1950’S NEEDLEWORK OUTFIT THAT FOLLOWED THE PARIS TRENDS – TO MAKE IN HER SPARE TIME

1950'S NEEDLEWORK OUTFIT THAT FOLLOWED THE PARIS TRENDS - TO MAKE IN HER SPARE TIME

I was gifted with a collection of needlework and handicrafts magazines from the 1950’s – mid 1960’s. Thanks, Rosalie! Although I’ve never been big on the idea of knitting, I was astounded by many of these fashions and how women were encouraged to make them at home.

These styles were designed to follow the current fashions in the mainstream magazines. Some of them are really beautiful and they give a good window on “average” American women’s lives back then in the way that they are photographed and staged. Some of the ads in these mags are amazing, too. So sweet and naive – women’s “place” was certainly apparent!

How do you like this gorgeous 2-piece dress? I’d LOVE to have that! So perfectly crafted – it’s amazing what skilled knitters could/can do. I even saw ads from yarn suppliers who offered little contests that gave awards for skill to their customers.

This outfit was supposed to echo trends in Paris at the time. I love the soft colors, the way the skirt drapes and that cross-over top. Makes me wish I had a great-grandma who loved doing it!

I’ll post a photo and commentary from these mags in among my own wardrobe items once a week or so. . . . . . . . . . .

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s – 1950’S FAUX FUR “MINK” SCARF COLLAR

TRUE VINTAGE 1940's – 1950'S FAUX FUR "MINK" SCARF COLLAR.

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s – 1950’S FAUX FUR “MINK” SCARF COLLAR

A cute little collar made to look like an old-time mink scarf, complete with glass eyes and clip closure that looks like the mink’s jaws biting its tail. A bit out-of-season here in the United States, but an interesting ending to my scarf series for now.

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SPRING – SUMMER PLATFORM PUMPS

TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S SPRING – SUMMER PLATFORM PUMPS.

TRUE VINTAGE HEADSCARVES TIED IN THE KELLY WRAP STYLE – EARLY 1950’S

TRUE VINTAGE HEADSCARVES TIED IN THE KELLY WRAP STYLE – EARLY 1950'S.

NEW FIND! LEMON YELLOW TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S LINGERIE NYLON HALF-SLIP

NEW FIND! LEMON YELLOW TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S LINGERIE NYLON HALF-SLIP.

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S STILETTO SLING-BACK HEELS FOR SUMMER – FABRIC AND LEATHER FROM JOHANSEN AGAIN

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S STILETTO SLING-BACK HEELS FOR SUMMER – FABRIC AND LEATHER FROM JOHANSEN AGAIN.

TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC MANTILLA SCARVES – A CULTURE OF SPIRIT, TRADITION, MYSTERY AND ALLURE

TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC MANTILLA SCARVES – A CULTURE OF SPIRIT, TRADITION, MYSTERY AND ALLURE.

ANOTHER “NEW” FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – 1970’S LBD DATE NIGHT DRESS

ANOTHER "NEW" FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S – 1970'S LBD DATE NIGHT DRESS.

ANOTHER “NEW” FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – 1970’S LBD DATE NIGHT DRESS

For cocktails, dinner and dancing, gallery openings, parties . . . . . any time you’re feeling in a slightly dressy mood . . . . . . . this frock will suit very well. It’s quietly sophisticated but, also, eye-catching. . . . . . . . . .

demure and suggestive at the same time. Isn’t fashion fun?! Always LOVE the sheer sleeves and nipped waist.

It’s not obvious in the photo (darn it, black clothing!) but the bottom foot or so of the skirt is crystal-pleated in a criss-cross way that is very pretty and adds a lovely highlight to the simplicity of the style. Synthetic knit with a smooth hand drapes beautifully.

A small, elegant necklace, pretty belt, impeccable shoes and small bag will complete the look perfectly. This is not a stand-out dress in terms of its quality or pedigree, but it’s lovely on its own and has that certain true vintage cache’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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