This one is so elegant and well-made that I can’t tell without getting it out and examining it again whether it’s from the 1940’s, 1950’s or early 1960’s. That’s the way that all our wardrobe fundamentals should be!
Even looking at the photo, I believe that this suit comes from the earlier end of the time spectrum than the end of it. It’s all in the fabric.
Next time I want to channel Esther Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This one is an interesting find. Might have been part of a work uniform back in the day, but it’s a shirt made like a jacket with hip pockets and that funky stripe. Today it would be fun as a sports shirt with jeans. The maker was Catalina – that iconic California maker of sportswear, so who knows . . . . . . . . . . . .
I’m sure that it was intended to be a man’s top when it was made, but today it’s very unisex. To me, it’s got a Grease vibe. Could also go over a tank top or muscle shirt. If it were smaller, I’d keep it myself if not for the orange color. No can do.
So, this was for fun and will go into the archives for the time being. That’s OK. It’s the hunt and the quest that are the real reward!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’ll soon be on an investigation again, so a little patience may be needed, please, with my time-table! Here’s another wonderful find – a mod tunic blouse in a heavy synthetic knit. Similar to the fabric in yesterday’s dress from the Forties, but grown up a generation.
I love the style and the printed design, with long sleeves. Looks great with long pants, short skirts . . . . . . An excellent choice for cool Spring-ish weather.
This design has a little short zipper at the back neckline and falls mostly straight, with a little shaping in the torso. As you can see on Madge, the fit is very flattering.
Vintage knits are almost always wonderful, regardless of the type of fabric. Usually they are heavy and drape well. That’s what makes them fit so beautifully. And, of course, the design is on the back, too. No cutting corners on the best true vintage!
I always love finding unusual pieces like this one. Makes my day . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, even the elegant Haymaker label which used to make better-quality sportswear in the Fifties got into the boxy leisure-suit styling by the mid-Sixties. This one’s a tiny size 10 (unbelievable!) and you can see that it’s still very well-made.
So, that’s why it is collectible – for the label and the company’s history. Otherwise, it’s just a good example of fashion trends gone wrong and the slow demise of high-quality and elegant clothing construction which was beginning about the time this jacket was made.
Sigh. However, that situation does make my adventures all the more fun . .. . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Nothing way special about this shirt, but the mid-century cut and fit are very nice. I picked it up because of that, and the true navy/white stripes – perfect for Spring! I love separates with a nautical feel for February – April and nothing could be more classic. That style and color combo shows up decade after decade.
With a pair of sailor pants or a pleated skirt, it’s a very cute look. Lots of versatility for this elegant style, with nice tailoring.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is SO fabulous! I love this sportswear skirt from the 1950’s with Grecian urns in pretty colors printed all around. In fact, that’s the name of the fabric design, printed on the selvage edge.
Can’t wait to wear it this Spring and Summer! It was beautifully taken care of, with hardly a flaw. Thank you to the woman who did that!
As I make my way here and there, to various shops, sales and stores in many different countries, the only thing I regret is that I usually don’t know the names of the original owners of the treasures I discover. It’s always a big plus when I do, because the specific history adds so much to the story.
Oh, well. As it is, I can imagine that Audrey, or Jean, or Margaret or Lois bought this skirt to wear on her first Roman holiday – and had a wonderful time!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This nice shirt isn’t quite 20 years old, but I picked it up because of the styling and construction. It’s by a reputable company, has a really nice print, quality rayon fabric, cap sleeves and covered buttons down the front with toggle closures. Made to wear un-tucked.
Most modern Hawaiian shirts are not made so well these days, so I was happy to find one that is. Once in a while it’s worth it, as I will show you again later . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fabulous condition, too! It needs a button, but I can do that. I may even have a matching one in my stash. So fun to find one of these in great shape.
This type of sweater was such a common and vital part of a man’s wardrobe before 1965. After that, styles changed and these weren’t seen as often. The classic golf sweater carried on the design, but is of a completely different genre.
College boys, Dad and Grandpa used to sport around in these cardigans during Happy Days and Mad Men times. Sometimes they’d be worn with a casual shirt and tie. Great- and great-great granddads had their versions, too. I don’t find one very often but, when you’re sleuthing, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Dig the hairstyles, too. Now that Christmas and New Year’s celebrations were over, women in 1961 turned their attention to Spring and travel styles, as well as Prom & Easter.
With the crazy weather, we’re also thinking of flowers and sunny colors. Although our grandmothers and great-grandmothers thought about new needlework projects in their spare time, it’s still FASHION, and we continue to think about it now, but in different ways (what’s on my favorite Internet site?).
in 1961, the subscribers to McCall’s Needlework and Crafts magazine looked forward to these styles.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
So rare! A blouse from sixty years back, in exceptional condition. I just love these mid-century blouses that are basically proper, but show just a little bit of waistline when you bend or reach up. With a sporty skirt, cigarette pants, capri’s or shorts it’s a classic sexy look for summer.
Hard to see in the photo, but there’s a V cut in the front neckline which is a great little design feature. Buttons up the back. Clothing from California makers has always been trend-setting and attractive in a sporty way. Such a thrill to find it – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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