Nothing special about this dress, excepting that this maker is a respected label when it comes to more recently-made Hawaiian vintage. However, the fabric is really nice – a rayon with a good hand, lovely colors and a great print. Since it’s too big for me, I think I’ll be making some curtains for my bathroom with it!
There are lots of reasons to love true vintage clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The Bobbie Brooks company has been a fabulous maker of classic sportswear for many decades and their true vintage items are very special – well-designed and made to a high standard. I always do a flip when I find one!
This “skort” is summer-perfect – dressier than shorts, easier than a mini-skirt (no ugly and ungainly exposures and attempts to avoid them), cool and FUN. 100% cotton!!
I love and discover all types and makes of true vintage fashion, but a high-quality brand name is always an extra plus.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
In kind of a sheer, crinkley synthetic with a side zipper, this home-sewn frock was standard day-wear for for an average gal in the early to mid-1950’s. Of course, she would have worn one of the beautiful slips from that day underneath – or a camisole and crinoline petticoat to make the skirt stand out.
Someone made this looking forward to sunny Spring and Summer days. Nothing could be more flattering to a slim figure, whether curvy or not, than a wasp waist, full skirt, cap sleeves and a pretty neckline. It’s New Look all over with a below-the-knee hem and close-to-the-body bodice.
What a great find! More to come – stay tuned. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
From the 1960’s back to, maybe the 1920’s, these three are my oldest vintage examples of Hawaiian gowns. From the farthest left, to right –
Psychedelic hues and patterns on the far left – not hard to see the late Sixties here. The center dress is from the 1950’s and is fashioned in the traditional Hawaiian style, with a panel on the back that is almost like a train, without the dragging hem.
On the far right is a mystery dress with a metal side zipper. It has images in the print that are not your standard Hawaiian shirt variety and the fabric is very different –
instead of being the heavy cotton that I’d usually expect, it is a fluid material that I’d guess is rayon. If the label did not indicate that it was made in Hawaii, I’d say it had come from Japan. The toggle closure at the neck is also something often seen on Chinese and Japanese garments. It’s also got a very 1930’s cut – close to the body.
Hmmm . . . . . . . . . this is REALLY Mata Hari undercover espionage stuff. I wonder how she wound her way to the place where I discovered her . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Mod, psychedelic, polyester knit dress – was made just a little past the time of the hey-day of the hippie/back-to-the-land movement. About the time that popular fashions were beginning to turn back toward mainstream, but still liking the counter-culture vibe in a more modest way.
Prairie-style was also becoming a big thing around this time – leaning more toward Jessica (McLintock) designs than Janice Joplin’s Salvation Army finds. Also, polyester was beginning to replace cotton in a big way.
Not quite your pure Love-In roll-a-joint party outfit, but you could still get by with it . . . . . try doing it at a patio party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Came across this one yesterday and it’s the first I’ve had with this kind of T-back neckline. Time to dig out the specialty bra.
The things I love best about it are the sunny-fun art print and that wonderful heavy, slinky fabric that was available for a few years. It’s so delicious on the body and drapes so beautifully. No, it can’t compare to the gorgeous jersey-knit fabrics from the 1940’s but it is identifiable as part of the family.
So, although it’s kind of a poor cousin, it’s also a very fun find. This is because its pedigree out-ranks the quality of most all the casual poly clothing that has drowned us in the marketplace since the early 1960’s, with the value and workmanship moving farther down the scale every year. There’s an embroidered cloth tag from a recognized maker, elegant styling and beautiful material – clues that come to light when you snoop carefully. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
As it gets warmer, I may be showing some light jackets. This one is from the ’60’s in a kind of fantasy floral print – not psychedelic, but a little abstract. Flower Power ruled! I love the colors in this and the nice, easy but chic fit.
The poly/rayon/whatever fabric that was often used then shouldn’t automatically be thrown in the washer like we tend to do with everything now. The label on this jacket says that it also needs the care of spot-cleaning or dry-cleaning, but I’ve still found it easy-wear. Just a little extra care does the trick.
Don’t panic! There are simple ways to deal with this. I have lots of items that can’t be machine washed, but I hardly EVER have to go to a dry-cleaner (can’t remember the last time). Not dissing them – they are a god-send when you really need a good one.
This is a perfect jacket over capris, little skirts and sheath dresses. It’s fun to try finding pieces in coordinating colors for the kind of funky, vintage hues. But, there is always ivory or black which can work.
Not a go-to, every-day jacket but it’s right for a day of fun – can’t have too much . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’ll soon be on an investigation again, so a little patience may be needed, please, with my time-table! Here’s another wonderful find – a mod tunic blouse in a heavy synthetic knit. Similar to the fabric in yesterday’s dress from the Forties, but grown up a generation.
I love the style and the printed design, with long sleeves. Looks great with long pants, short skirts . . . . . . An excellent choice for cool Spring-ish weather.
This design has a little short zipper at the back neckline and falls mostly straight, with a little shaping in the torso. As you can see on Madge, the fit is very flattering.
Vintage knits are almost always wonderful, regardless of the type of fabric. Usually they are heavy and drape well. That’s what makes them fit so beautifully. And, of course, the design is on the back, too. No cutting corners on the best true vintage!
I always love finding unusual pieces like this one. Makes my day . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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