Don’t you just love this one? Well, I do. Gingham isn’t for every day, but it is for always. I love it in shirts, shorts, skirts, frocks, tablecloths, curtains . . . . . . . . . nothing says “vintage” like gingham!
The best things about this one, aside from the great fit, are the neckline detail and the cross-stitch embroidery near the hem. I think that this must have been handmade (oops – as if all clothing were not!).
Anyway, it’s cute as can be and has a very fetching, though lady-like fit. I’ve seen a number of garments with cross-stitch embroidery from this time period, and it seems like it’s often done on gingham. Duh – wonder why – saves a lot of counting – have you ever done cross-stitch? Then you know what I mean – shades of 8th grade home ec.
My, how I do digress – but that’s what true vintage does! It transports us to other times, other roles, foreign lands, fantasy situations – the movies! What better way to go tripping? Well, cruises are nice, a martini or two . . . . . . .
Oh, the vagabond and wayward life of a magicvintagespy. Who knows where the next assignment, or what diversion may take place in the meantime? You just never know . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This was a fabulous find – not too dressy, but certainly a step up from some of the little day dresses I’ve shown recently.
Cotton, again – one of the most versatile and perfect fabrics for most attire 50 or 60 years ago. No one was afraid of an iron, and most women expected their clothing to last a lot longer than one season.
This is a snazzy little number, though possibly custom tailored. It shows off the mentality of women who had gotten tired of war-time deprivation and modest conservatism a decade or so before.
Although it took us a while, girls have always just wanted to have fun . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Here’s another favorite dress of mine – true vintage,as always. I call it my “I Love Lucy” dress because it just reminds me of Lucy Ricardo on that show and something that she might wear – a bit of the harlequin!
Another full-skirted wonder in cotton (or maybe a blend – it’s an interesting fabric). I love the weave – so unusual, and colors that look well on me.
I love finding and filling my closets with things that I love to wear and feel really good in. No matter your taste or opinions about fashion, that’s what it’s all about.
I love the uniqueness,quality, glamour, fun and elegance found in true vintage fashion items and that’s one of the ways I make myself happy . . . . . . . . . . . . . always pay attention to yours . . . . . . .. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This dress is very special. It was custom tailored, modeled after one that the American actress Grace Kelly wore to the premier of her movie “Rear Window”, in 1954.
The fabric is sheer, that’s why it’s pictured with a slip under. It has a fabric-covered belt and very full skirt. Naturally, a side metal zipper so it’s a bit too difficult for Madge to slip into.
The collar is actually larger than pictured, but I hemmed it because it was too wide for me. Didn’t cut it, though, so the original has not been damaged. Very important!
It’s a beautiful, feminine style and very elegant. Just what would have been expected from Grace. Was it made for me? Of course not – but I know who did make it and got the whole story. I’ve got another of her Grace-inspired creations to show later . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Here are a few examples from my daily closet – blouses/shirts from the 1950’s and early 1960’s. Names like Bobbie Brooks and Ship’n’Shore and Villager.
There are other names, too. I’m just thinking about the most common ones. I love wearing them with skirts and slacks, jeans.
On the far left, a peasant blouse – looked great back in the day with a peasant skirt and espadrilles.
The upper three in the center – made from that lovely vintage cotton I’m always writing about, in great prints or gingham weave.
And, the one on the bottom – in my favorite red. A sheer-ish cotton blend with tiny white polka dots.
Yes, you do sometimes have to iron shirts like these, but there’s nothing like them today and it’s worth it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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