McCalls needlework magazine from 1961 has patterns and instructions for these neat tops. It was one of those times when the fashion gets really playful. My most recent finds on this trip are ’60’s!
Not quite so intimidating as trying to make some of the dresses and coats, but challenging enough! There’s no mistaking the styles from that time and I’ll be showing more . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Stella stuns in this slim sheath with a draped neckline in back. I know the woman who made this dress back while John F. Kennedy was president and it is exquisitely tailored in charcoal cotton velvet, with a fabric-covered belt.
The style is simple, but dramatic. The cowl neckline in back is what makes the dress. It’s perfect for a necklace that is long enough and simple enough to be draped front to back with a beautiful clasp at the neck, or hidden under a high neckline in front while making a statement on your bare shoulders behind.
But, it doesn’t need much adornment and best to keep it simple . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It’s the time of year when we start thinking about dressy events, dances and holidays again. I’ll be showing more true vintage formal, semi-formal and dressy looks.
These tops would look great with the velveteen skirt from yesterday. And, I’ve got some formal and dressy frocks that need a special wrap to go with them. Often what you already have in the closet just doesn’t work. That’s the time when our grandmothers would get out their knitting needles and crochet hooks . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Look what I found in Canada! Celebrity brand Mary Janes with leather soles and chunky heels.
These would be from the mid to late 1960’s. Like some others I’ve shown before, one shoe has the maker’s name stamped on the footbed and the other has the name of the local store that sold them. This was a common practice in the Forties, Fifties and Sixties when small, privately-owned shoe stores were in every town and city and many of them had a good relationship with the suppliers of the special brands they sold.
Probably moderately priced when they were originally sold, but quality, quality, quality all the way . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It’s the details and the fit that make these things so wonderful! That’s what I love about true vintage and hand-constructed clothing. Check out these photos from a 1950’s needlework magazine, given to me by a woman who did this every year.
For a woman who had the skills to make these, it must have been so much fun to look through the new knitting magazines. These weren’t runway styles that were out of her reach!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is so bizarre – more true vintage white leather shoes with magnificently clean uppers. Moccasin booties are especially rare and fun to find.
A BIG fad for women in the 1950’s, they were often brought back from vacation as Southwestern U.S. souvenirs. People have been fascinated with the American West and the Native American culture for decades.
Just the thing to wear with jeans and they were perfect with Native American-made circle skirts and dresses, which were also very popular among more adventurous white American housewives in the Fifties and Sixties. These were probably made a decade later, but the style is classic. Also, with the Thunderbird – my personal totem . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I have lots of mid-century beaded bags but this one’s a bit older and I especially like the shape of it, soooooo . . . . . . . . . . . .
of course I had to pick it up. This iridescent beige/gold color is so versatile to go with anything and everything. So pretty – it makes me think of Grace Kelly.
Perfectly clean inside and with beads intact, what could be better? .. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The perfect casual circle skirt for summer! Cotton candy colors, ruffles and beads. Someone made this for fun the the 1950’s or 1960’s. I’ll do it justice next summer!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just found this mid-century custom-tailored frock that is modeled after Marilyn’s famous costume in the 1954 movie The Seven Year Itch. Although it’s a bit too sweet, made of cotton poplin flocked with cotton candy pink and green, the style is close to the original.
Some gal got carried away by that sidewalk scene above the subway grate. It’s always fun to find something that tells a story, like this.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, I’m back at Headquarters now – unpacking and taking care of business. Although these finds are out-of-season right now, despite the heat, I like to show brand-new discoveries ASAP.
What makes these worthy of my closet? The styles are simple, but the vintage fabrics are REALLY NICE. Also, the hand-done tailoring touches, like a full lining, well-cut facings and hem allowances make them special garments.
I always pick up pieces of exceptional quality. They are rare treasure, not seen in the marketplace today. Stay tuned for more . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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