Just another plain old skirt, right? Wrong. Why? . . . . . . . .
This skirt, of pretty wool fabric, is fully lined with a deep hem finished with hem tape. It fits like a dream – the darts are in the right places and the waist is well – proportioned instead of being way too big.
The hook and eye above the zipper close securely and stay closed. Classic and elegant – just the way a quality garment should be made. No wonder it’s been around for fifty years, Whenever I discover one, I nab it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Despite the fact that this dress has damage, I couldn’t resist picking it up. When I’m ready to wear it, it’ll make a great sleeveless style or a skirt. Or, I could donate it for study to a theater group because of all its great features as a piece of fashion history. It was well-loved and well-worn!
This frock was home-sewn from the ground up. The belt is missing, but would have been covered with matching fabric by hand. The cross-stitch embroidery decoration is, of course, hand-done. Even the patches and mends are very well-stitched and give authenticity to the dress.
I wonder what brand of pattern the seamstress used – if she used one at all. So many women could make their own patterns at home by taking a few measurements or copying from an old garment. I have a couple of older friends who tell me that their mothers could make outfits for them by looking at a picture in a magazine, a catalog or a store window. Can you imagine that kind of fashion freedom? Wow!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Way before L.L.Bean, etc. there was at least one designer making a line of clothing meant for travel. Cool and light, with wrinkle-free ease.
This pretty top by Clair Tiffany is a fun example and a surprise for me. I’ve come across her garments only once or twice before. Synthetic material, with an atomic/abstract print and front tie decoration. Pure turn-of-the-Fifties-to-Sixties style and the colors are unusual, which is one of the best things about true vintage clothing and accessories.
Yes, the advances in fabric treatments have come a long way since then and the convenience factor in travel clothing has grown, but the vintage versions are much prettier and more interesting than what we can buy now. Have you looked through a sampling recently? Bor – ing . . . . . .. . . . . .. at a very high price . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Can’t ever resist something like this. They’re rare to find in good condition, and always fun to pick up! Despite the obvious attractiveness of disposable tissues, true vintage and antique handkerchiefs are so interesting and many are exceptionally beautiful, with colorful printed designs, hand-done lace or embroidery. This one just makes me laugh – maybe the best kind . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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