Although I’ve been showing lots of blouses in collections, here’s another one that I’m posting by itself because it is so unique and fabulous. It’s from the ’40s and certainly not my best color, but I wear it anyway. Wouldn’t you?
Brown embroidered edging around the collar and yoke, front and back. Brown vintage plastic buttons, an elongated wing collar and some attitude.
I currently wear this with a calf-length print skirt or a pair of brown suede jeans. It would look fabulous with a pencil skirt, too.
There’s some Western – style feel to it, which was popular for a while during the Forties. Lots of fashions of that decade owe it all to the movies. This was also true in the ’30’s.
Well, another example of the sort of sporty-classic-business-like styles that often, but not exclusively, appeal to me. That is, when I don’t feel like a princess, or a rock star, or I’m not in need of a disguise . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I just HAD to have these when I found them! It’s interesting how they look so much like the fashion that became really popular in the early 1980’s “New Wave” era. The Fifties did some really fun, dramatic styling when they were coming out of their conservative period – think about fins on cars that were made then.
These pumps escape looking trashy by the fact that they are quality footwear, well-made of leather and not over-the-top in terms of the design. Their elegance makes them wearable with almost any type of outfit. In my opinion, that’s the way to make dramatic looks really effective, rather than just faddish or cheap and easy to forget (along with the person wearing them!) Vintage-era designers knew this.
A follower asked me yesterday how I date clothing, etc. and it’s not an easy thing to answer in a few words. Mostly, I just “know”. There are lots of little bits and pieces of information and know-how, like with any type of experience. The evidence is out there . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Another of my favorites. It took me a little while to fall in love with this one, but I did. Some of the buttons and the belt needed replacing, but fortunately I had in my collection some fun copper-colored ones that matched! They spark up the overall gray color of the fabric and add interest.
Actually, the fabric isn’t gray. It’s maybe the tiniest black & white check known to mankind. Had to get out my magnifying glass to examine the fabric closely. The weave is very interesting and looks like a cross between a stripe and a hounds-tooth check, in a beautiful rayon (?) with a wonderful drape – So luscious that it makes me wish I were a fabric expert to understand it better. In warm lighting, it gives a kind of nut-brown effect that seems just right for going into Fall.
Looks like the frock was made by a dressmaker, rather than commercially. As usual, there’s a metal zipper at the waist, extended shoulders with pads and those cute hip pockets that are very ’40’s. This frock deserved a second photo on the stunning Stella . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
What’s so special about this sweater? At least three things. OK, OK, I know that it doesn’t look unusual at first glance, but . . . . . . . . . ..
!. The vintage label is still in the neckline. Webb Foot does not have a label now. 2. The lambswool knit is plush and dense – difficult to find knits like that today. 3. The tiny dyed-to-match buttons at the neckline are also characteristic of vintage-wear.
On top of that, it’s got nice 3/4 sleeves and overall high quality that gives a very good fit, even after half a century! Great with any skirt or slacks. Looks fabulous on Madge, no?
A sweater-girl sweater ramps up the voltage of any outfit, just like a great-fitting top works for a man. Vintage apparel does this SO much better than moderns things – with class . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . ..
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
I found this kimono years ago, but I’m not sure how old it is. It’s at least from the 1960’s but maybe long before that.
The great thing about these older items is the exquisite detail and workmanship. Some items like these may still be available, but I have rarely seen them – even on a visit to Chinatown!
The fabric and embroidery are very fine and there is a lot of hand-done tailoring. Although the classic styles haven’t changed over the decades, you can tell the difference between those that are vintage and more modern ones.
I do also have 2 or 3 gorgeous silk robes made in the Chinese style for Saks Fifth Avenue in the’50’s, ’60’s or ’70’s that are beautifully detailed, but they are geared more to fashion than to authentic traditional Chinese costume.
I wonder where this one originally came from . . . .. . . . .. . . you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
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