CLASSIC TRAVEL SOUVENIRS AT THEIR BEST!!!
These shirts are authentic from Hawaii when they were very well-made and always a vacation souvenir. The shirt on the left, especially, is from the 1940’s or ’50’s – made of cotton with a bark cloth print. It’s also got buttons made from, I think, coconut shell.
The shirt on the right is newer – 1950’s to ’70’s. It is also cotton and is from the shop at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. That is (or was) a famous hotel on Waikiki Beach which had their own line of clothing with their label. The buttons are also distinctively theirs.
What’s so great about these shirts? The lovely cottons, the great prints and the “exotic” origin. I don’t have any of the fabulous rayon shirts from the ’40’s that were made there – maybe someday – noting better to wear during a tropical investigation on a hot summer night . . …
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Warm weather classic elegance for any time – any place . . . . . .
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.
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…
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What could be simpler and better than 1940’s true vintage for summer . . .
This dress is so pretty and fun to wear. When I found it, the original belt was missing, as is often the case, but not difficult to find one that works.
The style is Forties, because it had short sleeves with a bit of puff at the shoulder, but I suspect it may not be quite that old. I removed the sleeves because they were not particularly flattering to me and I wanted a bit more sophisticated look, though it’s very casual. I love the bands of color, switched at the hem.
When I find a dress that has damage or is not a high-quality piece, I feel free to make some alterations to suit myself. This dress had no damage, but it’s not high-end. Of course, I did save the sleeves and they could be re-attached at any time. To me, that’s important with true vintage apparel – to…
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THIS IS A REAL STRUT-YOUR-STUFF FROCK FROM THE FIFTIES . . .
Here’s a REAL favorite of mine – straight from the ’50’s and Miami, Florida, no less! I really feel an attitude when I put this on.
It’s a heavy cotton or cotton blend material. There is almost a brassiere sewn into the front of the bodice, so no need to fuss about the right undergarments.
On top of that, it even has sewn-in bloomers below! That must be because the front of the skirt has a wrap-around effect. Very interesting! That’s why Madge couldn’t model this one, either, and it will be a little full-figured for Stella, but we’ll try.
I wonder who made the garments for some of these small shops that had their own labels – did they have seamstresses or did they buy small lots from wholesalers?
Anybody know anything about this?
It’s another mystery that has been perplexing me for some time . .. . …
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EACH ONE DIFFERENT, EACH ONE PERFECT . . . . . .
It’s been so much fun finding all the different styles and prints in this type of frock, which are numerous from that mid-century time. This one has a really nice collar – square over the shoulders and in back. It’s the only one I have with this design – a bit unique.
Sorry that Madge can’t model – she’s just a bit too buxom for some things and side zippers always pose a problem for gals with full figures. When I get home, a new photo on Stella will be on the agenda.
I could live in these during warm weather – there’s nothing easier to wear!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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