Category Archives: hand-made

ANOTHER MOD 1960’S MINI-DRESS DISCOVERED!

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Cute, cute, cute and so exactly of that time!  Almost every schoolgirl, college coed and the occasional hip mama was wearing little day-dresses like this one.  I’m no certified clothing historian, but if you look back in the old magazines and vintage TV and movies, you’ll see that this is true.

This example may even have been sewn at home.  The shirt-dress pattern is very simple and well within the skills of a girl or woman who had learned to sew in Home Economics class (yes, they used to teach that to all the girls) or was taught by her mother.  Almost every girl/woman did some sewing of at least a dress or two, and many, many made almost their whole wardrobes that way.  If you weren’t a tailor, then coats and most jackets would have been above your skills, but most other garments were possible with a pattern, buttons, etc., and some fabric from a store downtown.

So, I’m all over the map with the things turning up lately and that is one of the best parts of the fun!  Wonder what will show up next – I haven’t even shown you everything “new” yet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

Just found ANOTHER circle-skirt dress from the Fifties!

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In kind of a sheer, crinkley  synthetic with a side zipper, this home-sewn frock was standard day-wear for for an average gal in the early to mid-1950’s.  Of course, she would have worn one of the beautiful slips from that day underneath – or a camisole and crinoline petticoat to make the skirt stand out.

Someone made this looking forward to sunny Spring and Summer days.  Nothing could be more flattering to a slim figure, whether curvy or not, than a wasp waist, full skirt, cap sleeves and a pretty neckline.  It’s New Look all over with a below-the-knee hem and close-to-the-body bodice.

What a great find!  More to come – stay tuned. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

RECENT FIND! SLING-BACK PEEP-TOE PUMPS MADE BY AN ITALIAN COMPANY – VINTAGE 1950’S

RECENT FIND! SLING-BACK PEEP-TOE PUMPS MADE BY AN ITALIAN COMPANY - VINTAGE 1950'S

Hardly worn, by Corelli, an Italian company that has been making footwear at least since the 1950’s, it’s not clear exactly when these were made.  Some of the techniques are vintage by our standards, but European shoes – especially by a traditional maker – are probably made to a different (and higher) standard than in the U.S., with more things hand-done.

I’m not going to quibble on these.  Cute 1950’s style, high quality and they fit!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

THREE OF MY OLDEST TRUE VINTAGE HAWAIIAN GOWNS

THREE OF MY MOST VINTAGE HAWAIIAN GOWNS

From the 1960’s back to, maybe the 1920’s, these three are my oldest vintage examples of Hawaiian gowns.  From the farthest left, to right –

Psychedelic hues and patterns on the far left – not hard to see the late Sixties here.  The center dress is from the 1950’s and is fashioned in the traditional Hawaiian style, with a panel on the back that is almost like a train, without the dragging hem.

On the far right is a mystery dress with a metal side zipper. It has images in the print that are not your standard Hawaiian shirt variety and the fabric is very different –

instead of being the heavy cotton that I’d usually expect, it is a fluid material that I’d guess is rayon. If the label did not indicate that it was made in Hawaii, I’d say it had come from Japan.  The toggle closure at the neck is also something often seen on Chinese and Japanese garments. It’s also got a very 1930’s cut – close to the body.

Hmmm . . . . . . . . . this is REALLY Mata Hari undercover espionage stuff.  I wonder how she wound her way to the place where I discovered her . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MOD FLOWER-POWER LATE 1960’S MINI-DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE MOD FLOWER-POWER LATE 1960'S MINI-DRESS

This little dress is so cool – straight out of the late sixties.  It was tailor-made in a fabric that was really popular then – kind of loose-woven like hop sacking used to be.  That’s what it was called, though it wasn’t really sacking material (from back when they used to make food sacks out of cloth).

It has a Peter Pan collar and zips up the back.  The sleeves are made from a sheer material that is printed to match the heavier fabric of the dress.  Cute!

When I find something like this that is SO characteristic of its particular time and even tells a story about who made it it’s almost like being transported!  Beam me up . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S CLASSIC – MID-CENTURY WESTERN-WEAR COWBOY HAT FROM A DENVER, CO STORE

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE MEN'S CLASSIC - WESTERN-WEAR COWBOY HAT FROM A DENVER, CO STORE

Wool felt with leather interior and exterior hatbands – it’s a quality item that was sold by a western-wear dealer in Denver, Colorado.  This one could be several decades old or just a couple – that’s how durable and stylish true vintage apparel is!

When it’s taken care of, it lasts and lasts and never goes out of fashion.

What could be better than that? Tomorrow we’ll see . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST UNEARTHED THESE -TRUE VINTAGE FABRIC HANDBAGS

IMG_3291Unusual 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

DISCOVERY! SUMMER WHITE MID-CENTURY HANDBAGS

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Beaded and beautiful – one even had a pretty hankie tucked inside!  (also found some old pennies)  Vintage 1950’s – 1960’s, made in Hong Kong (of course!), made in U.S.A., too.  All so clean and well-loved.

The beading is hand-done.  The 1930’s – style on the bottom right has the brand name stamped onto the satin lining.  The purse made in Hong Kong (bottom left) has, naturally, a silk lining.  The larger handbag on top has fun plastic beads crocheted into raffia and Lucite trim.  Big enough to hold all your daily needs.

I’m always so impressed by how well mid-century women cared for their clothing and accessories.  Yes, it was sometimes an issue of economy – if you can only afford to have one “good” dress, preserving it becomes very important.  However, way beyond that was a personal value placed on items of quality that were lovely to look at and wear and the wish to treat them with respect.  I try to fill my closets with garments and their complements that inspire the same sentiment.

So, no careless coffee spills, scattered crumbs or dogs in my lap with these . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND! CUSTOM-TAILORED MID-CENTURY TAFFETA GOWN

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This frock was made for a very special occasion.  The stylistic features are early mid-century, but I suspect that it was made in the 1960’s or 1970’s.  Makes me curious . . . . . .

It’s a war-time/rockabilly/musical performance recital/costume frock that could have almost any of those histories.  It’s a bit over-the-top for cocktails.  I’m guessing that it was made for someone who was going to a dance or about to sing an aria or perform a concert on the cello.

Whatever! . . . . . . . . . . it’s a fun mystery dress in  one of  my favorite colors.  If it weren’t for the bones in the bodice (awkward packing issue), I’d add it to my selection of disguises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RECENT FIND – VERY CUTE LITTLE 1950’S SUNDRESS. GREASE!!

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Here’s Stella showing this frock off properly.  Can’t wait to wear it!  The way the temperatures are going, it won’t be too long. Love the polished cotton and the atomic applique’.

Perfect for summer fun.  With a long metal zip up the back and swirling circle skirt, it’s easy-in and just right for a street dance.  Or, a picnic, or strolling with a date, or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM