I LOVE these shirts! Of course, I can’t wear them (WAY too big), but I couldn’t resist anyway. The photo doesn’t show you the details well, so I’ll describe. Let’s start with the true vintage shirt on the right.
This one was made in Hawaii in the 1960’s or ’70’s. Beautiful heavy 100% cotton fabric that is so characteristic of true vintage garments made there before about 1975. Since that time, the fabric usually isn’t so nice, nor the construction. My apologies to Hawaiian clothing-makers if there are exceptions.
The prints on these materials are also superb – nice designs and astounding colors. The label and the buttons used are also good clues as to the age of the shirt.
The shirt on the left is retro – probably 1980’s – but it is such a nice reproduction of a 1950’s to early 1960’s men’s shirt that I decided to pick it up. Really nice retro-style fabric that sets it apart. I can’t identify anything about the maker on-line and I’m not sure if the buttons are original or not, but I like it anyway.
So, you see that some of my decisions to buy are gut-level decisions, but they are good decisions. I’ve said good-bye to old experiences of sometimes getting home and saying to myself “Oh, darn, I probably goofed here – I’ll have to give this one away or try to re-sell it”. That was a downer, a drag and a bother.
But, with persistence, experience and growing know-how I finally became . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Easter is past (for another year) but Spring isn’t over yet and tomorrow is May Day. Although it might not be a day for teas or luncheons or other events which call for a dressy frock, it is still celebrated in some places. If you know about any May Day celebrations, I’d like to hear!
Shown over a slip, this dress is made of a semi-sheer cotton (maybe a blend) in a blue and violet floral print. It has a vintage nylon zipper mid-back. The skirt length is mid-calf to ankle, depending on the height of the woman wearing it. The gathered bodice and high waist (again, depending on the wearer) are so pretty.
Not quite semi-formal – just a pretty frock for a special occasion. I was so thrilled to find it! Someone kept it for many years. It’s always important to have at least one of these in your closet, because you just never know what invitations might be coming. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This beautiful bag was hanging on a rack with other very ordinary modern purses. I don’t think that the store personnel had a clue, but the magicvintagespy never fails to spot one . . . . . . .
Although it is faux leather and not top-of-the-line with no maker’s name inside, I love the pretty tapestry cover on the front. It is very well-made, as are most purses of that era, whether high-end or mid-priced. The colors are subtle and chic for Spring (or any season). It would be especially pretty with the season’s neutral colors like ivory, beige, or gray, as well as any solid color in the tapestry. It’s always great fun to find an unusual bag like this one.
My finds don’t always follow the weather, but I try to post photos of things that we would wear currently in North America. I know that doesn’t jibe for many of you joining in from some places in Europe, South America, Australia, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific. Maybe the way the weather is changing, that’s not true after all!
Keep in touch and stay tuned because, 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
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