Category Archives: sportswear

TWO TRUE VINTAGE SUMMER BLOUSES IN IMPORTANT MATERIALS

CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TWO TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSES IN IMPORTANT MATERIALS

Here are two cotton blouses that are made of quintessential vintage fabrics. I haven’t seen others like them made this way in modern clothing (meaning since about 1975 at the latest).

The first blouse is made of cotton seersucker. This has been a trademark summer fabric since the 1920’s, I’d say – probably before. It is known for being cool and having a nice texture that stands up to heat and humidity.

The second blouse, with the Peter Pan collar and 3/4 sleeves that can be rolled up, is a lightweight cotton blend. These were super-popular in the ’50’s and early ’60’s and, as simple as they look, there’s not been a fabric that performs like this since.

Of course, I like the style details, too – the large buttons and banded scoop neck collar on #1 and the dainty collar and 3/4 sleeves on #2. True vintage blouses are…

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TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY HAWAIIAN SHIRTS FROM BACK IN THE DAY . . .

CLASSIC TRAVEL SOUVENIRS AT THEIR BEST!!!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE HAWAIIAN SHIRTS FROM BACK IN THE DAY . . .

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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TRUE VINTAGE LADIES’ BLOUSES FROM THE 1940’s & 1950’s

Warm weather classic elegance for any time – any place . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE LADIES' BLOUSES FROM THE 1950'S

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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TRUE VINTAGE SHEER SUMMER DRESS IN RAINBOW SHERBET COLORS

What could be simpler and better than 1940’s true vintage for summer . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE SHEER SUMMER DRESS IN RAINBOW SHERBET COLORS

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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HERE’S ONE OF MY CIRCLE SKIRTS FROM THE 1950’S – IN AN ATOMIC PRINT

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

ANOTHER OF MY CIRCLE SKIRTS IN AN ATOMIC PRINT FROM THE 1950'S

Hanger by hanger, moving on through my closet, a true vintage atomic print skirt in a lightweight cotton, so it really moves. That’s an advantage of the circle cut, especially for dancing.

Nothing could be nicer on a hot summer day or any other time from Spring to Fall, with the right additions. The top shown with it is a nice faux linen thing but is not true vintage. I paired them because of the color match, which can be tricky with aqua.

It’s blue, green and black with little satellite-looking things on a white background. Side metal zipper and button closure, with a built-in side-seam pocket for convenience.
Embroidered label says “Nelly de Grab New York”.

This is one of the few items which I have found on the Internet. Online is not my first choice for shopping, because I love my feet-on-the-ground investigating, but it is certainly a…

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A FUN SOUVENIR SWEATER FROM LAS VEGAS – 1960’S – 1970’S.

A FUN SOUVENIR SWEATER FROM LAS VEGAS – 1960'S – 1970'S..

A FUN TRUE VINTAGE SOUVENIR SWEATER FROM 1960’S LAS VEGAS

A FUN SOUVENIR SWEATER FROM LAS VEGAS - 1960'S - 1970'S.

Someone was tempted to remember their mid-century trip-of-a-lifetime to Las Vegas with a splashy embroidered sweater, before the time of T-shirts being worn every day and taking over as souvenirs of our vacations. Same idea, different era.  What happened in Vegas didn’t always stay there.

The most fun fashions have usually fallen somewhere along the spectrum of bad taste, and this one is no exception – how could you not love it?!  Like almost all souvenir items, it’s not of exceptional quality – but it still has lasted 50 years in good condition.  You won’t find anything exactly like it now.

Knit of acrylic yarn, for purely casual wear – our adventurous gambler maybe wore it to her weekly card games or just to advertise her trip to an “exotic” destination. Going to Vegas used to be a much bigger deal than it is today.  After all, it was Mafia territory, full of high rollers and shady ladies.  Some things never change  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – ’70’S POLYESTER FUNKY ART PRINT SHIRTS

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S – '70'S POLYESTER SHIRTS.

TRUE VINTAGE SHOES BY JOYCE – 1960’S COLORFUL FLATS

TRUE VINTAGE SHOES BY JOYCE – 1960'S COLORFUL FLATS.