Category Archives: casual

MORE TRUE VINTAGE FUN FROM THE 1940’S – A CUTE LITTLE FROCK FOR DAYTIME

MORE TRUE VINTAGE FUN FROM THE 1940'S - A CUTE LITTLE FROCK FOR DAYTIME

This one is just pure smiles, to me. It’s only an everyday dress, but so cute!

Love those pockets and all the little details. And also, so well-made. This is not a fine garment, but it’s a sturdy one!

I expect that this dress was worn during the war years. No shoulder pads, but it’s got a kind of no-nonsense way about it, as did a lot of the clothing during rationing. This is something that Rosie the Riveter might have worn at home.

Many looked similar later on and even into the ’50’s, but they tended to be a bit more feminine and “designed” after the war was over.

I’m no university-trained costumer, but I think I’m right. Undercover investigators learn on the job and I’ve trained in the field – hunting down the elusive cloak (no daggers, yet, but you just never know) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

True Vintage 1940’s Summer Day-Dress by Lora Lenox

True Vintage 1940's Summer Day-Dress by Lora Lenox.

TRUE VINTAGE 1970’S SUNDRESS WITH APPLIQUE – OFF TO THE COUNTRY CLUB

TRUE VINTAGE 1970'S SUNDRESS WITH APPLIQUE – OFF TO THE COUNTRY CLUB.

TRUE VINTAGE 1970’S SUNDRESS WITH APPLIQUE – OFF TO THE COUNTRY CLUB

TRUE VINTAGE 1970'S SUNDRESS W/APPLIQUE - OFF TO THE COUNTRY CLUB

Similar to the wrap-around skirt I showed a few weeks ago, this one has the applique’d design that was so popular in the mid-’70’s. Very preppy.

The style is casual, but it’s very well-made, by a smaller maker whose name I don’t recognize. Usually garments like this were in the “smarter” sportswear category and cost a bit more. There’s not a lot to say about clothing like this, but if you know it and see it – it’s 1970’s all over. Several companies that we all know of make this type of clothing now. Ho hum . . .. . but it can be nice to have an item or two like this for certain events, such as spectating at a golf tournament. And, it has the definite advantage of good quality.

Back to more interesting cases tomorrow . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

MOD, PSYCHEDELIC PRINT ON A TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S BLOUSE

MOD, PSYCHEDELIC PRINT ON A TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S BLOUSE.

MOD, PSYCHEDELIC PRINT ON A TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S BLOUSE

MOD, PSYCHEDELIC PRINT ON A TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S BLOUSE

This one is fun! Not my best colors, but how can I not keep it and wear it? The style is casual, but it isn’t grunge-wear. In fact, it’s a rather stylish summer top with a Country Club feel and an element of elegance.

It’s fully lined in the body and buttons up the back. The sleeves and fringes are left sheer. I just love finding items like this, which tell a story about the type of woman who would have purchased and worn it. I see it with a pair of white capri’s or shorts and leather sandals – flat or with a kitten heel – worn by a dark-haired Italian actress in a James Bond movie. Only your own imagination and personal style put any limits on how it can be combined with other elements of your wardrobe.

Where to go today? Perhaps the Riviera? You just never know . .. . . . . . . . . …

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Viintage Fashion available at Amazon.com

TRUE VINTAGE CUFFED HIGH-WAIST PANTS FROM THE EARLY 1970’S IN A SUMMER RED GINGHAM CHECK

TRUE VINTAGE CUFFED HIGH-WAIST PANTS FROM THE EARLY 1970'S IN A SUMMER RED GINGHAM CHECK.

TRUE VINTAGE CUFFED HIGH-WAIST PANTS FROM THE EARLY 1970’S IN A SUMMER RED GINGHAM CHECK

TRUE VINTAGE CUFFED HIGH-WAIST PANTS FROM THE EARLY 1970'S IN A SUMMER RED GINGHAM CHECK

They’re back again! This style was the thing in the 1940’s (think Katherine Hepburn) and didn’t really show up like this again until the early ’70’s, though waistlines sat at the true waist mostly during the 1950’s and 1960’s (with the exception of “hip-huggers” in the late ’60’s). Cuffs, especially for women, have been sporadic.

I’m not a fan of super-low-show-almost-everything waistlines, but I’m not sure how flattering these high ones are, either, on most people. Oh, well, the 1970’s were not really a decade with lots of classic style and elegance. It was more casual fun and, the rule is always – WEAR WHAT YOU LIKE.

These are just regular, average clothes in 100% cotton by a company called Beeline, which has since disappeared.
So, why would you prefer these over something you can buy at the GAP? I don’t know – probably just because these are the original, which is usually the best.

If you keep your eyes open, pay attention to the details and refuse to settle for less, you just never know. . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available at Amazon.com

A VERY PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSE WITH RUFFLES – FROM THE 1950’S OR EARLY 1960’S

A VERY PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSE WITH RUFFLES – FROM THE 1950'S OR EARLY 1960'S.

A VERY PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSE WITH RUFFLES – FROM THE 1950’S OR EARLY 1960’S

A VERY PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSE WITH RUFFLES - FROM THE 1950'S OR EARLY 1960'S

This blouse is unique – it has ruffles all around. I’ve never seen another like it, though some similar ones in photos. It looks like something Ann-Margaret would have worn in a movie, with a skirt or a pair of short-shorts.

Each row of lace is sewn on separately and goes all the way around. Hard to believe that someone may have made this at home, but it’s possible. Anyway, it’s too cute for words.

All these pretty vintage blouses do best with a hand-washing, but it’s so easy to do. (BE SURE IT’S A WASHABLE FABRIC BEFORE YOU TRY THIS!) Swish them in a sink with mild soap (like Woolite or Ivory) for a couple of minutes, then hang them to dry (inside – not in the sun – if you can, let them drip dry). And, that’s probably all you’ll have to do! Helps them to last decades more and keep their shape. Of course, if you’ve got a stain, you’ll have to treat that first.

I just love finding cute surprises like this one. When you’re sleuthing around, they do turn up. You just never know . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . .