Love, love, love this beautiful dress! It’s all handmade in elegant simplicity, with gorgeous fabrics. The black velvet bodice is off-set by the pale sage green satin skirt and trim.
What a lovely surprise – and it wasn’t the only one. Wait till you see the fabulous gabardine jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Made probably in the late 1940’s by a small designer/tailor, it has all the hallmarks of hand-tailoring – pinked seams, reinforcing at the waist, hand-stitching. Love it!
Someone loved this frock very much because it is nearly in perfect condition. Somewhere, sometime she lost one little rhinestone from a button. That’s all. Then, when her estate was unpacked, someone lost the original belt.
You just can’t find good help anymore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Believe it or not, it IS a maternity dress! From the Forties or early Fifties!! The brand name is Lady in Waiting (how cute). What a fun, fun find!
Nothing could be more practical or economical than this baby (pun intended). The fabric is cotton, rayon or a blend in a colorful print. Perfect for a summer pregnancy. The dress is simple and was not expensive, but so ingeniously designed and convenient!
The easy, breezy shirtwaist style is always in fashion and the flowing fabric is very forgiving. Underneath that wrap-around wasp waist sash is extra material and a set of 3 snaps near each side seam which allow the dress to be let out up to about 10 inches. So, no matter the stage she’s at, this mama could wear the dress from start to finish and beyond.
Good old American ingenuity (not to imply that we’re the only ones). I love clever fashion ideas like this one.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I know – the black rayon evening handbag is so common and I see many of them. Although they almost always have something for their designers to be proud of in comparison to today’s cheap copies, I usually pass them by (I have so many!) However,
once in a while I’ll see one with an unusual clasp or shape that makes me take a second look and know that I gotta have it. Here is one. It’s in beautiful condition, for one thing, but the closure set off to one side is handy and attractive. The style has that sleek, atomic feel that some post-war and mid-century modern designers really went for in the age of mega-bombs and Sputnik.
No matter how long this handbag hangs around, it will never be anything less than elegant. The quality and “look” keep it from being dated or unfashionable. Unless we someday stop carrying handbags altogether – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I just loved the mid-century post-war vibe of this shirt as soon as I saw it. The cotton fabric is in a print very faithful to that time-frame, and some of the design details are, too. But, there’s evidence of a label which doesn’t look like it was an old one (?). All I have to go by is the remnant left when it was cut out. I’m not often stumped – but it gets trickier . . . . . . . . .
Somewhere along the line this shirt was altered and re-styled, probably to make it smaller. I love the piping accents that may have been added. The front probably used to button, but was closed to make a pull-over style. At the end of the day, I can’t definitely say what the true age of this garment is or be really clear be clear about it’s history.
However, it’s very fun and fits me! What could be better? I’ll choose to believe that it’s 55 years old and enjoy. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although this top was made only 20 years ago and wouldn’t be true vintage in my book, it’s got the good retro design and quality construction that made it worth picking up. It’s also a soft wool, with the back neckline zipper which was so popular several decades ago.
I like the design and even the color, which is actually a dark navy but it’s made for a larger gal than I so will probably find another home some day. This blast from the past will last some girl for several decades more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’m showing these dresses together because they have so much in common. The biggest similarity is the heavy-weight knit fabric that was so characteristic of clothing made between 1973 and 1976, more or less. It is beautiful, sheds wrinkles and drapes like a dream.
These examples are not high-end, but are very well-tailored. Neither has a label, so I’m not sure if they might have been custom-made. In any case, the original owner of the red one altered the hemline at some point. Both still have about 3″ of hem allowance (such a luxury!).
I haven’t tried them on yet, but predict that they will fit me and will be very flattering. Well-made garments of quality fabric and good design usually are – another reason why I adore true vintage fashion!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
