Category Archives: references

TRUE VINTAGE MID-1960´S PARTY FORMAL – FOR PROM OR ANOTHER SPECIAL OCCASION

SWEET SIXTEEN IN THE SIXTIES

SWEET SIXTEEN IN THE SIXTIES

I´d love to have Stella here now!  This innocent, cotton-candy gown is just right for a petite figure like hers – made to fit a teen-age girl like Buddy Holly´s Peggy Sue, but about 10 years later.  Lace and bows and sheer pastels, plus an ankle-length hem  – all the things that used to be standard for a Prom dress back in the day.

It´s just so iconic of that time – in between some of the sophistication that was coming out in the late Fifties and very early Sixties, and before the Mod fashions hit hard.  Less elegant or frilly, a little more casual, but VERY sweet and girly.

We´re so lucky that many women of the Sixties and before tended to hang on to their favorite ¨special¨ dresses for decades, preserving them for fashion archivists and those of us who adore true vintage today!  The best treasure is usually buried pretty deep . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

WONDERFUL TRUE VINTAGE 1950´S BLOUSE AND SHIRT – A DELICIOUS NEW FIND!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

COULD IT REALLY BE PIMA COTTON?

When I saw these beautiful colors, classic styles and FELT the scrumptious fabric, I was over the moon.  As I always tell you,  true vintage blouses and shirts are a pure gold find.  And, mid-century designs are my favorite!

The cap sleeve blouse was custom-tailored, like so many mid-century garments.  I love that style and the print is fun.  Also in my beloved turquoise.

Surprise – the red shirt is actually a boys´, but just the right size for me, with a classic wallpaper print.  I love the small wing collar and the slanted front pocket.  Made in California – I couldn´t be happier with the color, too.

Another, and maybe the BEST thing about these shirts is the material.  I said that it feels fantastic and that is an understatement.  In a substantial cotton, which might have been Pima cotton since that was so popular and one of the best available in the 1950´s.  So, it might have come from Pima County in New Mexico!  If you have ever felt one of these old cottons – especially after they have been washed and used for a while – you´ll remember that it feels just like you´ve gone to Heaven.

So, for the second (or third, or fourth) time this trip, I felt like I´d won the jackpot when I spotted these babies.  It`s worth every bit of shoe leather and the trenchcoats that I have to replace . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY DANCING SANDALS – MY MOST FABULOUS NEW SHOE FIND, STRAIGHT FROM THE STARLIGHT BALLROOM . . . . . . .

A LITTLE FOX-TROT, ANYONE?

A LITTLE FOX-TROT, ANYONE?  

Can you believe these perforated leather peep-toe sling-back sandals – made for dancing the night away in the early 1950´s (or, maybe, before) . . . . . .

Tale a look at the heels with the cut-out design!!!  They are just the coolest thing.  Very Peggy Lee, Benny Goodman and all that.

Completely hand-made, I´m sure.  All leather, with a swanky brand name printed in gold.  That´s the kind of quality and style that our grandmothers and great-grandmothers took for granted and had at their fingertips in any mid-priced department store.

Sometimes I´m a little bit envious of them, but then, why should I be? . . . . . . .  Stay tuned for more evidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1970´S PRAIRIE DRESS – WITH ALL THE FRILLS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis is the sweetest thing from that era, and very well-made, in a peachy-pink tone.  It´s all lined, in beautiful sheer fabric, covered with lace and details.

Not sure if this might have been a Prom dress years ago, or just for a special occasion.  It´s a possibility for street wear now.

So iconic of that time, I just had to pick it up – like another that will be shown in a day or two . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1960´S BLOUSES ON THE RUNWAY THIS WEEK – NEW TREASURES

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I couldn´t believe my good fortune last week – half a dozen blouses, as well as shoes and dresses.  These are somewhat rare finds, so I always do a happy dance!

Yes, they look very unremarkable in the photos, but I think you trust my snooping skills well enough to follow along while I explain what is so cool about them.

The blouse on the left is in a wonderful, semi-sheer and shimmery mid-century synthetic fabric that is just so pretty.  It also has darts at the shoulders, front and back, that not only make the fit special but also are pretty details that can be seen.  The little Peter Pan collar is very feminine and early ´60´s all the way!

On the right, a Levis shirt is just special in it´s casual sort of way for the fit and the ´60´s sportswear flavor that it will add to my high-waist blue jeans – a favorite everyday look when I´m at home.

Although you might think that “I could go to Walmart and buy shirts like that any time . . . .”, no, no, no.  These jumped out at me from the midst of a crowded rack and they´ll do the same when I wear them.  People who pay attention to fashion – even in a casual sort of way – can usually spot it when they see someone wearing something a little bit different, even if they don´t know why . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SHIRTWAIST DRESS BY HENRY LEE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWell, this computer has distorted my image a bit, but use your mind´s eye.  I haven´t run across a dress of this style for some time, so I was excited to see it.  It`s also a name brand that I have discovered before, so it was double fun!

Midi-length shirtwaist style with round, faceted black plastic buttons that look like jet.  The print is black on red and it´s made of a swishy synthetic fabric.  Designed with a classic tie at the neckline – very traditional, but smart.  No shoulder pads this time.

I always enjoy finding this style, which has been popular since the 1930´s and keeps showing up in new incarnations each decade.  It was a lovely surprise when I was scouting in new territory.  As always, you just never know . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGSPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY – FABULOUS BLACK & WHITE LEATHER PUMPS AND A GREAT BAG

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Aren’t these shoes beautiful? The design is so unique, and the quality is wonderful. Smooth white and black patent leather.

This handbag is vinyl and like so many from the 1950’s and 1960’s – HOWEVER, I like it because it has two full compartments, a mid-night navy satin lining, sewn vinyl handle rather than a chain and smart-looking hardware. It’s a great partner to these marvelous shoes, which . . . . .

will never go out of style and will always get attention and compliments!!!!

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S ATOMIC COSTUME JEWELRY BROOCH

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Gold-plated planets and rhinestone stars orbiting the sun or Jupiter or something way out there . . . . I went back the next day to snag this piece of costume jewelry because it really called me. It’s so iconic of the Fifties decade!

Although it may have come from a “dime store” originally, I love it. Just so cosmic . . . .. .

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

SHOE TREASURE! TRUE VINTAGE DE LISO SWEET SIXTIES SLINGBACK PUMPS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

This is just the first of at least 3 pairs of fabulous true vintage shoes that I’ve just uncovered. De Liso footwear is always the most wonderful thing to find because of their quality, styling and the company history – since the 1920’s.

As with all quality shoes from the early Nineties and before, I love the leather foot-liners and gold-embossed lettering inside. Plus, the heels and soles last forever and can always be repaired when the time finally comes.

Crocodile-embossed leather in a lady-like mid-century slingback style that is always elegant. This pair looks like a spring-summer one, but could go year-round in warmer climates, even during the fall and winter months, because they are in winter white, so classic and obviously well-made. You can’t get by with that in cheaper footwear – doesn’t look “right”.

These are the least edgy of the shoes so far, but I’m always excited by the classics, too. Rocks my inner Grace Kelly.. . . . . . .

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

1950’S/EARLY 1960’S DRESSY BLOUSE & THE PERFECT SWEATER-GIRL SLIP FOR MARILYN

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

This blouse is a good example of dressy styles that were popular right around the time of the Kennedy era. It’s a large size and, without a model, it’s hard to get the best pictures of each of these, but I’m sure that your discerning eyes can pick out the important details.

The blouse is made in two layers – one more opaque covers the torso and an illusion layer floats on top and creates the sheer sleeves. They are my favorite feature of this garment – it’s otherwise too fussy for me, but this kind of blouse was very much in vogue with average women.

The hem is finished with a band, intended to wear untucked over dressy slacks or a long skirt. As with many blouses made then, it buttons up the back and has a fold-over collar. The ruffle in front is just feminine decoration. . . . .

NOW FOR THE SLIP – this is an OLD one that I couldn’t resist. The fabric is heavy rayon-type and it has very interesting seaming. Of course, the hardware is made of metal. It’s an everyday piece of lingerie, without much decoration. This feature is one of it’s best – makes it perfect to wear under this blouse because there’s no issue of trimmings showing through.

Although it’s so practical in this way, this slip is really the perfect undergarment for a sweater-girl. You can see in the photo that the bodice is sewn as cups that are seamed to a point. Just right to wear over your bullet-bra! It’s also seamed front and back to fit very closely to the waist and hips. No unsightly folds or creases under your cashmere.

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