Category Archives: find

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S CAPRI PANTS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S - EARLY 1960'S CAPRI PANTS

A rare find, though many are made today that look similar – true vintage capri pants in a fall-color plaid. They have little slits at the ankle, a high waist, and metal side zipper than actually slants into one of the hip pockets. The maker is Shipmates.

These were kind of like our nicer jeans are now – they were common as casual wear and in the ’60’s they started to venture more beyond picnics and recreational activities.

What makes them different than the ones today? The fabric, the color combos, the zippers, the labels, the fit.

The original owner hardly wore these, if at all. That shows how much skirts and dresses still held the traditional place for women’s daily wear. I wonder how long these were in hiding? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

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 LATE 1940’S SWINGY RAYON DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940'S SWINGY RAYON DRESS.

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940’S SWINGY RAYON DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940'S SWINGY RAYON DRESS

This is a very cool dress from the ’40’s in the characteristic rayon of that era. The skirt is not a full circle, but it swings.

It’s got a side metal zipper – not big enough for Madge’s shoulders. As with many of the dresses for a time period of about 20 years, you really have to wiggle your way into it over your head.

The top is rayon, too, but of an entirely different
texture. The sleeves are skinny and are ruched on both sides at the wrist. An interesting feature.

No label remains, but I’d say that this dress was commercially made. Mid-calf length and slim fit, it makes a nice silhouette with lots of movement. Love it!

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 MOD-ERA LATE 1960’S BLOUSE BY SYBIL

TRUE VINTAGE MOD-ERA LATE 1960'S BLOUSE BY SYBIL.

TRUE VINTAGE MOD-ERA LATE 1960’S BLOUSE BY SYBIL

TRUE VINTAGE MOD-ERA LATE 1960'S BLOUSE BY SYBIL

A rare find – one of those mystery synthetic garments from the 1960’s. Seems kind of like polyester, but then . . . . . . .

Not to disparage at all – it’s a really nice fabric but I just can’t place it. There were some
very interesting blends back in the day before content
labels were required.

What attracted me most was the style – those beautiful crystal-pleated ruffles are eye-catchers. Ruffles on the front and sleeves were very popular in the late 60’s, usually in a slightly less opulent form than this – a bit too frilly for me, but stunning on the right person.

Picture Twiggy wearing this with a black mini-skirt, lacy black patterned tights, some spiffy mod heels and bold eye make-up and lipstick – with an evening purse – you get the idea. About the time that Mod and Carnaby Street fashions were merging together. Mary Quant and all that. She might have a fit that I mentioned her in relation to this example. It might not be what she would have done at all.

Anyway, it’s a good example and the embroidered tag and sizing all go along with it! Do any of the fashions produced today distinguish themselves so well? I don’t think so, but I’d love some examples. Do you have any? I always look for reference material for the files . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

CUTE LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE HAT FROM THE 40’S OR 50’S

CUTE LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE HAT FROM THE 40'S OR 50'S

This one doesn’t exactly match the suit, but you might be able to get by with it – it’s so close. It’s also from the same time period.

Whatever label it had is gone now, which is a shame because hat labels are very interesting. I might have shown it on a model but Daphne, Celia and Marlene are on their holiday.

Speaking of which, please enjoy your 4th of July if you’re from the U.S. and I’ll be back from the latest mission in a day or two. Caio!

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 1950’S HOME-SEWN SHIRT WAIST DAY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S HOME-SEWN SHIRT WAIST DAY DRESS.

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S HOME-SEWN SHIRT WAIST DAY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S HOME-SEWN SHIRT WAIST DAY DRESS

I show a lot of this style, because it was SO popular from the mid-forties until the early ’60’s. This example is quintessential in all its qualities.

I’m sure this was home-sewn because when I found it I found 3 others obviously made for the same woman. Yes, she may have had a tailor.

Lovely cotton which can’t be found anymore – certainly not in fabric stores. It’s hard to describe if you don’t know it. Looks wonderful, feels wonderful and gets better with age.

Also, the buttons she used are just great! They’re big, plastic and colorful. Some were sculpted in their shape. The sewing is impeccably done and fabric-covered belts always look so crisp and stylish. Naturally, there’s a generous hem (whatever happened to those?).

All four of these dresses were of exactly the same style, each one in a beautiful cotton print. Though I’m sure they were well-used, they hardly looked worn – a testament to the quality of vintage materials and workmanship, as well as the care of the owner.

Each one opens the book on a mystery, just as illusive as they can be . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . … . . . . . .

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S RED TAFFETA GOWN WITH A CIRCLE SKIRT

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S RED TAFFETA GOWN WITH A CIRCLE SKIRT.

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S RED TAFFETA GOWN WITH A CIRCLE SKIRT

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S RED TAFFETA GOWN WITH A CIRCLE SKIRT

This is a very special dress – the one that the actress playing the “vixen” would wear in a 1950’s movie. Or, the devil with the red dress on. . . . . . . . .

Taffeta seems to be one of the favorite “special dress” fabrics from the ’50’s. I also love boat necks and 3/4 sleeves. Fire engine red always makes a statement. It’s not a debutante party frock – about 100 miles from the little white one I just posted!

I would really like to know the history of this one. Based on where I discovered it, I suspect that it was worn by a small-time bad girl or a wannabe.

One of those “in your dreams” dresses. It’s always good to have at least a few of those handy because, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM