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
Cute, cute, cute and so exactly of that time! Almost every schoolgirl, college coed and the occasional hip mama was wearing little day-dresses like this one. I’m no certified clothing historian, but if you look back in the old magazines and vintage TV and movies, you’ll see that this is true.
This example may even have been sewn at home. The shirt-dress pattern is very simple and well within the skills of a girl or woman who had learned to sew in Home Economics class (yes, they used to teach that to all the girls) or was taught by her mother. Almost every girl/woman did some sewing of at least a dress or two, and many, many made almost their whole wardrobes that way. If you weren’t a tailor, then coats and most jackets would have been above your skills, but most other garments were possible with a pattern, buttons, etc., and some fabric from a store downtown.
So, I’m all over the map with the things turning up lately and that is one of the best parts of the fun! Wonder what will show up next – I haven’t even shown you everything “new” yet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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
When it rains, it pours! Wedding dresses have been coming my way. This beautiful frock would also do nicely as a semi-formal dress for Prom or something similar.
Pretty taffeta with a brocade design woven in – the head-dress is very sweet with little pearls and flowers and a short veil. The dress is really a straight sheath, with a poufy over-skirt lined by a netting crinoline. I think that elbow-length sleeves are so chic and elegant – it’s nice to see them here, finished with a little bow.
I don’t need a wedding dress or a Prom dress so this set may end up going to another bride or to a high school dance, but either way it will be a fabulous find again for some lucky girl . . . . . . . .. .. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I had one other 1960’s sheath dress with fringe like this several years ago, and it was a surprise. Looks like a hoochie-coochie 1920’s or ’30’s frock but that kind of fringe is so GREAT for Sixties dancing, too. I guess some women thought so . . . . . . . . . . .
The interesting thing about this particular one is that the body of the dress is made of a soft fabric that feels like cotton with chenille stripes. I thought chenille was just for bedspreads, bathrobes and sweaters. That’s one thing I love about this investigating – you learn something new every day (and get to play dress-up every day, too).
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
This one is SO sweet on! Hits right above the knee; empire waist with bead trim hanging down, bateau neckline (one of my favorites).
It’s black crepe with an acetate lining and a back zip. Simple and elegant, and it fits really well.
Who could ask for anything more? The perfect combination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This little dress is so cool – straight out of the late sixties. It was tailor-made in a fabric that was really popular then – kind of loose-woven like hop sacking used to be. That’s what it was called, though it wasn’t really sacking material (from back when they used to make food sacks out of cloth).
It has a Peter Pan collar and zips up the back. The sleeves are made from a sheer material that is printed to match the heavier fabric of the dress. Cute!
When I find something like this that is SO characteristic of its particular time and even tells a story about who made it it’s almost like being transported! Beam me up . . . . . . . . .
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
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