Category Archives: mid-1960’s

TRUE VINTAGE HANDBAGS FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

 

Here is a collection of several vintage handbags for parties and semi-formal to formal occasions. The significant features of these are pave’ rhinestones on clasps, faux pearls, plush velvet, gold-finished leather, double-sided box construction and a telescoping convertible handle.

Though tons of retro-style purses are made now, a true vintage one will have features that put it above the crowd.  Anyone who knows, will realize that you are carrying something special.

These purses are from the Fifties and Sixties. They are simple, but of quality design and construction. A keen eye can spot the difference in materials and style elements.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE 1960s COCKTAIL PARTY DRESS BY CAROL CRAIG

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s COCKTAIL PARTY DRESS BY CAROL CRAIG This is a timeless, year-round-wearable black crepe dress with a full rayon acetate lining. The decorative band at the bottom is of alternating iridescent and black sequins. It has a vintage nylon zipper in back..

By Carol Craig, a popular maker of the ’50s and ’60s, this dress in classic black crepe can be worn all year long. The simple A-line style suits almost any figure and is form-fitting enough to be very attractive while not overly tight. So, anywhere that sleeveless dresses are considered acceptable, so would this dress be. Pretty versatile!

What sets this apart from the tons of black crepe dresses from the 80s, 90s and 2000s that are out there? 1. the fabric (a little heavier) 2. the lining (full – nice material) 3. the workmanship (zipper put in very well, no loose threads everywhere, small hooks and eyes in the right places) 4. the design (the sequin band at bottom is different and nicer than glitzy trims on most things now)

A dress of this quality today (and a lot of them not nearly as nice) would cost an arm and a leg, but my purse is full of songs!  I never know what I’ll find or exactly where, but that’s half the fun!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION  –  AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

BACK TO THE 1960’s – FINAL NEW ZEALAND TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSE FIND

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis great example of Sixties tailoring jumped out at me!  Wow – finding true vintage blouses in beautiful condition is so wonderful and relatively rare.  Like slacks, they get a lot of wear and sometimes don’t survive.  So glad this one did!

In this case, the fabric is a beautiful rayon or similar material woven in a vibrant stripe. Fitted silhouette, double-button cuffs, gathered shoulder seams and a different collar shape are some of the true vintage tailoring details here.  Unfortunately, the label is gone but that’s a common issue that I can accept.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY CASUAL SUEDE LEATHER JACKET

True Vintage 1950s-early '60s Casual Jacket

I love this one that I found by surprise several years ago.  Simple classic elegance.  It is of fine suede and has a zip-out pile lining!  This great feature makes it so versatile for 3 seasons of the year – especially in places that don’t have a really harsh winter.

Lovely vintage features are the covered buttons, piecing on the pockets and cuffs.  There are also tabs with buttons at the sides of the waist, which can’t be seen in the photo.
This one is the real deal – a well-made classic, well-worn and well-loved.  When you’re spying in the right place, you just never know . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

1960’s SLINKY-KNIT MOD HOSTESS GOWN

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FLOWER POWER!  Staying in the Sixties, I love this style!  Half caftan/half gown; it accents the waist but hangs free behind and is almost like a cape or a kimono, with a little Nehru collar.  Fun!

Haven’t found a piece of lounge-wear quite like this in a while, so I’m thrilled.  The fabric, the print and the design are so iconic from about 1965 – about 1970.  Fondue Party to Patio Party, here I come!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S LBD THAT SPANS THE DECADES AND THE SIZES. . . . . . . .

Another pretty, pretty black crepe frock from the mid-century, embellished with bugle beads.  Perfect for a cocktail party or a dressy date, etc., etc.,etc.  When I tried it on size 2 Stella, it really had a 1920’s to 1930’s feel to the fit, with a slightly dropped waist and bow at the hip, plus drapey fabric and a slouchy fit on top.

Moving on to size 4 Giselle, the fit is still stunning but a little more trim and very classic.  Grace Kelly would have been gorgeous wearing this in the 1950’s.

Put the dress on size 6 Madge and it gets very sassy, more of a mini-length and much more Mod – this is the size it was designed for – or was it? . . . . . . . . .  The label would suggest so, but –

Isn’t this a good example of how a well-designed, garment that has been well-made of good-quality materials could look equally-beautiful on 3 different-sized women!  It’s a keeper!!  More finds to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BACKROOM FIND – HEAVY NYLON SLIP FROM THE SIXTIES, WITH UNIQUE LACE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAA mini-length lingerie slip.  What caught my eye most, after the usual evidence of age and quality, was the wide and heavy lace band at both top and bottom.

It has embroidery and applique treatments there and will be a pleasure to wear.  Plus, so important to have a variety of lengths, colors and styles in order to have a perfect fit for every dress that might need one.

Often the shorter ones are difficult to find in true vintage examples.  So, I’m thrilled!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

YES, GISELLE IS BACK – JUST IN TIME TO MODEL MY LATEST FIND . . . . . . . .

img_2421A Mod knit shift dress from the 1960’s or early ’70’s by Mynette – a company which, I think, always specialized in larger size “Plus” clothing for women.  The original owner safety-pinned in some little strips that were sold as strap-holders back in the day.  Lots of women put them in dresses that didn’t already have them – very useful, like detachable dress shields.  Very frequently used during the mid-century.

I’ve put a belt on, but it’s cute just straight, too.  It’s the second time I’ve run into this familiar label recently.  Fun!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

’60’s – ’70’s RETRO 1940’s HIGH-WAIST GORED SKIRT

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NOT AS OLD AS I USUALLY LIKE, BUT WHEN I SAW THIS I SAID TO MYSELF “I’LL WEAR THIS A LOT!”  NEEDS A LITTLE CLEANING, BUT NO BIG DEAL.

SOOOO, IT’S BEEN ADDED TO MY CLOSET AND BECOMES MORE VERSATILE EVERY TIME I LOOK AT IT.  STYLES LIKE THIS WERE REALLY POPULAR IN THE LATE 1960’S AND EARLY 1970’S AND, OF COURSE, DURING THEIR FIRST(?) INCARNATION IN THE 1940’S.

STILL HAVEN’T LOOKED AT IT WITH ALL OF MY BLOUSES AND JACKETS – WHICH ONES? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

VINTAGE MODEL’S COAT JUST FOUND – I LOVE THESE!

img_2354I’ve always loved the garments made by this company, SWIRL, and this one is no exception.  It may not be as old as some of the ones I own, but still has the ’60’s – ’70’s applique’ and the great styling.

Like some other things (the dresses I just came up with . . . . .), you can never have too many . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM