like this one – maybe still do . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BLOUSE FIND FROM NEW ZEALAND

IMG_1072     This one is made by Brooklin, the same maker of the mink-trimmed cocktail blouse that Stella modeled recently.  I love the way the hem is finished, and, though it’s hardly visible, the fabric is embossed with a crocodile pattern!

It’s so rare to find true vintage blouses in wearable condition that I just flip with happiness when I do.  This one is very versatile and a lovely, neutral mocha tone.

Doesn’t get much better  . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S MINK-TRIMMED EVENING BLOUSE FROM NEW ZEALAND

IMG_1074     Stella rocks this wonderful find from my recent trip.  Can’t wait to wear it over a long black skirt or with black cigarette pants!

This was not a high-end item, in spite of the mink trim  – like so many lovely things from mid-century, the average woman was able to buy and wear it. It is open-weave in a glossy synthetic material, lined with black fabric.  The floral fantasy pattern reflects the colors of most, if not all, of the treasures I found in that country.  Stay tuned to see more . . . . .

It was made by a New Zealand clothing company back in the day.  I was told by other vintage experts there that New Zealand used to have a very excellent clothing industry which has, sadly, gone now.

But, so much more FUN for a modern sleuth . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY HAPPY DAYS COTTON BLOUSE FOR SUMMER – ONE OF MY FIRST AUSSIE FINDS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA So simple and plain, but it really transports me to photographs of women having fun at the seaside in the Forties, Fifties and early Sixties. And, there’s LOTS of absolutely beautiful seaside in Australia!  Although we’re thinking about Autumn here and getting ready for cooler weather, the Australians are thinking about the blazing heat to come soon “down under”.

This top was custom-tailored in a lovely heavy woven cotton (not knit). Sleeveless, boxy cut, square neck with a little decorative pocket in front.  Just grazing the waistline, to show a little tummy once in a while.

Nothing could be more basic or classic.  Worn with a pair of “capris”, “pedal pushers” or “short shorts” or, even, with a pleated white skirt or a pair of jeans – that’s how it was done back in the day.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FUN 1960’S MEN’S ORLON SWEATER – A LAUNDRY REVOLUTION FOR MID-CENTURY WOMEN

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The miracle fabric called Orlon – machine washable and dry-able at home!  Oh, my . . . . . .

Back when sweaters had to be dry-cleaned or hand-washed, this was a revelation for homemakers and a big time-saver.  However, I must say that even today they still haven’t gotten it just right – pilling remains an issue.  So, I don’t mind treating my vintage acrylics with special care.

This one is so “from that time” and it’s always fun to find a guy’s clothing item.  But, even though it’s a LARGE size, looks more like something for a medium-sized woman now. Maybe it will even fit me under the right styling conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER DISCOVERY! 1950’S – 1960’S MEN’S CATALINA SHIRT-JAC

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This one is an interesting find.  Might have been part of a work uniform back in the day, but it’s a shirt made like a jacket with hip pockets and that funky stripe.  Today it would be fun as a sports shirt with jeans.  The maker was Catalina – that iconic California maker of sportswear, so who knows . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’m sure that it was intended to be a man’s top when it was made, but today it’s very unisex.  To me, it’s got a Grease vibe.  Could also go over a tank top or muscle shirt.  If it were smaller, I’d keep it myself if not for the orange color.  No can do.

So, this was for fun and will go into the archives for the time being.  That’s OK.  It’s the hunt and the quest that are the real reward!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A TRUE VINTAGE 3 – PIECE 1960’s WOMEN’S SILK SUIT FROM NEW ORLEANS

A TRUE VINTAGE 3 - PIECE 1960's WOMEN'S SILK SUIT FROM NEW ORLEANSOne of the finds that I picked up during an investigation in New Orleans was this lovely ladies’ suit.  Oh, so proper in 3 pieces with a knee-length skirt, back-button blouse and high-hip length jacket, it’s just perfect for lunching or for a business appointment.

The styling is plain, but elegant and well-cut.  Hand-tailored and fully lined, with VERY unusual buttons – kind of like woven ropes – to make it interesting.

This is a basic that is flattering, well-styled and versatile – a staple to have in your wardrobe for decades and with many possibilities.  Of course, the pieces can be worn separately and accessories can vary the look.

I always LOVE finding gems like this when I’m out on the prowl.  They look back to an era of couture-quality fashion that was available to many people – when even the casually dressed woman with a moderate budget could dress with elegance and style in high quality apparel. . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM