I always pick up these old cotton or cotton blend housecoats when I find them. Although there are similar ones being made now, the older ones tend to have the best quality and most interesting styling and decoration.
Such fun to know these little differences that make a big impact on your satisfaction when you wear them!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although the phrase “made in Japan” used to connote (in Western countries) some cheap trinket back in the WWI, WWII and Post-war days before their technological revolution, Japan is also the country that is known for gorgeous kimonos and traditional garments of the most elaborate embroidered silk.
Another unusual and surprising find. I’m not sure exactly how to date this 100% cotton robe, but it’s beautiful and well-styled in it’s elegant simplicity. The fan motifs are very wonderful and I love the colors (as does Stella – with that auburn hair it’s dynamite on her!).
Definitely a keeper. More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a surprise to come across this custom-tailored frock. It’s got many clues that told me of it’s age and how it came to be, but the styling was the real delight. SO unusual to discover a maternity dress or a “tent dress” from the mid-1960’s.
Tent dresses were all the rage for a while during the Mad Mod Sixties. Fortunately, the style didn’t hang around too long. But, what could be more perfect as a maternity design? This one is meant for fall and winter partying in heavy velveteen. I have to say, it is cute on Stella.
After discovering a treasure like this, I wondered what could be next and it didn’t take long to find out. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Wowee! Someone custom-tailored this cute mini-dress that falls from above the bust-line and is a really flattering shape for someone whose waistline has temporarily disappeared. It also could have been a “tent” style, which was all the rage about that time. In any case, it’s perfect for Fall no matter how or why she wore it!
All kinds of “new” stuff, including a wonderful hairdo for Stella. She’s psyched! So am I. We’ll be spreading a lot of rockabilly vibes and more. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Gingham again – it’s always classic and often found in lots of casual clothing from mid-century. 
In this example, we have a custom-tailored design – sort of Western-wear, but just CUTE! Simple shift style, but when I wear it I’ll probably add a belt and cinch the waist. The ruffle at the hem, cross-stitch decoration and interesting elbow-length sleeves all make it unique and would even be a good Halloween costume.
Dresses with these features were popular in mid-century in the United States, when there was a big Western/cowboy craze going on. Ever hear of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans? I’ve learned so much by being interested in true vintage fashion! Happy trails to you, until we meet again. Have fun tonight – arroooooooooooooooooo . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Classic true vintage ’40’s – early ’50’s style, custom-tailored by Rosalie Couturier. I loved finding this dressmaker’s personal label in the waistband of this beautiful frock! What a nice surprise since it was hidden. The best labels, like this one, were embroidered on cloth.
It’s amazing that this beautiful garment has survived 60 – 70 years in such wonderful condition. Its original owner obviously loved it and cared for it well.
Lovely rayon fabric, with stitched-in pleats on front and back – bodice and skirt. So many little hand-done details. Beautiful, big sculpted shell buttons, fabric-covered belt. A little wear there on the buckle, but that is the only flaw.
And, when I got it home it fit Stella beautifully. Perfection!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a huge surprise to
discover this little gem! It’s a 
capelet that may be from Victorian or 
Edwardian times – maybe someone planned to take it on the Titanic voyage!!! (From the looks of it, maybe it went on the Titanic voyage). It’s so old that many theories and stories about it’s history could be possible. Some woman wore this covering her shoulders over a dress. It might have been an evening gown, a day-dress or mourning dress – maybe a costume specialist could tell.
Manufactured trim with antique beads is sewn around the neck and the hem of the capelet. So many hand-stitches!
As you can see, the outer layer of fabric is in tatters, but the black, silky lining is pristine. If the cape were flipped inside out, the beading trim removed and transferred to the other side with a replacement liner made it would be almost new again! Even though non-sewers might think so, it’s not a big job.
Just amazing. I haven’t decided whether I will want to restore it and wear it, sell it to another collector or donate it to a theater or museum. As always, it just goes to show that – you just never know . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Embroidered all over with gold metallic thread, this designer dress from the famous high-end retailer is a fabulous find! Couldn’t believe it. Luxurious at-home wear that can easily go out and about – there are no “rules” these days saying that would be “not done”.
I love true vintage hostess and patio dresses, as well as other at-home wear from eras past. Often the better-quality items are in fantastic condition because they were worn sparingly and/or cared for so well by their original owners.
Just another marvelous day in Mid-Centuryland for the Magicvintagespy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Look what I did to my dress! You had seen this late 1960’s wool dress before, and I loved the red knit top of it, BUT, the years had not been kind before it came to me and some moths had had a banquet. Just couldn’t live with the little holes here and there, and no good way to fix them.
SO – why not snip it off at the waist and fashion a dirndl/pencil skirt instead? So easy! All I did was finish (by hand) around the waist with a piece of grosgrain ribbon, sew a few hooks and eyes in the placket left where the zipper used to be et voila’! Just for extra fun, I threaded a black tie belt through the crochet so that it ties off in back. Wouldn’t have had to, but it allows me to fit the waist a little more snugly and adds a cute touch.
Brainstorm! Maybe I can wear it with that neat green sweater found recently – and black boots – must check it out . . . . .. … .. . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Whenever I encounter beautiful examples of sleepwear lingerie from this era, I always bring them home. Although I love the pj’s, knee-length gowns are another favorite. While made of the same type of wonderful nylon, the gowns usually have more elaborate and prettier decoration.
The Fifties saw mostly pastel pieces similar to the one on right, though sometimes in red or black. During the Sixties bright colors were popular, as on the left. This was kind of backward to how lingerie slips were made – go figure.
Anyway, there was no debate or stopping-to-think-about-it for me, but always nice to know all about it . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 