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
Here’s my main collection of true vintage white rhinestone collars. From simple and sweet to sassy and sophisticated. These were made between 1940 and 1960, I’d say. Some might be older, or slightly newer.
To be worn alone, or almost alone. Unless you’re doing a period costume from a time when overkill was the usual fashion and everything was worn as a set, these lovelies shine most brilliantly when standing alone.
Just my opinion, for what it’s worth . . . .
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
This is one of my favorite little necklaces, from the 1950’s or early Sixties. Very sweet – love the rhinestone bow and the faux pearl drop. The chain, also, is studded with rhinestones all the way.
The earrings are a bit later – late Sixties or Seventies, but they coordinate nicely. A parure like this would have been perfect with a formal pouf dress – depending on the age of the wearer and the occasion.
Definitely costume jewelry, but so pretty . . . .. . . . .
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
TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S FROCK FOR A HOLIDAY GALA IN VELVET & BROCADE
Isn’t this one a pretty thing? A perfect 10 – vintage size 10, that is. Of course, it’s got the classic styling of the early Sixties but with a fun touch of beaded fringe at the midriff. All the required tailoring touches make it a well-made garment – full lining, hanging loops, hooks and eyes and a deep hem, however . . . . . . .
the nicest thing, to me, is the beautiful fabric. Plush, sumptuous red velvet on top and a lovely brocaded material in the skirt. I can just imagine Jacqueline Kennedy hosting a Christmas party at the White House 55 years ago, dressed in a style like this. So glad that someone else loved it enough to keep it preserved in such wonderful condition for this sleuth to uncover today. The investigation continues – stay tuned .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Necklaces like these are not uncommon in thrift stores and lots of copies have been made more recently, BUT these are the real deal from the Fifties, give or take a few years.
In this case, the beads are plastic or composite, glass and metal. Sometimes you will find natural stone, including crystal. Sometimes they are nicer pieces, which you can pick out because of the construction, and sometimes very cheap or mid-priced costume.
For me, the deciding factor is always quality and appearance, as well as age. So-called “statement necklaces” are very popular now in mainstream fashion and these work well that way because they’re showy and draw attention.. Although they were very de rigueur back in the day, they are distinctive and stand out now and add a very definite vintage touch. These colors can work year-round, but I’d like them best in the Fall.
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
OMG – pure white true vintage shoes are so rare, and especially in such good condition. Miss Wonderful (and they are) made these lovely full leather pumps back in the Kennedy era, early 1960’s. I’m in heaven because I’ve looked for some for ages.
Nothing takes the place of perfectly white “dress” shoes with pretty vintage summer frocks. Vintage white sandals are not hard to find, but pumps are another matter. Leather soles, with metal toe taps and almost-new heel caps just seal the deal. I’ll enjoy these for decades.
Although I’ve been too busy to be looking much . . . . . well, you just never know . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Isn’t this the cutest thing? And, such high quality. It’s probably a wool blend, but is so soft that there’s no need for a slip. Stacy Ames is just one of the mid-century brands that created really nice clothing for the mid-priced market in the early 1960’s and I’m always thrilled to find an example like this.
Casual elegance. So nice to slip into Fall in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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