Category Archives: ruffled

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1960’S FASHION TRENDS – MOD HEADS INTO THE 1970’S

Britain continued to lead the fashion trends in the late ’60’s and it seems to me that their influence strengthened during these years as the Carnaby Street styles showed up. Mod and ultra mini began to slow down with a strong Edwardian/Victorian/Hippie wave predominating. Psychedelic and paisley prints were super popular, even on higher-end classic styles. Long bell sleeves showed up a lot. Ruffled, high-collar blouses and men’s neckties for women were fun fads. Platform soles went out (for a while) in favor of mid-heel pumps with high vamps and rounded toes. LifeStride, a popular mid-priced U.S. brand got into the trend with the example shown above.

Knee-length, midi and full-length hemlines came on the scene again, especially on more conservative and higher-end dresses. Though some minis were still worn, the hippie-styles usually had ankle-length skirts. While Carnaby Street fashions passed by, the long hippie/Victorian looks drifted into the early 1970’s. If you have followed me, you might remember a few of my posts earlier this year covering vintage Prom dresses that showed early 1970’s Victorian/Prairie designs in that mix.

There was a lot more, however, to the early 1970’s fashion designs. We’ll start looking at the Seventies tomorrow. Stay tuned . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Gallery of True Vintage Lingerie Slips

Here’s a sampling of my dozens of beautiful lingerie slips from several eras. True vintage lingerie is essential to wearing your dresses, blouses and skirts with their best fit and comfort. Slips can be fine cotton, rayon, silk, acetate or nylon. Designs can be highly decorated or very sleek and plain. It pays to have every type you can find in different lengths and colors. Some are so gorgeous they can be worn alone as “slip dresses”.

Matching your undergarments to your dresses in a way that minimizes binding, getting too hot or having some unsightly see-through makes all the difference in the final presentation of your outfits and your enjoyment of wearing them. Usually, you’re the only one who knows how truly beautiful your full or half-slip really is. Sometimes it’s fun to allow just a corner of lace trim to show beneath a hemline or at a neckline. In other words, have fun. Have a beautiful Thanksgiving holiday and stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BACK TO THE FIFTIES! OR, A BEACH BLANKET BINGO BIKINI

BACK TO THE FIFTIES! OR, A BEACH BLANKET BINGO BIKINI

Although this bathing suit would be perfect for Annette Funiccello in 1961, it comes from the mid 1950’s.  By Lanz (remember the red Jingle Bells dress I showed in December, also by this company?), with a metal zipper in the middle back of the bottoms(!).  Boy, was I thrilled to find this one!!!

A froth of pastel gingham ruffles, it couldn’t be sweeter.  Seems that it would also enhance your measurements a bit! Anyhow, it is sturdy enough for playing volleyball, too, or maybe even a little jog (those ’50’s bra-tops are STURDY!)

So, even at the YMCA, there might be a chance to show off this one.  Summer’s definitely here and you just never know . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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FUN SIXTIES DRESS BY ANOTHER CLASSIC VINTAGE CLOTHING LABEL

IMG_1777This little ’60’s or ’70’s frock is a bit whimsical in coloring, but very traditional in style. The maker is Lanz, which started in 1922 making Tyrolean costumes in Austria.  The brand became well-known with sportswear in the mid-century U.S. and branched out.

Although their styles were fun and popular, they also remained loyal to traditional design and high quality.  This dress is a little too fussy for me, but I thought it was worth picking up for the reputation of the exceptional brand name.  Always fun to say “hello” to an acquaintance I’ve made  before . . . . . . . I’ve got at least 3 of their garments already.

The fabric seems to be silk, though there is no content label.  With this maker, I wouldn’t be surprised.  I put a red belt on for the photo, but it is not original.  The original belt may have been a tie belt – probably purple, but I’m not sure yet.  Fortunately, the hem allowance is large enough to provide the fabric for a replacement (love that!!).

Anyway, it kind of looks appropriate for this time of year with some family gatherings and more traditional events on the calendar.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

 

HEADING FURTHER BACK IN TIME – A HAND-TAILORED FLORAL FROCK WITH A FULL CIRCLE SKIRT

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In a ’50’s to early ’60’s style, but with mid-1960’s-type fabric this dress illustrates the creative power that home-sewers in the mid-century had over their wardrobes.  The size, style and fabric were completely at their discretion and genre’s could be combined in any way.

This example was made for a teen or a petite woman (the photo is somewhat foreshortened, too, so it’s not quite as short-waisted as it looks), probably as a dressy day or party dress.  It’s a simple style in cotton blend with a zip back and elasticized sleeves but shows evidence of extra care and skill in the insertion of piping detail at the waist and flounce on the skirt.  There are also strap-keepers sewn in at the shoulders and some seams that were done by hand.

What a fun little mystery-history to unravel!  More back to the future on the way . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

JUST UNPACKED A FAVORITE SUMMER PATIO DRESS! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S BOHO WITCHY STYLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

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Love this dress!  The hippie-dippie sleeves, tiny polka dot, empire waistline and sexy fit. Maybe what I like best is the easy-wear of it for hot weather – cool and breezy but gives good sun coverage, too.  No, what I like best is its absolute uniqueness and style.  SO Stevie Nicks, So Sixties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .

Come on, Sunshine!!!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BABY-DOLL BRIDAL GOWN & PEIGNOIR SET FROM THE KENNEDY ERA

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Pretty lingerie doesn’t get much better than this – at least not in the mid-priced range. Back in the day, almost any woman could afford to dress herself in this one.  No, it’s not silk or designer-wear, but it’s lovely – by the MOVIE STAR company.

Pretty soon it’ll be time to wear nighties like this, whether you’re a bride or not.  Can’t wait!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A WONDERFUL HAT, FROM THE SAME ERA AS YESTERDAY’S DRESS . . . . . . .

The always-dramatic Marlene models three views of this gorgeous and flattering scull-cap style, woven of black and white strips and topped with a face-framing ruffle.

I COULD NOT pass this by!  And, it came with a matching hat-pin – always a plus.  In it’s day, it was very wearable with lots of different styles from casual frocks to dressier ones. Very elegant.

When everyone wore hats daily, imagine selecting this cute one and setting it on just right before heading out for shopping or lunch.  That was when men still whistled openly at women on the street . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE FROCK AND MATCHING JACKET FROM THE EARLY 1960’S

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Found yesterday!  A beautiful cotton sundress with matching bolero jacket.  These lady-like dresses were popular in the early 1960’s for everyday wear.  Perfect for a day at the county fair.

Another reason for the good condition is the quality of the fabric and the workmanship.  A maker’s tag is still at the neckline and indicates that it was from an upscale mid-priced clothing line.

It’s another rare find.  I’m always so thrilled with the lovely tailoring details on these older dresses.  As usual, someone cherished this one and took excellent care – there’s hardly a bit of wear.  Just another day in the life of . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY VICTORIAN-STYLE BOHO FINDS IN EUROPE!

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Talk about fussy and pretty .. . . . .!  Although they’re similar in some ways to the blouses shown yesterday, I like these so much better.  In spite of the high neckline on the left, they’re less prim and will look great with jeans and peasant skirts.

These styles go way back, from the 1890’s (with long gloves or a jacket, of course.  Can’t show those arms!) to the 1940’s and 1950’s when peasant-style was all the rage.  As always, the fashion came back in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s and was just as iconic then.

As I’ve said, it’s rare to find blouses and shirts this old in fabulous condition.  The things that  make this possible are the high-quality construction and fabric plus the fact that people used to care for their clothing much better than we do now.  For modern vintage sleuths, our gain!

So, never give up – just learn how to sneak smarter . .. . . . . . . . . . .. ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM