A rare find for me, and one of my favorite items . . . . .
I absolutely love this shirt and others like it. Sorry I don’t have a male model. The distinguishing feature is the embroidery on the left side. These little designs are so much fun. Some are really creative!
Men sometimes wear long sleeves in the summer, so I consider this a year-round garment. Especially when it’s in a lighter color. It can be dressed up with a sport coat.
Some shirts of this type have multi-colored designs. Usually the fabric has a bit of sheen and the embroidery is glossy. You can tell by a quick look that it is a quality original item and not a modern imitation.
I LOVE to find them! Would have adored being a curator of wardrobe for Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer or Warner Bros. back in the day.
It’s even more fun to go to the closet and decide which movie to play in today . . …
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McCall’s magazine was a real stand-by for our thrifty and talented Grandmas who wanted to keep up with the latest fashion trends. They could knit and crochet wardrobes that kept them feeling stylish at a fraction of retail costs, and have a lot of fun doing it!
From what I’ve seen online, the well-known pattern makers for seamstresses like Butterick and Simplicity did the same and were even more popular. Practically every home had a sewing machine, but some women probably still had the skills to do everything by hand if necessary.
Although it was a lot of work and must have felt like another chore in times of necessity like the Depression, it also gave women a lot of creative freedom. When they had the time and the funds to be choosy about fabrics and to adapt their own touches to a pattern or add decorations, knowing how to do this and having the support of companies that sold the things that they needed was a real relief from economic and social limitations that may have faced them every day.
Today, people find that creative freedom by doing things online and go to Walmart to ease their financial hardships during tough times, but it’s not the same. Somehow, the old way seems more attractive in some ways. Your thoughts?
By the way, I’ve got several fabulous “new” discoveries and am preparing them to show you . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Need something to wear for dancing around the Maypole?
Easter is past (for another year) but Spring isn’t over yet and tomorrow is May Day. Although it might not be a day for teas or luncheons or other events which call for a dressy frock, it is still celebrated in some places. If you know about any May Day celebrations, I’d like to hear!
Shown over a slip, this dress is made of a semi-sheer cotton (maybe a blend) in a blue and violet floral print. It has a vintage nylon zipper mid-back. The skirt length is mid-calf to ankle, depending on the height of the woman wearing it. The gathered bodice and high waist (again, depending on the wearer) are so pretty.
Not quite semi-formal – just a pretty frock for a special occasion. I was so thrilled to find it! Someone kept it for many years. It’s always important to have at least one of these in…
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Magicvintagespy 