Tag Archives: vintage

BEAUTIFUL 1980’S BARBIZON LINGERIE SLEEPWEAR JACKET

Another pretty pink lingerie item with an impressive pedigree. Although this particular piece was made late in the company’s history and was probably one of the final batches, it’s still beautifully constructed and made from one of the company’s proprietary fabrics, Blendaire.

I understand why these special fabrics were so distinctive and important to the popularity of Barbizon garments. Blendaire is a batiste made of cotton, nylon and rayon. The look and feel of it is so special that I’ll treasure it forever. If you have followed me for some time, you’ll know that I have enjoyed collecting many styles of bed jackets from the 1930’s through to the time of this one.

Although the maker’s label has been made and attached in a modern, ordinary and ugly way, this bed jacket has still been constructed with the precise care and tailoring of older Barbizon pieces. The tiny crystal pleats are perfect, the lace and embroidery trim is carefully stitched, the hem is perfectly finished, the elastic at wrists is stretchy and all the buttons are present. There are even two sets of snaps discreetly sewn at the neckline and mid-bodice to enhance the fit and prevent gapping. I always sigh with joy when finding this kind of careful tailoring and attention to detail.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SUPER-CLASSIC ELEGANT 1960’S FIND: THE ICONIC A-LINE SHEATH

SUPER-CLASSIC ELEGANT 1960’S FIND: THE ICONIC A-LINE SHEATH

This one is definitely a keeper! The photograph can’t do this dress justice (yes, I really do miss my modeling team) but you, vintage fashion enthusiasts, have the imagination to see it for what is truly is. I’m showing it here with a recently-discovered chain belt which is a perfect accessory in the Sixties style.

A garment such as this one never goes out of fashion. The original owner knew this since she had it tailored or made it herself from excellent quality fabric in a beige tan shantung weave. It has been worn, but is in wonderful shape with no flaws found and a sturdy metal zipper. The icing on the cake, of course: it fits me.

No huge fireworks display or parade with floats and bands, but continued finds like this one make regular undercover sleuthing adventures well worth my time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – 1970’S HOUSEDRESS: HOME-SEWN CHRISTMAS FROCK?

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – 1970’S HOUSEDRESS: HOME-SEWN CHRISTMAS FROCK?

During my most recent investigatory episode, this garment is the first that I spied. Aside from the lace trim and piecing on the bodice, there’s nothing remarkable here – no pockets, extra trim or embroidery and the tailoring isn’t exceptional. However, I did zoom in on the fabric. Looks like a heavy woven cotton in a red, green and black plaid. Hmm . . . . . . . . what was in this seamstress’s mind? Holiday cheer? Little House on the Prairie, the winter months? In virtually original condition, it was worth picking up.

So, I got it home and tried it on. It looked very small, but fits me to a T! You’ll see later how good it may look on Stella. (I really miss my assistants when working at satellite locations.) It’s doubtful I’ll keep it in the long run, but it does have it’s own story to tell. More to come. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE DISCOVERIES, BUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

the reports will have to wait until the weekend. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WONDERFUL 1960’S HOME-SEWN COTTON BLOUSE

WONDERFUL 1960’S HOME-SEWN COTTON BLOUSE

When I spotted this one I immediately fell in love with the cotton material. Look at this wonderful print! Aqua, teal and honey brown with touches of black and white. The fabric is SO soft – as many cotton shirts and PJ’s of the 50’s and early 60’s were. As the years went by they became better and better. First impression was that it would be too big on me, but might be comfy to lounge around the house in.

Surprise! When I got it home and was able to try it on, it fits like a dream. Custom-tailored for a small person, I’ll bet that this was made as a maternity blouse. It’s not baggy or frumpy and has a really nice fit on a slim person, but would have room underneath for a basketball. Clothing for women who were “expecting” in the mid-century was not as widely available as it is today and usually was pretty unflattering. No wonder that many women chose to make their own.

The workmanship is admirable. The hem and armhole facings are beautifully finished. I’ll enjoy this garment forever. It’s always so much fun to be constantly amazed by the simplest piece when I have the opportunity to look at and feel it carefully.

Although my next find is absolutely wonderful, this true vintage garment had to come first, since that’s what I’m all about. The next one, a dress, must take second place but is worth the wait. Stay tuned . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A COUPLE OF SURPRISE FINDS TODAY – WILL SHOW YOU TOMORROW AND THE NEXT DAY

Was out and about doing errands today and had the opportunity to do a little investigating in the process. Surprise! I found a couple of neat things to show you – one is true vintage; the other is not, but deserves a look and a nod. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

THAT’S IT FOR A REVIEW OF THE LATEST INTELLIGENCE. SOON TO BE IN THE FIELD AGAIN.

Recently I’ve closed up Headquarters and been traveling from safe house to safe house. Will be at the satellite location again early next week and settling in. Whenever “new” finds are discovered, you will be updated.

Thanks, as always, for standing by and Stay Tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM