Category Archives: hand-tailored

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY HAWAIIAN SHIRTS FROM BACK IN THE DAY . . .

CLASSIC TRAVEL SOUVENIRS AT THEIR BEST!!!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE HAWAIIAN SHIRTS FROM BACK IN THE DAY . . .

These shirts are authentic from Hawaii when they were very well-made and always a vacation souvenir. The shirt on the left, especially, is from the 1940’s or ’50’s – made of cotton with a bark cloth print. It’s also got buttons made from, I think, coconut shell.

The shirt on the right is newer – 1950’s to ’70’s. It is also cotton and is from the shop at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. That is (or was) a famous hotel on Waikiki Beach which had their own line of clothing with their label. The buttons are also distinctively theirs.

What’s so great about these shirts? The lovely cottons, the great prints and the “exotic” origin. I don’t have any of the fabulous rayon shirts from the ’40’s that were made there – maybe someday – noting better to wear during a tropical investigation on a hot summer night . . …

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A TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S LITTLE GINGHAM DAY DRESS

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S LITTLE GINGHAM DAY DRESS

Don’t you just love this one? Well, I do. Gingham isn’t for every day, but it is for always. I love it in shirts, shorts, skirts, frocks, tablecloths, curtains . . . . . . . . . nothing says “vintage” like gingham!

The best things about this one, aside from the great fit, are the neckline detail and the cross-stitch embroidery near the hem. I think that this must have been handmade (oops – as if all clothing were not!).

Anyway, it’s cute as can be and has a very fetching, though lady-like fit. I’ve seen a number of garments with cross-stitch embroidery from this time period, and it seems like it’s often done on gingham. Duh – wonder why – saves a lot of counting – have you ever done cross-stitch? Then you know what I mean – shades of 8th grade home ec.

My, how I do…

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HANDMADE TOOLED LEATHER PURSE FROM CANADA

A PERFECT HANDBAG FOR SPRING, SUMMER, FALL . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

HANDMADE TOOLED LEATHER PURSE FROM CANADA

Another of my favorite things is vintage hand-tooled leather (in purses and belts, etc.). I have a ton of these, too. This one is a special example because of its unusual design.

The motif here is trillium flowers. They grow in the northern U.S., parts of Europe (I think – is that right?) and are a symbol in Canada. They are a beautiful white flower that blooms in the forest.

This purse came from Canada and, I’m sure, was made there. It doesn’t even seem to have been used. Is it true vintage? That I can’t tell you.  Some people are still quite skilled at doing this as a hobby.

Most commonly, at least here in the U.S., we see true vintage handbags with traditional motifs that were popular on Western-wear – even saddles and such. Many are floral, but not like this.

Some tooled leather purses from Mexico made…

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TRUE VINTAGE “SUMMER OF ’42” HALTER DRESS FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S

This dress would also be fabulous for the Fourth of July!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

Just which decade is this dress from? I don’t know – it’s so classic in style, that it could be from the 1940’s – 1950’s. I’m going to bet on the earlier times, but can’t be sure. Dare I say that it could be from the ’30’s?! Could be, but probably not.

I am certain that it’s true vintage and I love it to pieces! The back, of course, is open to mid-back and there is a metal zipper on the side. I expect that it was custom -tailored.

This is a favorite style of mine, and I really responded to the fabric when I discovered it. Love the colors! I also like the fact that the cut of the top is modest without being unnecessarily so. Makes it very easy to wear.

Just right for a beach town, vacationing or a hot summer day anywhere. Put on a big…

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TRUE VINTAGE FLOWER POWER MID-1960’S DRESS

Back to Mad Men times . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

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…

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TWO-PIECE KNIT MAD MEN DRESS FROM THE LATE ’50’S/EARLY ’60’S

TWO-PIECE KNIT MAD MEN DRESS FROM THE LATE '50'S/EARLY '60'S.

A TRUE VINTAGE EMBROIDERED RAYON BLOUSE FROM THE 1940’S

A TRUE VINTAGE EMBROIDERED RAYON BLOUSE FROM THE 1940'S.

A TRUE VINTAGE 3 – PIECE 1960’s WOMEN’S SILK SUIT FROM NEW ORLEANS

A TRUE VINTAGE 3 – PIECE 1960's WOMEN'S SILK SUIT FROM NEW ORLEANS.

A PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE SHORT-SLEEVED SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960’S – CUSTOM TAILORED

A PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE SHORT-SLEEVED SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960'S – CUSTOM TAILORED.