MID-1950’S FASHION PHOTO FROM MCCALL’S NEEDLECRAFTS MAGAZINE

MID-1950'S FASHION PHOTO FROM MCCALL'S NEEDLECRAFTS MAGAZINE.

MID-1950’S FASHION PHOTO FROM MCCALL’S NEEDLECRAFTS MAGAZINE

MID-1950'S FASHION PHOTO FROM MCCALL'S NEEDLECRAFTS MAGAZINE

Can you even imagine being able to knit a dress like that one on the right? And, have it fit like that?! Wow.

Do you have any stories of family members who could make things like this? I’m so amazed by some of the things that the women of our grandmothers’ and great-grandmothers’ generation could do . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

1950’S NEEDLEWORK OUTFIT THAT FOLLOWED THE PARIS TRENDS – TO MAKE IN HER SPARE TIME

1950'S NEEDLEWORK OUTFIT THAT FOLLOWED THE PARIS TRENDS – TO MAKE IN HER SPARE TIME.

1950’S NEEDLEWORK OUTFIT THAT FOLLOWED THE PARIS TRENDS – TO MAKE IN HER SPARE TIME

1950'S NEEDLEWORK OUTFIT THAT FOLLOWED THE PARIS TRENDS - TO MAKE IN HER SPARE TIME

I was gifted with a collection of needlework and handicrafts magazines from the 1950’s – mid 1960’s. Thanks, Rosalie! Although I’ve never been big on the idea of knitting, I was astounded by many of these fashions and how women were encouraged to make them at home.

These styles were designed to follow the current fashions in the mainstream magazines. Some of them are really beautiful and they give a good window on “average” American women’s lives back then in the way that they are photographed and staged. Some of the ads in these mags are amazing, too. So sweet and naive – women’s “place” was certainly apparent!

How do you like this gorgeous 2-piece dress? I’d LOVE to have that! So perfectly crafted – it’s amazing what skilled knitters could/can do. I even saw ads from yarn suppliers who offered little contests that gave awards for skill to their customers.

This outfit was supposed to echo trends in Paris at the time. I love the soft colors, the way the skirt drapes and that cross-over top. Makes me wish I had a great-grandma who loved doing it!

I’ll post a photo and commentary from these mags in among my own wardrobe items once a week or so. . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Digg, PATH & more . . . . . .
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

ANOTHER “NEW” FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – 1970’S LBD DATE NIGHT DRESS

ANOTHER "NEW" FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S – 1970'S LBD DATE NIGHT DRESS.

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SWEATER – ANOTHER LITTLE FINDERS’ CLUE

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S SWEATER – ANOTHER LITTLE FINDERS' CLUE.

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SWEATER – ANOTHER LITTLE FINDERS’ CLUE

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S SWEATER - ANOTHER LITTLE FINDERS' CLUE

This sweater just looks plain-old normal, right? This is a back view and take a close look at the neckline for the short back zipper.

That’s one good clue that you’ve found a true vintage piece. There are others, too, of course. You have to be careful of the modern copy-cats.

You’ll find that the fit and construction of these garments is likely better than what you’d buy at retail now. And, of course, it has the unmistakable true vintage “look” that makes it different. I’ll put up another related post in a minute . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Path & more . . . . . . .
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

TRUE VINTAGE LATE ’60’S CLASSIC SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS – POLY AND PLEATS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE '60'S CLASSIC SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS – POLY AND PLEATS.

SPRING SHOULDER SEASON SIXTIES SKIRT SUIT – TRY SAYING THAT TWICE!

SPRING SHOULDER SEASON SIXTIES SKIRT SUIT – TRY SAYING THAT TWICE!.

A FUN SOUVENIR SWEATER FROM LAS VEGAS – 1960’S – 1970’S.

A FUN SOUVENIR SWEATER FROM LAS VEGAS – 1960'S – 1970'S..