Category Archives: abstract print

MOD MAD MEN TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S DRESS WITH MATCHING JACKET

MOD 1960'S DRESS WITH MATCHING JACKET

This outfit was custom tailored in the mid-1960’s.  Bell sleeves and easy fit. The fabric is a swirly paisley print in aqua tones and it includes the  addition of a matching jacket to create an ensemble.

So many dresses in the ’50’s and ’60’s were made with matching jackets and even matching accessories.  Though this is a fairly casual dress, it follows that lady-like trend and seems to teeter on the edge of the fashion divide between the rather prissy Fifties and early Sixties and the Mod and wild times just after.  Looks like the dressmaker originally intended to make a sleeveless frock, then changed her mind.   As it is, we’ve got a day dress that Twiggy would look just fab in, photographed on some 1965 magazine cover.

What a luxury to have your own dressmaker to custom-tailor your wardrobe! So many women did.  Most neighborhoods in the city had a tailor’s shop where this kind of work was done.  In towns and villages there was usually a woman nearby who did dressmaking in her  own home.  And, of course, many women were still doing their own home sewing then.

Maybe I’ll take the sleeves off some time and wear this dress with the jacket – but, no . . . . love the dress just as it is.  I’ll check out the jacket with my selection of skirts  . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

LOVE THIS RETRO FIFTIES FIND!

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This beautiful silk calf-length skirt is almost a full -circle cut.  And, as usual, a perfect fit for me.  What I love best (aside from the fabric) is the atomic abstract art print on the black background.  So unusual and iconically late Fifties – early Sixties.  I’ll love wearing it with a cinch belt and art metal jewelry!

Although true vintage is ALWAYS THE BEST, I like it a lot when modern designers get it right when they feel a vintage vibe.  That happens once in a while and it’s always fun to find an example of that inspiration.

So, I was surprised and delighted again.  Hmmm . . . .stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND – NEW WAVE DOES FORTIES DAY DRESS

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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

 

 

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

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

JUST FOUND – SOME PRETTY CUSTOM-TAILORED 1960’s DRESSES

Yes, I’m back at Headquarters now – unpacking and taking care of business.  Although these finds are out-of-season right now, despite the heat, I like to show brand-new discoveries ASAP.

What makes these worthy of my closet?  The styles are simple, but the vintage fabrics are REALLY NICE.  Also, the hand-done tailoring touches, like a full lining, well-cut facings and hem allowances make them special garments.

I always pick up pieces of exceptional quality.  They are rare treasure, not seen in the marketplace today.  Stay tuned for more . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1940’S RAYON SWING DRESS FROM PARIS

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JUST MADE FOR SWING DANCING – AND DON’T YOU LOVE THE NOVELTY PRINT?!

This discovery came from a different arrondissement, but still within the city of Paris.  It is another treasure that only Stella can fit into.  I’ll get her to model it after returning to headquarters.  Also will be busy scouting out belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Couldn’t be more pleased, though, to find another wartime rayon frock in a fun, fun print. These are some of my favorite garments.  This one tells the story of WWII as it was custom-tailored and shows the signs of saving on fabric and notions.  The design is very simple with no extra decoration and a very narrow hem allowance, though the tailor did indulge in a big sailor collar with piping.

Such fun to find another rare novelty print – atomic squiggles with goofy birds and other animals.  The color combos are also unique.  Won’t ever find another one like it . .. . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CASUAL TRUE VINTAGE DAY-DRESS FROM PARIS, FRANCE

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A PRACTICAL BUT CUTE MID-CENTURY COTTON FROCK FOR MAKING THE DAILY RUN TO THE MARKET . .. . . . . . . . .

In the same color(?) palette as yesterday’s dress, this one seems more down-to-earth but still has important elements of style.  It was probably custom-tailored, too.  The buttons are clear plastic with a Deco design.  Like the other it needs a belt, but that’s not a big challenge.

Although knock-your-socks-off styles and fabrics send me over the moon, I never pass up a simple true vintage frock that is well-made.  The material, notions and tailoring are always interesting.  Plus, they usually look really good on, because the cuts tend to be so superior.

Giselle is feeling right at home and we’ll be getting a bit more exotic tomorrow . . … . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

EARLY MID-CENTURY DAY-DRESS OR HOUSE-DRESS FROM PARIS

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LOOSE SHEATH IN CUSTOM-TAILORED SILK

I absolutely love this!  The seamstress was almost finished with it, only needing to remove some basting stitches and do a little final finishing.  It has loops for a belt, and there’s no way to tell if one ever existed.  After a final fitting, I’ll see if and where some extra fabric exists that could make one.

Love the collar, and the pocket trim – the whole vintage styling.  It will be very attractive and comfortable to wear.  With the right finishing, it could be a day-dress or a simple house-dress.  And it’s French!  From Paris!!  What more could I ask . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LIKE THE LAST 1940’S JACKET AND SKIRT? HERE’S ANOTHER!

LIKE THE LAST JACKET AND SKIRT? HERE'S ANOTHER!

This is one of my very favorite jackets – a lighter-weight rayon/synthetic number with an abstract print in brown on ivory, with black velveteen collar, cuffs & buttons. I wear it with a modern (80’s or 90’s) black silk skirt, at present.

Somewhere between the late Forties and the mid-Fifties this garment with an atomic print made a very stylish statement. It is utterly unique and I LOVE it!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM