Perhaps a little earlier in the mid-century, here’s something for the men. Wool shirt-jackets were very popular for both sexes and great for transitional weather, like now!
This one has all the classic features – front pocket, vintage plastic buttons, shirt styling but with a placket front, so it’s a pull-over.
It’s what granddad wore when he raked the leaves . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Not a big day on the treasure hunt, but still a time for FUN. This custom-tailored Sixties blouse is all that these separates used to be!
Made from textured poly flower-power print fabric in the blue-green color combo that was really popular for a while during that decade. It has a scalloped hem in front (look carefully and you can see) and an almost full-length metal zipper in back.
Although a lot of the mid-century garments are fairly plain in their design and, especially some that were made at home – there are almost always little design touches or tailoring details that betray their well-bred and elegant background. Most clothing made during this time still reflected the superior tailoring that was the norm in previous decades.
So, we see a bit of this evidence in the example of this blouse. Sometimes (often) I have to give respect to the simplest true vintage clothing because of the care with which it was constructed. Wonder what I’ll find the next time I go hunting . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This beautiful silk calf-length skirt is almost a full -circle cut. And, as usual, a perfect fit for me. What I love best (aside from the fabric) is the atomic abstract art print on the black background. So unusual and iconically late Fifties – early Sixties. I’ll love wearing it with a cinch belt and art metal jewelry!
Although true vintage is ALWAYS THE BEST, I like it a lot when modern designers get it right when they feel a vintage vibe. That happens once in a while and it’s always fun to find an example of that inspiration.
So, I was surprised and delighted again. Hmmm . . . .stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
So wonderful!!! Another mid-century pencil skirt – as I’ve said, you can’t have too many. As usual, this one fits perfectly and has the expected tailoring details of a well-made garment. Ignore the camera spots – it’s beautiful.
Love unraveling the stories of every find; this one was custom-tailored of a soft wool, with acetate liner in the seat. Tailors used to do this with wool skirts to prevent stretching of the fabric from sitting. I love the well-constructed waistband and side closure plus the fantastic fit.
Easy to dress up or down. A basic black piece like this is always chic and when the quality is high plus a perfect fit, that’s what makes the difference between attractive and elegant – between fashionable and chic – between nice-looking and truly well-dressed. Our grandmothers knew that, and most European women haven’t forgotten.
Would go nicely with the cocktail sweater I found and showed you a few days ago. I plan to wear it with vintage jackets, blouses and sweaters. I’ve discovered a trove of skirts lately – more to come . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Too amazing. This time, it’s a Kennedy era cocktail sweater. After 60 years, who would think?
You’ll see it tomorrow, and then come wonderful frocks, etc. for St. Valentine’s Day. Stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
At first, I thought that the green/brown blouse on top was a camouflage pattern – but it’s not. It is a 1950’s art print fabric that is so fun! It was commercially-made, with a care tag at the neckline. I love cap sleeve blouses and yesterday’s finds were a real bonanza!
The two on the bottom are identical, excepting for the colors, and undoubtedly were custom-made by the same person, from interesting rayon or rayon-blend fabrics. I’ve shown the back view on the right so that you can see the back buttoning and the interesting seaming.
Like so many mid-century garments, these are sporty and dressy at the same time. I can wear them with shorts or Capri pants, like the ones I found last week, or with a skirt or under a suit jacket. Always smart and elegant, no matter what the occasion. That’s the beauty of true vintage fashion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here are 3 of my finds from yesterday. Remember the blouse from a few days ago and how I was talking about the traditional popularity of nautical colors for Spring? Well, here they are again!
The navy and white items were commercially-made and the red polka dot blouse was custom-tailored. Vintage zipper and buttons are fun. The fit is always superior.
Fortunately, I can wear them all and, though they need to be cleaned, that’s no big deal. At the prices I pay in the odd places I find these treasures, any laundering or repair costs are nothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is a modern retro-style dress that I wouldn’t usually buy or show, but I’m impressed with how well it has been made so it is worth a nod. Many vintage tailoring details like extra closures and seam tape on a 1 1/2″ hem allowance are a couple. There are also special lining features that distinguish it from most retro styles made recently.
So, this maker deserves some respect compared to the majority of modern brands. Of course, it doesn’t rival a similar dress really made in the 1960’s, but I can’t be a total snob – just most of the time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It’s hard to imagine that true vintage garments (over 30 years old) could also be retro, but it’s true from the 1970’s onward when clothing makers started to reproduce 1940’s and 1950’s styles for the general market. That’s just about when the superb tailoring of the mid-century and before came to an end, so many of these items are not very nice. But, there are sill well-made examples worth picking up from the Seventies – Eighties time.
In this case, a coat dress and tuxedo-style jacket caught my eye. No labels remaining, but the shoulder pads and cut make the fit flattering. Both are fully-lined and elegantly styled. There will be times when they will come in handy or be fun to wear.
I don’t purchase these often, but, when you know what you’re seeing it’s sometimes a good buy that will be easy to say good-bye to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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
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