Category Archives: classic clothing

MOST SIMPLE TRUE VINTAGE EVERYDAY GINGHAM DRESS FROM THE EARLY 1960’S

THIS IS THE BEST KIND OF DRESS FOR EVERY-DAY. NOT QUITE A HOUSE-DRESS, BUT CLOSE. CASUAL COTTON ELEGANCE.

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

MOST SIMPLE EVERYDAY GINGHAM DRESS FROM THE EARLY 1960'S

Remember what I said about gingham a couple of days ago? Well, here it is again, in the simplest, cutest everyday dress from about 1963, give or take. In spite of the simplicity, look at the nice little details on the bodice and neckline. Yes, I would wear a slip with it.

Whenever I want to feel really cool, comfy, cute and lost-in-time I’ll put this one on and just be happy. It’s the right thing to wear to the Dairy Queen (if I ate sugar . . . . ). Small dipped cones are a good 7-year-old’s memory. And, no, I don’t own stock in the company.

Believe it or not, this one has an embroidered tag inside – “Stacy Anne” one of the four sisters”. I’ve never seen it again. Does anybody know that brand?

You could probably find something similar at a store today, but it still…

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TRUE VINTAGE HANDCRAFTED EVENING PURSE – PROBABLY FROM THE 1960’s

BEAUTIFUL HAND-CRAFTED VINTAGE ACCESSORIES WERE ELEGANT AND CHERISHED ADDITIONS TO OUR GRANDMOTHERS’ WARDROBES

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE HANDCRAFTED EVENING PURSE - PROBABLY FROM THE 1960's

To change gears a bit today, here’s an example of a beautiful handcrafted item. It’s an evening purse made of black velvet and satin with metallic embroidery all over, front and back.

It was probably made in Hong Kong or Europe and took someone a long time to do by hand. These sorts of items were much more available back in the day. I suppose that you can still get them now, but only overseas or in very specialized shops.

Handiwork of this kind and exquisite workmanship used to be seen in fashion items that middle-income women could afford to buy, at least once in a while. Although it was generally done overseas, many of the major department stores sold it in their better departments. It’s difficult to find now. The hand-crafted items that are sold today generally can’t compare in terms of their quality.

Keep your eyes open for…

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A TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S LITTLE GINGHAM DAY DRESS

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S LITTLE GINGHAM DAY DRESS

Don’t you just love this one? Well, I do. Gingham isn’t for every day, but it is for always. I love it in shirts, shorts, skirts, frocks, tablecloths, curtains . . . . . . . . . nothing says “vintage” like gingham!

The best things about this one, aside from the great fit, are the neckline detail and the cross-stitch embroidery near the hem. I think that this must have been handmade (oops – as if all clothing were not!).

Anyway, it’s cute as can be and has a very fetching, though lady-like fit. I’ve seen a number of garments with cross-stitch embroidery from this time period, and it seems like it’s often done on gingham. Duh – wonder why – saves a lot of counting – have you ever done cross-stitch? Then you know what I mean – shades of 8th grade home ec.

My, how I do…

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HANDMADE TOOLED LEATHER PURSE FROM CANADA

A PERFECT HANDBAG FOR SPRING, SUMMER, FALL . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

HANDMADE TOOLED LEATHER PURSE FROM CANADA

Another of my favorite things is vintage hand-tooled leather (in purses and belts, etc.). I have a ton of these, too. This one is a special example because of its unusual design.

The motif here is trillium flowers. They grow in the northern U.S., parts of Europe (I think – is that right?) and are a symbol in Canada. They are a beautiful white flower that blooms in the forest.

This purse came from Canada and, I’m sure, was made there. It doesn’t even seem to have been used. Is it true vintage? That I can’t tell you.  Some people are still quite skilled at doing this as a hobby.

Most commonly, at least here in the U.S., we see true vintage handbags with traditional motifs that were popular on Western-wear – even saddles and such. Many are floral, but not like this.

Some tooled leather purses from Mexico made…

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ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s -1950’S DAY DRESS – ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITES

Can’t wait till I have the time to re-photograph this frock (and others!) on Stella.

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE 1940's -1950'S DAY DRESS - ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITES

This one just turned up by surprise! and, I’ve worn it a lot ever since. It’s a favorite of mine. Love the print!  Madge can’t wear it because of the side zipper and she’s got SHOULDERS!  I look forward to re-photographing it on Stella.

A basic cotton day-dress from the ’50’s. I’ve forgotten whether it has a label in it or not (and I’m too busy to go look!) Doesn’t matter – I love it whether it was custom-tailored or commercially made.

There are some garments that you can put on, like the one I showed yesterday, and it says YES! when you look in the mirror. That should always be the criterion whenever you buy ANYTHING!

This one feels good to wear and to look at. That’s just the way it is. All my wardrobe items feel good for their own reasons. The ones like this one are those…

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TRUE VINTAGE “SUMMER OF ’42” HALTER DRESS FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S

This dress would also be fabulous for the Fourth of July!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

Just which decade is this dress from? I don’t know – it’s so classic in style, that it could be from the 1940’s – 1950’s. I’m going to bet on the earlier times, but can’t be sure. Dare I say that it could be from the ’30’s?! Could be, but probably not.

I am certain that it’s true vintage and I love it to pieces! The back, of course, is open to mid-back and there is a metal zipper on the side. I expect that it was custom -tailored.

This is a favorite style of mine, and I really responded to the fabric when I discovered it. Love the colors! I also like the fact that the cut of the top is modest without being unnecessarily so. Makes it very easy to wear.

Just right for a beach town, vacationing or a hot summer day anywhere. Put on a big…

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A TRUE VINTAGE KNITTED SWEATER CAPE BY BANFF, FROM THE 1960’S OR EARLY ’70’S

Love sweaters and knits? Our grandmothers wore them year-round! Here’s a beautiful example . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A TRUE VINTAGE KNITTED SWEATER CAPE BY BANFF, FROM THE 1960'S OR EARLY '70'S

These types of sweaters/capes/ponchos were popular in the ’60’s and a lot of women knitted them themselves. This one is made by the Banff company, which produced a lot of really nice knits. I have a beaded sweater, knit dresses and suits by them, too.

The greatest feature, to me, is the armholes that allow you to have hands free. Any cape with this design is wonderful because it raises the convenience level big time!

Another nice thing is the button front. Also convenient. The fringe is lovely and the acrylic yarn also great because it washes so nicely and gives warmth but doesn’t have the weight and care issues of most wool items.

Sweet little sweater things, whether cardigans, pull-overs, jackets & coats, dresses and skirts,etc. were really popular in the ’60’s and early ’70’s and are very different from the things made now.

I love finding these beautiful…

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A FUN POLISHED COTTON PSYCHEDELIC PRINT TUNIC AND PANTS FROM THE LATE 1960’S

Time to break out these outdoor-party outfits . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A FUN POLISHED COTTON PSYCHEDELIC PRINT TUNIC AND PANTS FROM THE LATE 1960'S

This cute lounging outfit (or hostess set for your patio party) was made by Dash About. There is an embroidered tag inside.

When I found this, I thought it was made in Hawaii because of the fabric, but probably not. It’s just a lovely polished cotton printed in brilliant colors.

The top could even be worn as a mini-dress. I can see Cher in something like this. I just love the print and the peacock hues.

Metal zipper up the back. The pants have an elastic waist, so it’s nothing high-end. But really cute and versatile. You won’t see anything like this around the next corner!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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A FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE ALMOST WIGGLE DRESS FROM THE 1950’S

While we’re enjoying a black & white . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE ALMOST WIGGLE DRESS FROM THE 1950'S

This is a dress I wear often, because I really like the fit. It’s not tight enough to qualify as a true “wiggle dress”, I’d say, but it’s very flattering. And, a fit that’s not too tight is much more versatile and, many would say, even sexier. I think so.

It is really a simple day dress, cut well. The big pearlized buttons are such a fun addition to the style. The slightly-wider belt also accents the waist a little more.

These neutral black/white tones can go any time of year . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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

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TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT FROM THE 1950’S

A rare find for me, and one of my favorite items . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE MEN'S LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT FROM THE 1950'S

I absolutely love this shirt and others like it. Sorry I don’t have a male model. The distinguishing feature is the embroidery on the left side. These little designs are so much fun. Some are really creative!

Men sometimes wear long sleeves in the summer, so I consider this a year-round garment. Especially when it’s in a lighter color. It can be dressed up with a sport coat.

Some shirts of this type have multi-colored designs. Usually the fabric has a bit of sheen and the embroidery is glossy. You can tell by a quick look that it is a quality original item and not a modern imitation.

I LOVE to find them! Would have adored being a curator of wardrobe for Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer or Warner Bros. back in the day.

It’s even more fun to go to the closet and decide which movie to play in today . . …

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