What a pretty frock! Although it was retro when it was made 30 – 45 years ago, it’s true vintage now and gorgeous. So glad that summer is far from over – I’ll really enjoy wearing it.
I’ve discovered a treasure trove of dresses and clutch purses lately, so stay tuned . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It is SO unusual to find a pair of true vintage pajamas with both pieces intact, let alone dating before the 1970’s! I had to use a little of my special sleuthing know-how to do it, but they were hiding in plain sight.
This pair is by Shadow/Line and is made of fine vintage nylon, with netting, lace and embroidery at the neckline and on the front pocket. In a beautiful deep coral pink, which is also an unusual color to find. Yes, there are always fun surprises around the corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This dress is another keeper! I wish Stella were here to model it for you – it’s so beautiful. So chic and elegant, of 100% silk with a floral jacquard design, with all the fine details that would be expected from an expert tailor. This dress was made in the late 1950’s – early 1960’s by a tailoring firm especially for a higher-end shop in the Bahamas.
Excepting for the missing original belt and a few stitches in the hem which need to be repaired, it is in perfect condition. A dress of this type would have been especially prized by it’s mid-century owner, and protected from damage. That’s why it’s still possible, if you are lucky, blessed and skilled, to discover these frocks today.
I’m also fortunate to be of a size that was more or less average at that time, so I can wear many of my finds without alterations. However, an expert cleaning service will have skilled seam-sters who can work wonders when necessary, so carry on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY’
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In a ’50’s to early ’60’s style, but with mid-1960’s-type fabric this dress illustrates the creative power that home-sewers in the mid-century had over their wardrobes. The size, style and fabric were completely at their discretion and genre’s could be combined in any way.
This example was made for a teen or a petite woman (the photo is somewhat foreshortened, too, so it’s not quite as short-waisted as it looks), probably as a dressy day or party dress. It’s a simple style in cotton blend with a zip back and elasticized sleeves but shows evidence of extra care and skill in the insertion of piping detail at the waist and flounce on the skirt. There are also strap-keepers sewn in at the shoulders and some seams that were done by hand.
What a fun little mystery-history to unravel! More back to the future on the way . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
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
Unusual and cute – worth collecting. It’s great to find bags this old that have survived in such wonderful condition! The hardware is really shiny and bright but, of course, reflects shadows. The purse on left was handmade with a needlepoint cover, mounted on purchased hardware. Up through the 1960’s, many women made purses this way because the kits were easy to buy and a perfect way to make a bag that exactly matches an outfit – especially when so many women were home-sewing their wardrobes. I’ve seen them in all styles, including late mid-century macrame’.
The handbag on right is a commercially-made style by the CARA brand-name. Pretty standard on the inside with a satiny rayon liner and zipper compartment – beyond the excellent condition, the deciding factor for me was the hardware design. Isn’t that a lovely infinity coil along the top?
Still good for many years of service, and wonderful along with just the right outfit. I’ll have fun with these – can never have too much of that . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Imagine my shock and awe when I was confronted by this frock – an original by Max Starr, a famous designer of the time, with a pouf crinoline and layers of sheer floral fabric. I MUST get it onto Stella soon – she’s the only one of the girls who can wear it, but it’s just her size!
The belt is covered in velvet and the colors sing Spring! It looks like a beautiful flower garden. This is really a prize. Happy hunting!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Imagine yourself in this, over a gorgeous green dress, on your way to a swanky cocktail party or the church dance. This beauty is by Lilli Rubin, in emerald rayon blend, lined in turquoise blue! The collar, neckline bow and elbow-length sleeves are hallmark features of that era, as well as the color. The fabric is a jacquard with flowers embroidered all over.
What a great surprise it was to find this!! It starts up all kinds of fantasies about elegant dinners, evenings at the theater . . . . . you just never know . . . .
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
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Came across this one yesterday and it’s the first I’ve had with this kind of T-back neckline. Time to dig out the specialty bra.
The things I love best about it are the sunny-fun art print and that wonderful heavy, slinky fabric that was available for a few years. It’s so delicious on the body and drapes so beautifully. No, it can’t compare to the gorgeous jersey-knit fabrics from the 1940’s but it is identifiable as part of the family.
So, although it’s kind of a poor cousin, it’s also a very fun find. This is because its pedigree out-ranks the quality of most all the casual poly clothing that has drowned us in the marketplace since the early 1960’s, with the value and workmanship moving farther down the scale every year. There’s an embroidered cloth tag from a recognized maker, elegant styling and beautiful material – clues that come to light when you snoop carefully. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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