Here are two more beauties from Hawaii. The same fabulous construction and fabric, but slightly more modern art prints. Don’t you love those colors? Whenever I find one, I grab it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Category Archives: ’70’s
BE A LUAU MAMA OR A CHIC WAIKIKI WAHINI
Since I’ve started getting out the patio frock, here we go – – – – – – Nothing rivals the beautiful workmanship and fabulous fabric found in true vintage Hawaiian fashions from the early Seventies and before. The colors are incomparable. The cottons and rayons are practically indescribable. Men’s shirts are also incredible.
Since at least the 1940’s, dresses made in Hawaii were very desirable for their quality and fit. Some are exceptionally comfy and relaxed. Others are high-volume sexy or very chic.
Think Mata Hari of the islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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TRUE VINTAGE LATE ’60’S CLASSIC SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS – POLY AND PLEATS
Classic styling in the fave material of the late ’60’s and early ’70’s. Poly synthetic that holds color and pleats so well (like forever). Often called a “secretary dress” today, it’s a conservative style that goes everywhere in a normal day. Sadly, as you can probably see, by the late 1960’s the quality is beginning to slide – but, it looks much better on a model and has some interesting vintage features making it a worthwhile buy.
I’d put a black belt on to wear and that will give it a really nice shape, as the skirt is fairly full and flippy. Buxom Madge would put the Va-Voom in this style, but I haven’t taken a new picture with her yet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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WHILE WE’RE INTO UNDERWEAR – JUST FOUND: PERFECT SPECIAL-DUTY MID-CENTURY LINGERIE!
I have never had a long-line bra, and lusted after the perfect one for years. It’s one of those things that has to fit just right or it’s a mess. Well, not only is this one in my size, but it does just that (fit perfectly)! Now I’ll be free to debauche in God-only-knows what shameless costumes.
No, probably not. But, a strapless dress or that plunging neckline . . . . . .YES!! and, feeling like a ’50’s vixen all the while.
Next, the slip that is not a slip. It is a “skirt liner” that’s worn like a slip, but is tailored like a skirt with a back zipper and kick pleat and is made of more substantial fabric. Great example of another garment that will come in handy under just the right skirt-cumstances. Forgive me.
Finally, a peachy split slip to be worn under gaucho pants or any kind of split skirt. I have a long pair of slacks liners, but sometimes they just won’t do. So, there! In one fell swoop, I discovered these ’50’s to ’70’s pieces that will sometimes be indispensable and just right with clothing from those decades. It pays. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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JUST FOUND! CUSTOM-TAILORED MID-CENTURY TAFFETA GOWN
This frock was made for a very special occasion. The stylistic features are early mid-century, but I suspect that it was made in the 1960’s or 1970’s. Makes me curious . . . . . .
It’s a war-time/rockabilly/musical performance recital/costume frock that could have almost any of those histories. It’s a bit over-the-top for cocktails. I’m guessing that it was made for someone who was going to a dance or about to sing an aria or perform a concert on the cello.
Whatever! . . . . . . . . . . it’s a fun mystery dress in one of my favorite colors. If it weren’t for the bones in the bodice (awkward packing issue), I’d add it to my selection of disguises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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TRUE VINTAGE TAP PANTS FROM THE 1920’s, 1930’S, 1940’S AND ?! 1970’S
To wear with a pretty brassiere or camisole, these were the underpants of the ’20’s, ’30’s and ’40’s. In the 1970’s they also came back for a while, though not as sumptuous or luxurious as the originals.
Clockwise, 12, 3 and 6 o’clock are the older ones, made of silk with hand-done embroidery and lace. They also close with buttons on the left side. At 9 o’clock, the newer pair from the ’70’s is of nylon and has nice lace, with an elastic waistband. It also has a matching camisole.
Look at those luscious colors! And, the silk is so smooth and comfy. In most cases, a garter belt and hose would also be worn with these, since women were usually wearing skirts or dresses, and those were often loose-fitting. Nothing there to cramp your Charleston, Lindy or Jitterbug style.
You know what I’d rather wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
AGAIN, FUN AND RARE TO FIND – ANOTHER HAND-KNIT BABY JACKET
It is just incredible that these things survive! Although this cute little coat could have been made more recently by a master needle-worker, I’m betting that it’s a mid-century creation. Much prettier in person, the yoke is composed of very intricate-looking sculptural stitches and the yarn feels like angora.
Similar to the one I showed several weeks ago, it’s pink – probably made for a girl back in the day since pink for girls and blue for boys was pretty much what everybody did when it came to babies. There are still some women around who can knit well and a few who have taught themselves in order to revive these old skills. But, they are a rare breed. A classic garment like this is worth collecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
ANOTHER HAND-TAILORED MID-CENTURY SCARF, THIS ONE BY VERA
Probably from the early 1960’s (remember that blue & green craze that happened then?); this beauty was made in Japan, as were many (most?) of the mid-priced scarves found in the U.S. during the 1950’s and 1960’s. Italy and France have always been makers of wonderful scarves, too, and tended to be high-end if they were from those countries.
Like the Echo scarf shown a few days ago, it is signed with the maker’s name. There is also a small cloth tag in one corner, which is hardly ever seen now but used to be common. This tag gives country of manufacture and fabric content. Often the brand name is there, too, and sometimes care information.
Naturally, the material is a lux blend of silk and rayon and the edges are hand-rolled and stitched. High quality, beautiful scarves are a fabulous accessory and, you can’t have too many . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
STICKING WITH TRUE VINTAGE ACCESSORIES – ANOTHER GREAT FIND
Couldn’t pass up this gorgeous mid-century silk scarf by Echo. That company always made scarves in the proper way – usually of silk, and with hand-rolled edges. Good scarves can still be found here and there (especially in Europe) but they are rare and ungodly expensive.
Our female (and some male) forebears wore beautiful scarves and ascots regularly; sometimes as a part of their daily wardrobe and sometimes with dressier outfits – almost as standard as a hat. Every lady had several tucked into her top dresser drawer. European men wore them in place of ties.
Although I love funny designs and little prints, this stripe is a classic and easy to pair with many basic black tops, dresses, jackets or coats. Of course, there are plenty of less common ways of wearing them – tied to a handbag or in the hair. Can’t have too many . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
JUST FOUND – NEW WAVE DOES FORTIES DAY DRESS
A very fun side-zip-waist poly/synthetic frock that was home-sewn – much of it by hand – in the styling of wartime and postwar day dresses This is a retro re-make from maybe the Sixties up to the Retro years with a ’60’s – early ’70’s Talon zipper.
Love the art print fabric. If not for various signs, I might have taken it for 80 years old. Anyway, it’s a great find with lots of evidence for it’s story. With a nice black belt cinched at the waist and some ’40’s – ’50’s pumps, I’ll enjoy it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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