Here we have something entirely different from the ethnic-inspired Southwestern classic shown yesterday. These dresses above could be found in the closet of almost any career gal or housewife in the early 1960’s. The two on the left were sold by Montgomery Ward and Sears & Roebuck, where many, many women bought their everyday clothing. The dress on the right has a more elevated pedigree though still probably from humble beginnings. It was custom-tailored by an exceptionally-talented seamstress from a more elegant pattern. Whether our heroine constructed this frock in her own home or hired the job out to a local dressmaker, it still carries on the practice of making one’s own (and family’s) wardrobe which was very common at that time.

I have always loved finding garments like this with their original innocent-looking labels or all the evidence of handcrafting that custom-made disguises will reveal. Sometimes they are the most intriguing. After this little breath of Spring, we may return to some beautiful winter coats tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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