Exquisite nylon bed jackets, in lovely pinks. There’s nothing that feels so luxurious as sitting in bed or in a boudoir chair with one of these over your beautiful nightgown while enjoying a cup of tea.
These are so comfortable and pretty, almost any time of year. As always, the fabric, decoration and details can’t be matched by things sold today.
Sweet dreams! . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The style is so un-fussy and classic that it could be worn casually like a day-dress or dressed up. It could have been made anywhere from the late 1940’s to early 1960’s, but I lean toward the ’60’s because of the cotton velveteen-type fabric, which was popular then. Hard to be sure, in this case.
I am certain that the suit was custom tailored. It might even have been done at home. It’s amazing that many women were able to do this. Tailoring requires a lot of skill!
Look at all the covered buttons. And, the buttonholes are also bound. Amazing! Not to mention the lining, interfacing and padding required to make a garment like this fit properly.
Although it looks very elegant as pictured, imagine all the ways it could be worn and accessorized. As separates, the jacket and skirt add more possibilities. Simple suits like this can be great additions to any vintage wardrobe, making a variety of quick-changes possible . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
We’ve done a little film noir leisure dressing for the men, so here are 3 of my very favorite women’s things of the same era. The fabulous ’30’s robe with shoulder pads and tassels, the cute little wartime rayon dressing gown and the glam ’40’s rayon dressing gown. Hollywood movie star all over!
Imagine Veronica Lake or Joan Crawford sweeping into the room. Deanna Durbin would have looked sweet in that blue and white dressing gown.
I like to recline in one of these while sipping a cognac and reviewing the latest assignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I knew as soon as I saw it, I knew it would be a perfect match – AND IT IS!!!! Can you believe it – my grandmother’s 1940’s seal cape passed down to me, now with a matching hat. A professional furrier could probably see the difference somewhere, but it surely isn’t obvious. I’ve loved this cape for years.
The hat is a quasi-military shape, which was popular during war-time. The fur on both is absolutely beautiful and has held up so well over all these years. I always love the 1940’s square shoulders, too, and the family connection makes the cape special. What a treat to find a piece to go with it!!!
Although you know that I am an animal protection activist and don’t support the fur trade in any way, shape or form, I do love old pieces pre-1965. There’s no reason in the world to buy modern fur anymore – if you want a new piece, the imitations are fabulous (even beginning in the 1950’s).
Go out and find one and have fun – toot, to-doot, to-doodley-aht-to-doot – he blows eight to the bar (in boogie rhythm . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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It’s not as fine as a couple others I have, but just as wonderful with the big shoulders, pockets, arm slits and silky lining. Very good condition, too – just a little wear to the fur along the seams here and there. I’ll be able to wear it more casually than I would my others.
Some woman who didn’t have the money then for a more expensive fur enjoyed the glamour of that time in spite of the Depression and looming war. By a furrier in Winnipeg, the animals whose pelts were taken would have been trapped in the midst of Canada’s woodland and prairie country and might have represented the livelihood of some rural family. As much as I reject the modern fur trade, the hardships of those times were real.
As it is, I can enjoy this antique piece, too, and wear it until it’s done. Today, faux fur pieces have become so sophisticated and beautifully-made that there’s no reason to support the fur trade. Cherish the old furs for their bygone charisma and say good-bye forever to animal cruelty.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although very similar, I might place this dress as having been made a little earlier than the one shown yesterday – looks late 1940’s to me. It might or might not have been worn with a crinoline underneath. Like the other, it’s completely hand-made and this one has the tailor’s label sewn into the neckline.
One of the best things about this gown is the fabric – a plush, heavy velvet that feels like old rayon. Love the sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves that, to my taste, are done a bit more artfully than those on yesterday’s dress. I think it’s mostly a style change that took place over a couple of years around the turn of the ’40’s to ’50’s decade.
Anyway, who wouldn’t love it! I so wonder what events these dresses were made for and where they went. That part of the mystery is as yet unsolved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This gown is hand-tailored with extreme attention to detail. It would be worn with a crinoline for a full, bell-shape. Because of the styling, I would guess that it was made in the early 1950’s but, possibly, as early as the late 1940’s. A special occasion dress, of course, and there’s hardly any evidence of wear. Maybe it was even made for a Prom or Homecoming dance back in the day.
Women were so happy to dress in longer skirts, sumptuous fabrics and new styles after the austerity of the war years.
I’ll be showing a sister gown tomorrow – very similar style and probably made a few years earlier. What fabulous discoveries!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
HAPPY TURKEY DAY EVERYONE! We have so much to be thankful for, and I’ll think of all the excitement and happy times that this mid-century smock has probably seen over the years while I enjoy a beautiful meal at sea.
This is probably the oldest smock I’ve discovered, of delicious cotton that is SOOOOOOOOO soft now. Of course, it was meant to wear while cooking or doing housework, but I may wear it as a summer top, too. Over pants, shorts or a skirt it will be very cute!
I love to imagine the stories that my true vintage garments could tell and, if I look closely, I can find clues. This one tells of how hard it worked, but still held up for many, many years. It tells of how meticulous it’s wearer was in preventing stains, burns or tears. The only damage, which I fixed, was caused by the number of times that sash had been tied on . . . . . . . .
Thank you, also, to you – my faithful followers – who have stuck with me for years and to all who have enjoyed the fun and surprises with me.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
OK, head back 10 to 20 years for another frilly, girly piece of boudoir lingerie – a beautiful bed jacket, the likes of which has disappeared from our modern wardrobes. This was another of the lingerie luxuries that women enjoyed until the 1970’s.
Delicate and beautiful, items like this were common in average women’s closets. They seem a bit over-the-top for everyday wear today, but in mid-century life were (and are) very practical for before bed and early morning activities while women were wearing their nightgowns, without sacrificing feminine mystery.
Gotta tell ya’ – it beats throwing a hoodie or sweater over your pj’s in a cool house. . . . . . . .
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
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