Category Archives: late Sixties

ANOTHER MOD 1960’S MINI-DRESS DISCOVERED!

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Cute, cute, cute and so exactly of that time!  Almost every schoolgirl, college coed and the occasional hip mama was wearing little day-dresses like this one.  I’m no certified clothing historian, but if you look back in the old magazines and vintage TV and movies, you’ll see that this is true.

This example may even have been sewn at home.  The shirt-dress pattern is very simple and well within the skills of a girl or woman who had learned to sew in Home Economics class (yes, they used to teach that to all the girls) or was taught by her mother.  Almost every girl/woman did some sewing of at least a dress or two, and many, many made almost their whole wardrobes that way.  If you weren’t a tailor, then coats and most jackets would have been above your skills, but most other garments were possible with a pattern, buttons, etc., and some fabric from a store downtown.

So, I’m all over the map with the things turning up lately and that is one of the best parts of the fun!  Wonder what will show up next – I haven’t even shown you everything “new” yet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

“NEW” ACQUISITIONS – TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY AND 1980’S RETRO FOOTWEAR

Just picked these up as curiosity items, in the case of the boots, and fashion finds in the case of the wedgie sandals.  Great additions to my collection!

Let’s start with the boots.  They look like Sixties style(?) and have old metal Robin zippers up the side.  Made for super-practicality, as most fashion rain-wear was back in the day, they are one-piece rubber construction.  Not meant to wear in your garden like English Wellies, these were street-wear for very wet (or snowy) days.  Waterproof below the zippers.  I just love these everyday examples of true vintage products’ sensible value. Nothing frivolous or impractical here, but with a nod to fashion, as well.

Next we go on to a 1980’s brand that I collect whenever I find them – Penaljo made some wonderful 1940’s – 1950’s retro sandals and I show my latest find (the grey ones) along with some I already had (the green and cork pair).  Just love these for summer – so wartime/I Love Lucy.  ADORE wedge heels – very cute with shirtwaist and sun-dresses, capri’ pants or skirts. Leather construction with good attention to detail.  Worth picking up.   So, we’re on a roll.  Stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE LATE ’60’S – EARLY ’70’S CALIFORNIA NOUVEAUX HIPPIE DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE '60'S - EARLY '70'S CALIFORNIA NOUVEAUX HIPPIE DRESS

Mod, psychedelic, polyester knit dress – was made just a little past the time of the hey-day of the hippie/back-to-the-land movement.  About the time that popular fashions were beginning to turn back toward mainstream, but still liking the counter-culture vibe in a more modest way.

Prairie-style was also becoming a big thing around this time – leaning more toward Jessica (McLintock) designs than Janice Joplin’s Salvation Army finds.  Also,  polyester was beginning to replace cotton in a big way.

Not quite your pure Love-In roll-a-joint party outfit, but you could still get by with it . . . . . try doing it at a patio party  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET – TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S / EARLY 1970’S HAWAIIAN DREAMS

ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET - SIXTIES / EARLY SEVENTIES HAWAIIAN DREAMS

Here are two more beauties from Hawaii.  The same fabulous construction and fabric, but slightly more modern art prints.  Don’t you love those colors?  Whenever I find one, I grab it!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BE A LUAU MAMA OR A CHIC WAIKIKI WAHINI

BE A LUAU MAMA OR A CHIC WAIKIKI WAHINI

Since I’ve started getting out the patio frock, here we go – – – – – – Nothing rivals the beautiful workmanship and fabulous fabric found in true vintage Hawaiian fashions from the early Seventies and before.  The colors are incomparable.  The cottons and rayons are practically indescribable.  Men’s shirts are also incredible.

Since at least the 1940’s, dresses made in Hawaii were very desirable for their quality and fit.  Some are exceptionally comfy and relaxed. Others are high-volume sexy or very chic.

Think Mata Hari of the islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST UNPACKED A FAVORITE SUMMER PATIO DRESS! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S BOHO WITCHY STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

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Love this dress!  The hippie-dippie sleeves, tiny polka dot, empire waistline and sexy fit. Maybe what I like best is the easy-wear of it for hot weather – cool and breezy but gives good sun coverage, too.  No, what I like best is its absolute uniqueness and style.  SO Stevie Nicks, So Sixties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .

Come on, Sunshine!!!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SHEER AND VERY LADYLIKE FROCK FROM THE 1960’S?

SHEER AND VERY LADYLIKE FROCK FROM THE 1960'S?

Dark blue with a bit of smoke in it.  The front placket, cuffs and decorative bow are a dusty mauve satin.  Very elegant and mysterious – she still had the tag on, but no clue where she’s from or where she’s been . . . . . . . .. . . . . ..

This is a really pretty dress.  Suitable for any dressy occasion – dinner, dance, party,wedding.  Probably from a specialty area in some higher-end department store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

from sometime in the mid-century.  I’ve never seen anything quite like this one and can’t precisely place it, either. Oh, well – no worries. Would you?

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FUN, FUN, FUN! EDWARDIAN-STYLE FLOWER POWER VINTAGE PROM DRESS FROM THE 1960’S

So innocent and sweet!  Fashions from the late Sixties and early Seventies were really into retro styles, from Edwardian, Victorian, Prairie to 1940’s.  They’re fun and pretty, but sometimes too many buttons on long cuffs or front and back closures.  Just like the real women of those times had to contend with.

Anyway, for a blast from the past it’s worth it when I find an example from that time that’s so perfect.  This one was maybe worn once and then was treasured and preserved for decades.  How could I resist?

Possibly this was custom-made though, if so, someone spent a lot of time on the ruffles, extra lining and putting in the little loops for each cuff button.  However, at that time there were still lots of women and girls who did that kind of needlework happily and had the skills to create something as nice as would come from a store (even nicer than the things that come from stores today, sadly).

But, regardless, this is a HAPPY DRESS and maybe someone will enjoy it for Prom again. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND – MORE WELL-MADE TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSES

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It’s always a treat when these turn up – looks like 1960’s in both cases, but they’re a bit of a mystery.  The best thing about them is the quality and construction.  Of course, this type of photo doesn’t do them justice.

The blouse on the left is very casual and basic, but the fabric is really nice.  It’s some kind of a blend of cotton and rayon.  Feels smooth to touch and has a gloss, and I love the colors and the plaid, too.  Both have rounded wing collars, though the style on the right is much more sophisticated.

The blouse on the right is a star.  Not only is it made from a REALLY nice rayon fabric, but the tailoring is wonderful!  The buttons are all fabric-covered.  The retro-1940’s style is pretty with light shoulder padding and puffed sleeves.  What I like best is that it is FITTED!!!!!!!!!  Can’t believe it – it’s so rare to find a nicely fitted blouse or shirt because they just don’t make them now.  Spandex added to fabric molds to the body pretty well, but is a cheaper-looking alternative and can’t compare to a blouse with fitted seaming that is done properly.  The look is completely different, and much more elegant.

So . . . . . . . . . . . . . what’s next? . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

STICKING WITH TRUE VINTAGE ACCESSORIES – ANOTHER GREAT FIND

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Couldn’t pass up this gorgeous mid-century silk scarf by Echo.  That company always made scarves in the proper way – usually of silk, and with hand-rolled edges.  Good scarves can still be found here and there (especially in Europe) but they are rare and ungodly expensive.

Our female (and some male) forebears wore beautiful scarves and ascots regularly; sometimes as a part of their daily wardrobe and sometimes with dressier outfits – almost as standard as a hat.  Every lady had several tucked into her top dresser drawer.  European men wore them in place of ties.

Although I love funny designs and little prints, this stripe is a classic and easy to pair with many basic black tops, dresses, jackets or coats.  Of course, there are plenty of less common ways of wearing them – tied to a handbag or in the hair.  Can’t have too many . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM