Category Archives: floral

TRUE VINTAGE FLOWER POWER MID-1960’S DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE FLOWER POWER MID-1960'S DRESS

Someone custom-tailored this dress in about 1965. I put the tie belt around it just for effect, but it is an A-line style, which can be worn belt-less, too.

Although it doesn’t show well in this photo, the neckline is a wide, high scoop with a collar. The material is unusual in that it is fairly heavy and is almost embroidered with the floral pattern – not printed. The style and flower design, plus the back metal zipper, are the clues to its age. Although many copycat styles and designs are on the market now, this one just looks different and you have to have a trained eye and know the details to spot it.

It’s always fun to suddenly see a dress like this, because it immediately transports me to the ’60’s and all the mod and English influence that was popular then. That’s what everybody wore, who was not into high fashion. You can see that on any TV show from that time, and in old media photos. Yes, I’m into time-travel and theatrics – such fun!

It’s a medium to large size, and I probably won’t have it altered for myself, but just couldn’t resist. It’s too iconic and authentic. Despite all the miracle fabrics available now, you really can’t improve on the real thing . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S FLORAL SHEATH SUMMER DRESS

LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960'S FLORAL SHEATH SUMMER DRESS.

A PRETTY LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE DAY DRESS FROM THE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S

A PRETTY LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE DAY DRESS FROM THE 1950'S – EARLY 1960'S.

TWO WONDERFUL MEN’S SHORT-SLEEVED SHIRTS – TRUE VINTAGE 1970’S & RETRO

TWO WONDERFUL MEN'S SHORT-SLEEVED SHIRTS - TRUE VINTAGE 1970'S & RETRO

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

TRUE VINTAGE MID-1950s POUF-STYLE PARTY FROCK BY FRANK STARR

TRUE VINTAGE MID-1950s POUF-STYLE PARTY FROCK BY FRANK STARR.

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940s – EARLY 1950s TEA LENGTH GOWN OR PARTY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940s – EARLY 1950s TEA LENGTH GOWN OR PARTY DRESS.

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940’s – EARLY 1950’s TEA LENGTH GOWN OR PARTY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940s - EARLY 1950s TEA LENGTH GOWN OR PARTY DRESS

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s – ’70s FULL LENGTH FLORAL EASTER PARTY GOWN

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s – '70s FULL LENGTH FLORAL EASTER PARTY GOWN.

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE 1950s PARTY DRESS FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE 1950s PARTY DRESS FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAG, 1950s TO EARLY 1960s WITH A TAPESTRY FRONT IN SPRING COLORS

TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAG, 1950s TO EARLY 1960s WITH A TAPESTRY FRONT IN SPRING COLORS

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