Tag Archives: war-time

ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITE 1940’S TO EARLY 1950’S JACKETS

ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITE 1940'S TO EARLY 1950'S JACKETS

From my just-about-favorite era, this is one of the items I have acquired from a vintage clothing shop and I just LOVE it. The shape and all the contrast trim is so smart!  It has a bit of a military vibe, which so many wartime  designs tended to.

As always, it is very well-made and tailored in mid-gray wool with charcoal accents on the collar, buttons and cuffs.

Alas, the original skirt was not with it, but it was not difficult to find a charcoal skirt that matches well, though is shorter than most skirts would have been, except during the war when they were shortened due to rationing of fabric.

This color and style is easy to mix and match with different-style skirts and slacks, especially if you stick with the charcoal color. A go-to jacket forever . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TWO LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE 1920’S – 1940’S

TWO LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE 1930'S - 1940'S

These kinds of lingerie items are so special and rare. Dainty, lightweight robes like the one on the left were standard bedroom wear in the ’40’s and before – the thing to wear between rising and dressing.

The contrasting colors of the rayon gown on the left are so unusual and little details like the tiny buttons and shoulder-augmentation make this a distinctive garment – not just something to throw on absentmindedly.  It’s from the late 1930’s to 1940’s.

The gown on the right is even older. It is of white/ivory rayon satin, with side snap or hook closure in a plain sheath style. I’ve paired a  bed jacket with it, made of similar fabric. This could be adapted to a formal dance or wedding gown and would be from the late 1920’s to the 1930’s, similar to a Coco Chanel design of that time (the dress – not the bed jacket).

Anyway, they are wonderful finds and gave me a real thrill to discover them! The fun never ends . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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1950’S FRENCH ROOM GLAMOUR & CREATIVE SLEUTHING SUCCESS

FRENCH ROOM GLAMOUR & CREATIVE SLEUTHING SUCCESS

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this jacket! It was from the “French Room” of some department store in the 1940’s – 1950’s and has the most lovely European couture style.

French blue with royal purple cuffs and attached scarf, wicked fit and unusual tailoring details. So unusual! Near the same time, I also found a French wool hat in the same purple – PERFECT!

I looked for several years for the perfect skirt or dress to go with it and, voila’, it did appear, as I knew it would.  Perfect color and fit – a sleeveless sheath dress.  Purples are hard to match, like many other hues.

Ooh, la la! Oui, oui!  So now I have my cute little outfit with just the right sassy chic.  Ce la vie for the Magicvintagespy.  Now for the shoes – I have the most perfect pumps from France in brown leather, but I would so much like purple. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TWO UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE EVENING COATS – 1940’S – 1950’S

TWO UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE EVENING COATS - 1940'S - 1950'S

I just had to add these to my collection when I found them! The coat on the left is a lightweight wool in a textured weave and could possibly be worn over a dressy day-dress, too. The coat on the right is a lightweight black crepe.  Let me describe them in more detail . . . . . . ..

The brown coat on left has a rippley collar and bands of fur – probably mink (not sure) – around the collar and down the front.  It has big fabric-covered buttons in front and on each sleeve. It could be knee-length only if you’re quite short.  This one was made during the 1940’s.

The black one – more an “opera coat” (but not long enough) – is made of black rayon, lined in white, with sable-colored mink on the cuffs.  Perfect sleeve length for long gloves.  It would be knee-length on someone of average height. I think it was made to wear over LBDs in the ’50’s.

What finds! I discovered 3 of the longer coats within a few months of one another – 2 black and one ivory cream – but I’ve never seen one since. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSES FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S IN SILK, LINEN & RAYON

Here’s the perfect shirt to go with those 1940’s pants, right here on the left – ivory silk by Lady Manhattan.  Nothing more classic and beautiful  – unless . . . . .

We move center to a waist-length linen blouse that buttons up the back. Look at that fabulous lace neckline.  How feminine and chic!  Under a little suit or just with a skirt . . . . . .

And, the blouse far right can do the same job in sumptuous rayon.  It shows more of the gorgeous hand-done tailoring detail that is so characteristic of true vintage garments.

They’re all treasures . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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VERY UNUSUAL DISCOVERY: TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S WOMEN’S(?) SLACKS BY THE HAGGAR COMPANY!!!

VERY UNUSUAL DISCOVERY: TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S WOMEN'S SLACKS!!!

What a surprise it was to run across these!  Finding true vintage slacks is rare – especially any that are this old.  Finding nice slacks, with their belt, hardly worn and a perfect fit is a miracle!!!  Just like they were made for ME (maybe they were . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .) though I feel just like Katherine Hepburn . . . .

These are a small plaid weave in grey and ivory. They are “man-tailored” with a zip fly, front and back pockets. But, the fit is NOT man-tailored!

Notice the straight legs and cuffs. The other pairs of ’40’s pants I own have a very long crotch or very wide legs.  They’re lovely fun, but I like the sexy fit of these.   I suppose it’s possible that they were men’s pants, though they button in the wrong direction.  But, I’ve got hips for sure, and a small waist so I would doubt it.  Anyway, who cares!

I treasure mid-century blouses that are perfect with my true vintage skirts and slacks.  Always on the lookout for just the right jacket and, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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3 BEAUTIFUL BEIGE TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE SLIPS – PROBABLY LATE 1940’S

3 BEAUTIFUL BEIGE LINGERIE SLIPS - PROBABLY LATE 1940'S

More slips! I’m not near done yet . . . . .
These are beautiful with unusual decoration, in the smoothest, softest nylon. One may be in silk, which was also popular then, for the nicer things.

I love the beige color and the lovely lace and embroidery to die for – different from the vast majority made later.

How could you ever feel less than wonderful wearing one of these? Marvelous to have hidden assets . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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THE FIRST PHOTO OF MY “BEST” TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE SLIPS – THE MOST BEAUTIFUL UNDERTHINGS!

This begins the main showing of my beautiful slip collection. They will be grouped, generally, by color. Overall, they’ll range from 1920’s – 1960’s with most from the ’40’s and ’50’s. We’ll start off with some golds and bronzes.

Materials will be silk, acetate, rayon and nylon – most will be of nylon. The trims are lace and netting, sheer nylon, embroidery, ribbons and applique’ – I think that covers it.

Most times the body of the slips and the decoration are of the same hue, but in many fine pieces – as shown here – the decoration is done in a contrasting color. They’re almost too pretty to cover up!

Isn’t it luscious to know that while you’re all bundled up in your wools and corduroys, jackets and sweaters and coats that underneath it all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MY SECOND MEN’S BATHROBE FROM THE ’50’S – ’60’S, WITH A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT VIBE

MY SECOND MEN'S BATHROBE FROM THE '50'S - '60'S, WITH A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT VIBE

You see how classic – this robe is made in the same style as the one I showed a few days ago, with the same, now rare, black satin trim. However, the feel is completely different.

This robe is of Sanforized cotton, in a very traditional medallion print. The fabric is slightly lighter-weight and much more “conservative”.

I suspect that this robe is also from the 1950’s, or  the late 1940’s. Menswear has rarely been as lavish as women’s and this one was not a luxury item, but these satin-trimmed robes are special.

Makes me think of a man of distinction; a real big spender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MORE BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BED JACKETS

MORE BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BED JACKETS

Just look at the gorgeous trimming details on these luxurious early mid-century items. Such a pleasure to wear!  Can’t you imagine relaxing in one of these some time during the holidays?  Heaven!

Nothing could be more feminine or comfy than these heavy nylon bed jackets; for just a little extra warmth while reading a book or the paper, or enjoying a leisurely coffee or breakfast in bed.

Whenever I find these, I cannot resist.  A lady can never have too many . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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