These two dresses are examples of fashions made and sold in the U.S. Southwestern states (Arizona, New Mexico mostly). They are inspired by traditional Native American designs and may have been made by Native Americans. My warm-weather wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without them.
Outfits like this were especially popular in the 1950’s and early 1960’s. Some from the 1940’s have been seen. Tourists often returned from vacations with one and non-Native people who lived in the region wore them a lot. It was a real craze for a while.
Ric-rac and braid trim on bright cotton material was popular. The skirts are big and swingy – usually full circle. I have more to show – some have interesting tailoring details on the blouses. Love ’em!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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3 favorite shirts of mine. Many take-offs have been made and are in the marketplace now, but these are better. I always say that, but it’s true!
Shirt #1 is from the late ’70’s. It’s a retro style in a really nice drapey rayon. I love the parrot and the vibrant colors, plus the way it fits. It has little shoulder pads and a flattering cut. The stripes are reminiscent of vintage bowling shirts.
Shirt #2 has lost its label, but because of the styling I’ll guess it’s ’70’s but it might be ’50’s. It’s a
Western-style shirt with pearlized snap closures and yokes front and back. In gingham, of course!
Blouse #3 is by Ship’n’Shore – that old vintage stand-by maker of lovely cotton blouses. This one is printed with stylized scenes from Europe. Because of the design, I’m also sure that it was made in the late ’60s or early ’70’s.
Love shirts like these – not really old, but with distinctive style and fabric and very wearable every day.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Now that it’s so hot again, feels like outdoor party time. This op art/flower power print is pure ’60’s and the style is late ’60’s to early ’70’s. I love the way jumpsuits look, but they’re not very convenient – like those culottes!
Anyway, this outfit is so cute I’ll wear it no matter what. It was commercially made – has a label – but nothing I recognize. The back zips up, so that helps make it easier to wear.
Some high red sandals and I’m off to the races – or the BBQ – or just on the town being seen. No incognito jobs in this get-up!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here are two cotton blouses that are made of quintessential vintage fabrics. I haven’t seen others like them made this way in modern clothing (meaning since about 1975 at the latest).
The first blouse is made of cotton seersucker. This has been a trademark summer fabric since the 1920’s, I’d say – probably before. It is known for being cool and having a nice texture that stands up to heat and humidity.
The second blouse, with the Peter Pan collar and 3/4 sleeves that can be rolled up, is a lightweight cotton blend. These were super-popular in the ’50’s and early ’60’s and, as simple as they look, there’s not been a fabric that performs like this since.
Of course, I like the style details, too – the large buttons and banded scoop neck collar on #1 and the dainty collar and 3/4 sleeves on #2. True vintage blouses are often cut much better, also, so the fit is more flattering. Of course, adding Spandex and Lycra to fabric blends makes for killer fits, but they have their own care and wear problems.
The moral of the story always is: Lookalikes come and go, but there’s nothing like the real deal when it comes to true vintage fashion. It’s hard to fool a seasoned investigator . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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From the ’50’s with a back center zipper, longer skirt and skinny, covered belt. White piping detail around the neck and armholes and lovely floral embroidery + applique’ on the skirt. Too bad it doesn’t show well in this photo.
This dress is very feminine and is another that can be casual or semi-dressy, depending on how you wear it. In any case, it always looks cool, classic and lady-like.
It has no label so who knows where it was made. Finds like this one are rare, but not for me . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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