Category Archives: metal zipper

LOVE THIS 1960’S PATIO HIPPIE DRESS I JUST FOUND!

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Heavy synthetic knit and great colors.  Again, fabulous graphics on this one with a metal zip up the back.  The lacing tie and empire waistline are fun style features, too.

I know, I get a little excessive with my enthusiastic descriptions sometimes but that’s how I feel when discovering great true vintage garments.  Keep on cleaning out your closets, grandma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER DISCOVERY! 1950’S ’60’S ZIP-BACK BLOUSE – GIRLY

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With polka dots, a flouncy neckline and full metal back zipper this rayon & acetate blouse is pure 1950’s – early 1960’s.  Can’t wait to wear it with my “new” black pencil skirt!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER GREAT DISCOVERY! FABULOUS FIFTIES FROCK WITH FUR TRIMMING

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CUSTOM-TAILORED 1950’S PARTY FROCK WITH RABBIT TRIM

Although this dress looks very cute on Stella’s figure, it really must have been sewn for a petite woman much shorter.  I can’t quite imagine a style like this with fur and rhinestone trim made for a teen or a child in the 1950’s.  At any rate, the average height of a Fifties lady would have been 5 or 6 inches shorter while still perhaps being a tiny vintage size 10, like Stella.

Imagine my surprise to see this rare garment!  If you’ve been with me for a while, you may remember that several years ago I encountered a similar frock in ivory brocade with mink trim on the 3/4 sleeves.  That seems to have been a popular early 1950’s trend. In this case, we are seeing very pretty rabbit fur, with a little rhinestone trim nestled in the bodice ornament.

Another surprise is that this frock, despite it’s elegant style and up-scale materials, appears to have been hand-made.  It’s construction demonstrates the handiwork of someone who was very skilled, so perhaps it was made by a professional tailor rather than a home-based seamstress.  However, who actually knows?  With no labels to point the way, it’s just another delicious mystery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HAND-TAILORED AND ELEGANT: MID-CENTURY SILK SHEATH DRESS FROM HONG KONG

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This dress is another keeper!  I wish Stella were here to model it for you – it’s so beautiful. So chic and elegant, of 100% silk with a floral jacquard design, with all the fine details that would be expected from an expert tailor.   This dress was made in the late 1950’s – early 1960’s by a tailoring firm especially for a higher-end shop in the Bahamas.

Excepting for the missing original belt and a few stitches in the hem which need to be repaired, it is in perfect condition.   A dress of this type would have been especially prized by it’s mid-century owner, and protected from damage.  That’s why it’s still possible, if you are lucky, blessed and skilled, to discover these frocks today.

I’m also fortunate to be of a size that was more or less average at that time, so I can wear many of my finds without alterations.  However, an expert cleaning service will have skilled seam-sters who can work wonders when necessary, so carry on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY’

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FOUND YESTERDAY – CUTEST EVER 1950’S CLUTCH HANDBAG

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It was just a vinyl bargain bag at the time, but oh-so-sweet novelty for carrying with summer dresses.  This one may have come from the “five and dime”, but some girl loved it and it held up well over the years.  Plain zipper opening on top with a bit of bead chain to hold a key.  I’m off to the carnival!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER CUSTODIAL DUTY – A 1950’S PARTY GOWN FROM THE FAMILY

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When post-war era women finally have to/decide to move out of their homes, it’s not unusual that they have saved some of their most precious, favorite dresses over the decades.  Of course, it then becomes DECISION TIME.  Well, lucky me!

I was elected as most suited to look after this pink princess, left over from the early 1950’s.  With sequins and netting, it’s got the requisite poufy skirt and strappy top.  I may, with permission, enter it in a show this fall but I’ll probably be looking for the best new owner sometime next year.  I’ll be sorry to part with her, but she is an honored guest until then . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGSPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEW FIND!! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S MINI CULOTTES BY BOBBIE BROOKS

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The Bobbie Brooks company has been a fabulous maker of classic sportswear for many decades and their true vintage items are very special – well-designed and made to a high standard.  I always do a flip when I find one!

This “skort” is summer-perfect – dressier than shorts, easier than a mini-skirt (no ugly and ungainly exposures and attempts to avoid them), cool and FUN.  100% cotton!!

I love and discover all types and makes of true vintage fashion, but a high-quality brand name is always an extra plus.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Just found ANOTHER circle-skirt dress from the Fifties!

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In kind of a sheer, crinkley  synthetic with a side zipper, this home-sewn frock was standard day-wear for for an average gal in the early to mid-1950’s.  Of course, she would have worn one of the beautiful slips from that day underneath – or a camisole and crinoline petticoat to make the skirt stand out.

Someone made this looking forward to sunny Spring and Summer days.  Nothing could be more flattering to a slim figure, whether curvy or not, than a wasp waist, full skirt, cap sleeves and a pretty neckline.  It’s New Look all over with a below-the-knee hem and close-to-the-body bodice.

What a great find!  More to come – 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

A TRUE VINTAGE LBD FROM THE SIXTIES – THIS ONE DEFINITELY FOR DANCING!

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE LBD FROM THE SIXTIES - THIS ONE DEFINITELY FOR DANCING!

If you’ve ever seen a good dancer wearing one of these, you’ll know what I mean. The fringe around the hem just doesn’t know when to quit!

Some dresses have fringe all over, and that’s just WILD. But, a fringe at the bottom lets you remain demure and sophisticated (why is everyone staring at me?) while your dress gets all the attention.

This one is a sexy black crepe sheath, with a fitted waist. Stay VERY cool, and it could be a great costume for hiding in plain sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM