Category Archives: ’70’s

CLASSIC SUNDRESS BY HENRI BENDELL

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Here’s the example I promised yesterday – by the iconic Paris designer, Henri Bendel, a summer frock of exceptional fit and construction.  Although this dress may be no more than 8 years old since the company stopped selling clothing in 2009, it’s quality and pedigree made it worth picking up.

I also have a suit by Henri Bendel, made in the 1960’s.  The design and tailoring of his garments are exquisite.  Although this sundress does not look like anything special hanging here, it fits beautifully (my size!) and is very well-made.

If only for the legacy of this classic Parisian designer, I was happy to find it and will wear it with pleasure . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LOVE MID-CENTURY HOUSE DRESSES – HERE’S A WONDERFUL NEW FIND!

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Following in yesterday’s footsteps, here’s another summer-weight find but so cute that I had to pick it up.  I haven’t seen true vintage plaid house-dresses often, and I just LOVE them.  Wish you could feel this fabric – it’s the softest cotton imaginable – been loved and washed for many years and still looks wonderful!

Nothing could be simpler and more classic than this design, but it’s well-constructed and built to last. Ruffles around the pocket and pretty embroidery trim.  It’s nice when practical clothing is also elegantly well-made and just plain fun.  Makes housework like play-day (if your imagination is good!)

So, enjoy.  Tomorrow we’ll get to see more new-to-me true vintage dresses (they’re ALWAYS true vintage) but still for every season of the year.  If you travel, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WELL-MADE PATIO PARTY DRESSES FROM THE LATE ’60’S – EARLY ’70’S

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I know that these are summer fun frocks but, for those who are wintering down south or just like to think about warmer climes, I had to show these recent finds and to buy them because of their good quality.  Nice, heavy knits and well-cared-for by their original owners.

Love little shoulder ties, fun prints and empire waistlines.  This style of dress is not unusual to see, but the quality is relatively rare.   Most of the time, you have to go back to the 1960’s to find them as nice as these.  Another genre that are often this good are the long dresses made in Hawaii – usually Sixties and before.

Of course, these discoveries didn’t thrill me as much as some that I make but still worth it.  It’s always good to appreciate garments like these while you’re on the lookout for what’s  around the corner – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HERE WE GO WITH MY NEWEST FINDS: A MID-CENTURY SWEATER DRESS – RARE AND WONDERFUL – I LOVE THIS!!

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Back in the ’60’s and early ’70’s (even in the 1950’s!) some really flattering and pretty sweater dresses were popular.  Some were two-piece and some, like this one, were body-hugging sheaths.  They were of a high quality in terms of the construction and styling and they are SOOO comfortable to wear!

I love finding knits that have the pattern on both sides – not just in the front; rib-knit cuffs that fit well and hold their shape; a matching belt; a well-done hemline; a soft yarn that is easy-care and holds up it’s appearance over time.

I haven’t found one of these in a long time – they’re that rare.  And, with the original belt in fabulous overall condition and one of my favorite colors – Whooeeeeeeeee!  Didn’t expect this, but, the craft just continues to show me that – you just never know . . … . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1960’s SLINKY-KNIT MOD HOSTESS GOWN

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FLOWER POWER!  Staying in the Sixties, I love this style!  Half caftan/half gown; it accents the waist but hangs free behind and is almost like a cape or a kimono, with a little Nehru collar.  Fun!

Haven’t found a piece of lounge-wear quite like this in a while, so I’m thrilled.  The fabric, the print and the design are so iconic from about 1965 – about 1970.  Fondue Party to Patio Party, here I come!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WOWEE AGAIN!!! MORE GREAT FINDS TODAY

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-11111211111112111Today, on a more-or-less routine survey, I had wonderful good fortune.  I’m just about to re-examine and photograph my newest acquisitions and get them ready to post on the blog.  Because I have already scheduled postings for the next three days, expect to begin seeing these on Sunday, Nov. 13.

Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

A VERY COOL GEOMETRIC PRINT TRUE VINTAGE SHIRT FROM THE LATE SIXTIES – VERY EARLY SEVENTIES

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAnother “new” Australian discovery!  Although they’ve been making lots of look-a-like retro fakes for a while now, this one is undeniably true vintage, right down to its label.

I just LOVE this print.  Again, not my own best colors but I can’t help enjoying it so much anyway.  Even the true vintage labels are delights in themselves – often so artistic and interesting.  Sometimes they’re funny!

In your standard poly/synthetic blend fabric of that day, it’ll be easy-care as long as treated gently. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

VINTAGE MODEL’S COAT JUST FOUND – I LOVE THESE!

img_2354I’ve always loved the garments made by this company, SWIRL, and this one is no exception.  It may not be as old as some of the ones I own, but still has the ’60’s – ’70’s applique’ and the great styling.

Like some other things (the dresses I just came up with . . . . .), you can never have too many . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MY FIRST AUSTRALIAN TRUE VINTAGE FIND – GLOMESH PURSE FROM THE 1960’S – 1970’S

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA    Reminiscent of the 1920’s and ’30’s, on up through the Fifties, this metal mesh purse was made by an Australian company that was started by an emigrant couple in 1959.  They closed shop in the mid-eighties, but children opened up again ten years or so ago.  This is one of their original designs.

With a serpentine metal handle and enameled beige color, it’s very smart and perfectly Aussie!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LET’S “UP” THE TRUE VINTAGE BLING – RHINESTONE NECKLACES FROM MID-CENTURY AND BEFORE

IMG_0958Here’s my main collection of true vintage white rhinestone collars.  From simple and sweet to sassy and sophisticated.  These were made between 1940 and 1960, I’d say.  Some might be older, or slightly newer.

To be worn alone, or almost alone.  Unless you’re doing a period costume from a time when overkill was the usual fashion and everything was worn as a set, these lovelies shine most brilliantly when standing alone.

Just my opinion, for what it’s worth . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM