A TRUE VINTAGE SUCCESS STORY FROM THE 1940’S AND A CAUTIONARY TALE

WHAT YOU SEE IS NOT WHAT I GOT!!  A SUCCESS STORY AND A CAUTIONARY TALE

I absolutely adore this jacket. AND, it’s got a real story – The silk pants are not original, but the greenish bronze is a good match to the trim and I wear them with the jacket as loungewear.

When I first bought this jacket, it was a light lemon yellow, with emerald green embroidered trim, in a very large size.  From the  1940’s, the fabric was  a mystery – probably acetate or some blend.

It had been sold by a well-known (back in the day) Denver department store and carried their label.  I enjoyed wearing it as a wrap over strappy dresses or with skirts and light blouses. Yellow is not my best color, but it still worked.

After several years, I wondered how it might be to dye it a more flattering color – so, out came the scarlet dye and into the washing machine it went.  I’ve done this a number of times and have a system that USUALLY works – it’s ALWAYS a gamble.

So, what I got was a beautiful orange-red jacket with bronze embroidery (love it!) and in a size that fits me perfectly. Surprise!!

Could have been a disaster if I was not somewhat experienced and prepared.  Colors can turn out blotchy, seams can rip, fabrics can pucker and shrink beyond belief!!  Just a heads – up – the possibilities for success are endless, but so are the hazards, so here’s a word to the wise . . . . . . . . . … . . . . . . . . . learn your stuff well, then you can be adventurous!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE FALL FOOTWEAR – A PAIR OF SHOES THAT REMIND ME OF AUDREY

TRUE VINTAGE FALL FOOTWEAR – A PAIR OF SHOES THAT REMIND ME OF AUDREY.

NEW FIND! MID-CENTURY RED GINGHAM BLOUSE!!

NEW FIND! MID-CENTURY RED GINGHAM BLOUSE!!.

MORE TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSES FROM THE ’50’S AND ’60’S

VERSATILE TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSES AND SHIRTS – NEVER TOO MANY!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

MORE TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSES FROM THE '50'S AND '60'S Today I’m showing some of my day – to – day blouses in colors, prints and solids. . . . . . hues that can go year-round.  From left to right, they go from the early 1950’s to mid – 1960’s.

The dressier one, which is also sheer and lightweight, is on the left. Rhinestone buttons give it a girly touch. The way we do things now, it can be worn with a casual outfit but it would still look lovely under a suit or with a pretty skirt, as it would have been worn back in the day.

This cotton selection (the 3 on the right) has longer sleeves than my hottest weather group, but they’re so classic that they can really be worn any time and add fun to my wardrobe.  The classic print on the center one and 3/4 sleeves are style elements that are favorites of…

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MORE TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSES FROM THE ’50’S AND ’60’S

MORE TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSES FROM THE '50'S AND '60'S.

TRUE VINTAGE SHOES BY JOYCE – 1960’S COLORFUL FLATS

COLORFUL SIXTIES SHOES FOR SUNNY DAYS . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE SHOES BY JOYCE - 1960'S COLORFUL FLATS

I’ve found a number of mid-century true vintage sporty-type items by Joyce.  One label said Joyce of Chicago, so maybe the same company.  Some companies have changed their labels somewhat over the years.

These flats are leather, of course, but only the uppers and interiors.  The soles are a good synthetic like Vibram (will last for decades).  I always love cut-out styles and these carnival colors are so much fun!

Just the ticket to wear with capris, cigarette pants, a cute dress or skirt – or shorts.  ’60’s casual fashions were all about playful and surprising.  The ’50’s certainly have those moments, too, in a BIG way but, overall, there’s more loyalty to the conservative classics in the 1950’s.

With the closed toe and elegant styling, these  “summer” shoes are easily worn Spring through Fall.  My main challenge here  is finding the right clothing  and colors to accompany them.  But…

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S EVERY-DAY SHIRT/BLOUSE HOME-SEWN IN ATOMIC PRINT

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S EVERY-DAY SHIRT/BLOUSE HOME-SEWN IN ATOMIC PRINT.

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BLOUSE WITH FANTASTIC ABSTRACT ART

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BLOUSE WITH FANTASTIC ABSTRACT ART.

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BLOUSE WITH FANTASTIC ABSTRACT ART

IMG_1502I just LOVE this shirt with sailboats at anchor in a novelty  abstract print.  When I spied it, I just said WOW!  Rather unusual – it looks like some of the artwork that was hanging in homes early in the 1960’s.

But, it may be from even earlier.  The collar and fabric are a bit of a mystery and the tag is gone. It appears to be a man’s shirt at first glance, but was styled for a woman.

Made to wear over pants or shorts, with little slits in the sides, this blouse is pure casual sports-wear but not as tidy or girly as most women’s things were 50 years ago.

Although I’m tops at closing cases, I do love a mystery . . .. . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MOD HOSTESS JUMPSUIT FROM THE 1960’S – PATIO PARTY!!

OP-ART, PSYCHEDELIC, FLOWER POWER MID-CENTURY FUN!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE HOSTESS JUMPSUIT FROM THE '60'S - PATIO PARTY!!

Now that it’s so hot again, feels like outdoor party time. This op art/flower power print is pure ’60’s and the style is late ’60’s to early ’70’s. I love the way jumpsuits look, but they’re not very convenient – like those culottes!

Anyway, this outfit is so cute I’ll wear it no matter what. It was commercially made – has a label – but nothing I recognize. The back zips up, so that helps make it easier to wear.

Some high red sandals and I’m off to the races – or the BBQ – or just on the town being seen. No incognito jobs in this get-up!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

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