I’ve got lots more dresses to show, but I’ll also be showing quite a few blouses and shirts. These are a dressier variety, from the ’40’s and ’50’s.
The first one, left to right, is a silk blouse by Lady Manhattan. It’s plain and could be worn for everyday, but is also classic & lovely enough to wear for a night out. The sleeves can be rolled up and it’s very well-tailored.
The second blouse is of linen with embroidery. Meant to be worn with a skirt. It buttons up the back. I’ve recently found a wonderful wool blend ’80’s does ’40’s swing skirt that will be perfect . . . . .
The third blouse has embroidery and applique’ trim at the neck and is some kind of rayon blend, I think. They’re all beautiful and a testament to the elegance of common clothing then – items that the “average” woman might have owned. I wonder who she was? . . . . . . . .
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
A rare find – one of those mystery synthetic garments from the 1960’s. Seems kind of like polyester, but then . . . . . . .
Not to disparage at all – it’s a really nice fabric but I just can’t place it. There were some
very interesting blends back in the day before content
labels were required.
What attracted me most was the style – those beautiful crystal-pleated ruffles are eye-catchers. Ruffles on the front and sleeves were very popular in the late 60’s, usually in a slightly less opulent form than this – a bit too frilly for me, but stunning on the right person.
Picture Twiggy wearing this with a black mini-skirt, lacy black patterned tights, some spiffy mod heels and bold eye make-up and lipstick – with an evening purse – you get the idea. About the time that Mod and Carnaby Street fashions were merging together. Mary Quant and all that. She might have a fit that I mentioned her in relation to this example. It might not be what she would have done at all.
Anyway, it’s a good example and the embroidered tag and sizing all go along with it! Do any of the fashions produced today distinguish themselves so well? I don’t think so, but I’d love some examples. Do you have any? I always look for reference material for the files . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This one is fun! Not my best colors, but how can I not keep it and wear it? The style is casual, but it isn’t grunge-wear. In fact, it’s a rather stylish summer top with a Country Club feel and an element of elegance.
It’s fully lined in the body and buttons up the back. The sleeves and fringes are left sheer. I just love finding items like this, which tell a story about the type of woman who would have purchased and worn it. I see it with a pair of white capri’s or shorts and leather sandals – flat or with a kitten heel – worn by a dark-haired Italian actress in a James Bond movie. Only your own imagination and personal style put any limits on how it can be combined with other elements of your wardrobe.
Where to go today? Perhaps the Riviera? You just never know . .. . . . . . . . . …
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Viintage Fashion available at Amazon.com
This blouse is unique – it has ruffles all around. I’ve never seen another like it, though some similar ones in photos. It looks like something Ann-Margaret would have worn in a movie, with a skirt or a pair of short-shorts.
Each row of lace is sewn on separately and goes all the way around. Hard to believe that someone may have made this at home, but it’s possible. Anyway, it’s too cute for words.
All these pretty vintage blouses do best with a hand-washing, but it’s so easy to do. (BE SURE IT’S A WASHABLE FABRIC BEFORE YOU TRY THIS!) Swish them in a sink with mild soap (like Woolite or Ivory) for a couple of minutes, then hang them to dry (inside – not in the sun – if you can, let them drip dry). And, that’s probably all you’ll have to do! Helps them to last decades more and keep their shape. Of course, if you’ve got a stain, you’ll have to treat that first.
I just love finding cute surprises like this one. When you’re sleuthing around, they do turn up. You just never know . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . .
Magicvintagespy 