Pretty lingerie doesn’t get much better than this – at least not in the mid-priced range. Back in the day, almost any woman could afford to dress herself in this one. No, it’s not silk or designer-wear, but it’s lovely – by the MOVIE STAR company.
Pretty soon it’ll be time to wear nighties like this, whether you’re a bride or not. Can’t wait!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
There are already at least a couple of dressing gowns in my collection that date from the 1930’s – 1940’s and are made in a similar style. So, although this was was made 30 to 40 years later and the fabric isn’t as nice, it’s pretty true to the design.
I’ll sometimes pick up retro items made by famous vintage makers because they do a pretty good job. This one still qualifies as “true vintage” because of being at least 30 years old, but the real 1940’s would always be my favorite!
Anyway, a pretty find and worth adding to my treasures.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I regret that WordPress or Microsoft did not correct the orientation of this photo, but we are grateful for what they do –
Here is the lovely bride in her gown (and high heels). In 1944 it was a rare blessing to be able to find a wedding dress to purchase since wartime rationing and restrictions were so stringent – especially in Britain, where the wedding took place.
Look at that train! In satin (probably rayon), with puffed sleeves (no pads) and points at the wrists (love those!). What a beautiful, figure-hugging fit this fabric provides. I was able to see the original photographs of her in it, with a LONG veil, borrowed from an in-law but no flower bouquet because they couldn’t be bought then. Her attendants carried lilacs from a neighbor’s garden and she carried a prayer book (like Grace Kelly 11 years later). The groom was also extremely handsome in his army uniform.
What a treat! Can’t go into the story of her betrothal and marriage, but it is fascinating and she is writing a memoir. At 94, she enjoys a good party and has worn the dress on occasion, just for fun. May we all be so blessed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Today, on a more-or-less routine survey, I had wonderful good fortune. I’m just about to re-examine and photograph my newest acquisitions and get them ready to post on the blog. Because I have already scheduled postings for the next three days, expect to begin seeing these on Sunday, Nov. 13.
Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Isn’t this pretty? It’s another iconic early to mid-Sixties style that I’ve seen before – a party/dance/special occasion frock made for junior sizes. Empire styling and cute bows. These are almost always manufactured by some smaller maker – sometimes they have a department store name.
That’s how some of the best middle-priced dresses were marketed – sold in small stores around the country or well-known department stores. More popularly-priced clothing was available through the Sears, Montgomery Ward and Penney’s stores and catalogs – catalog shopping was huge.
I think it’s so cool that our grandmothers could buy a moderately-priced dress like this and find hand-stitched details inside. That disappeared not long after this one was made . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s my main collection of true vintage white rhinestone collars. From simple and sweet to sassy and sophisticated. These were made between 1940 and 1960, I’d say. Some might be older, or slightly newer.
To be worn alone, or almost alone. Unless you’re doing a period costume from a time when overkill was the usual fashion and everything was worn as a set, these lovelies shine most brilliantly when standing alone.
Just my opinion, for what it’s worth . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is one of my favorite little necklaces, from the 1950’s or early Sixties. Very sweet – love the rhinestone bow and the faux pearl drop. The chain, also, is studded with rhinestones all the way.
The earrings are a bit later – late Sixties or Seventies, but they coordinate nicely. A parure like this would have been perfect with a formal pouf dress – depending on the age of the wearer and the occasion.
Definitely costume jewelry, but so pretty . . . .. . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Remember this bridal dress and veil that I had a surprise chance to acquire from the bride’s daughter about 6 weeks ago? Well, here it is in all it’s glory. Thought you’d like to see it, too.
I had no idea, on the hanger, how charming and pretty it truly is. And, there couldn’t be a better model for it than Stella. . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Glass beads, rhinestones, crystal, topaz, mother of pearl and silver, Lucite and nickel – these gorgeous pieces span from, I believe, the Twenties to perhaps as late as the early Fifties. It’s worth taking a close-up look.
Many of the chains are of silver. Most of the stones are semi-precious. The lobster claw clasp seen on the second to the left is a replacement for the original. The silver serpentine chain on the topaz pendant is also modern.
The large pink glass bead necklace was handmade in the ’20’s or ’30’s, with a brass chain. The rhinestones and Lucite are set in nickel or pot metal.
So pretty any time of year . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’ve really been scoring the RARE finds over these past few weeks – older garments and accessories, iconic styles and items in great condition! Can’t wait to get back to Headquarters and put this wartime bridal ensemble on Stella, who is the only one of my models who will be able to wear it. Until then, I’ll tell you the story of this lovely gown and it’s matching veil. As an additional blessing, the tale comes directly from the original family.
Although many brides were wearing suits and shorter dresses to be married in 1940, this bride chose the traditional full-length gown and veil for her ceremony. It was purchased through a well-known department store, where her father was a buyer, and may have come from Europe. The rayon dress is not a high-end item, but is an iconic design of the time and elegant in it’s simplicity. An unusual feature is the antique ivory color, which is original. The full-length veil of fine netting with embroidery flows from a delicate headband decorated with dried flowers and vines.
The gown was stored away after the wedding and cherished by the family for many years. Now, I will continue to care for it with the love and respect it deserves.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 