This skirt suit has the shorter Chanel – style jacket and a straight skirt that hits near the knee. Also 3/4 sleeves so characteristic of that time. The jacket is the stand-out piece here and every woman was wearing this style in 1962 – including Jacqueline Kennedy.
Made by Puritan’s Forever Young line, which the actress Gloria Swanson was affiliated with at one time – the things that make it most different from others in my closet are the HUGE, gorgeous buttons made of braided cord and the loose weave of the fabric. It’s a style made to wear with only a simple, shell-type blouse, or no blouse at all. You would need to wear one of your lovely slips underneath.
A perfect transitional ensemble for Fall or Spring – when I don’t want something too heavy, but still want to be warm. As always, these separate pieces can do double duty in many different ways and the style is perfectly classic.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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These slips, on top of the beautiful colors, have some of the nicest lace and embroidery decoration! They’re very similar in the construction techniques, but each one is unique.
The 1950’s were so big on vivid colored lingerie and, of course, the nylon had a wonderful “hand”. The one on the far left, especially, could almost double as a dress. In the early 1960’s some variation in length became more available, which will work under shorter styles.
They make dressing such a pleasure and sleuthing always an adventure . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This suit is so chic and understated, but makes a real appearance! It’s decorated all over with swirled ribbons stitched down. In classic wool, of course, but not as heavy as the winter ensembles I’ve been showing.
Reminds me of some of the things that European women have traditionally worn when they are in mourning. But, it’s a sophisticated ensemble and would make a great dinner suit. That’s probably how it was worn when it was sold, about 55 years ago.
In the early ’60’s they made some dresses and suits that were entirely of ribbons swirled around and stitched down on some kind of mesh or lightweight fabric. I inherited a dress like that which had been my grandmother’s and found a green skirt made that way last year – all true vintage, of course. An intriguing style, which I don’t often run into . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A gorgeous dance dress that may have been for Prom or just for any Big Band dance party – they used to be so popular back in the day. Will LOVE to see her on Stella, when I get around to it.
The year I found this beauty (not long ago), a famous label made one in the same basic style but not nearly so well done. No lovely flowers at the waistline and (horrors!) in a choice of several different colors. Can you imagine spending $250 for a dress and seeing one just like it (but maybe blue) at the party, too?!
After purchasing her for about 70 cents (that’s right – seventy pennies!) and exercising a little of my rehab know-how, this is what I had about 4 days later and just my size. Not bad, huh?
This frock could show up any time and have her dance card full immediately. The Belle of the Ball and completely unique. Some girls have all the luck . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s Marlene in a great hat – might look good with that bright red ’40’s suit shown a few days ago . . . . . . .. It’s a beanie style with a tassel, all in Valentine red wool.
This is another example of what I call “witty” vintage style – fun, even amusing, details or designs that just make us smile. True vintage is full of that in a much better way than I ever see it done now.
Take a look at the necklace, too. I’ve got another picture of it coming later, but this one might even have better detail resolution.
Time to switch a bit, away from the truly Wintery-looking things. The hat collection is coming, plus some jewelry – though most of that will be later – maybe this summer. Got to get through the LBD’s first, and the shoes, some more Springy things plus the odd this and that which always turns up. In other words, stay tuned . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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