This is also a true vintage brand that I already own – so fun to find things by names that I know. It’s a vintage 16, which was a plus size at that time, but still looks pretty cute on Stella.
Plain and everyday, but still worth picking up, to me. All part of the vintage sleuthing craft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This is one of my favorite true vintage styles in warm weather shoes. The fabric uppers and openness are so breezy, cool and feminine. They are such a cross between dressy and casual that they are very versatile and will look just right almost any time.
I’ve found lots of lovely true vintage shoe styles by Johansen since I’ve been sleuthing and they’re always dependably elegant and well-made. Such a pleasure to find and to wear . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s a good picture of the a-line shift dress that I found in New Zealand last fall. Very plain and classic in style, but that’s often the best. It’s certainly a design that was VERY common in the Sixties decade. Probably custom-tailored, with a metal zip, which I also enjoy finding in a true vintage piece.
The feature I like most about this dress is the fabric. It’s a nice woven cotton – hard to find now – in a print that uses the colors and dotted style that you will find in the Aboriginal & Maori artwork from Australia and New Zealand. It’s a wonderful souvenir of my time there.. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I picked up this little beauty in lovely, soft cotton. It could be from any time after the 1960’s – hard to tell since they’re continuing to sell them in Mexico and some stores in the U.S.
But, doesn’t matter. It’s hand-embroidered in traditional designs and beautiful colors. Authentic hippie attire. Nothing could be more comfortable and boho for summer.
If you’re shopping for a blouse or dress like this one, be observant. I’ve got several dresses and skirts from the 1940’s – 1970’s. Many are not as nice as they used to be . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I love the styling of this frock, with its wasp waist, free hips, cap sleeves and delicate neckline that really enhance the figure. Madge’s fuller measurements give it the right “va-voom” fit. I also like the peek-a-boo effect of the white band below the waistline.
This was another “surprise find” – always the most fun! Summer days and nights, here we come . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Classic white beads in a graduated strand are always perfect – they don’t have to be pearls! Just look for beads with tiny spacers or knots in between – much more elegant and better quality. Also perfect are shell necklaces and bracelets. These are always available, but the ones pictured are original vintage and have vintage findings.
Lots of cute costume jewelry is being made now; I just prefer the special extras that are present on the older things. They also have a different look.. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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I love the colors of these dresses – pink to lavender, with black and white. Both in a similar shirtwaist style, below-the-knee length and made of a substantial cotton. Perfect mid-century design. Absolutely LOVE the collar shapes!
The dress on the left has little houses in a novelty print and some interesting tuck and piping details. The fabric is a bit heavier, and I’d wear it into Fall. The one on the right has cute pockets, ric-rac trim and a great plaid. It really says “summer” and farmers’ markets, to me. I took the sleeves off for a more flattering fit for me (and saved them, of course!) and wear it often.
Neither one has a label, but I doubt that they were made at home – especially not the left-hand one. Just goes to show, that labels often go by the wayside. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I’ve had such a run of finding 1960’s dresses lately! But, I’m also finding items from decades before and it’s all so exciting. This pretty summer frock is a dropped-waist style that adds a twist to what would otherwise be a plain, but very elegant, sheath. This kind of casual elegance was so much a part of early-Sixties fashion.
The fabric I love because polka-dots and bright yellow are always so great for summer dresses. It’s a synthetic with a nylon feel, but may be a blend. Might have been custom-tailored, as so many true vintage dresses are, but it’s hard to say since the sewing skills our grandmothers had were so professional. Labels can be missing for many reasons.
This one just makes me want to wear it to a carnival and go on all the rides while eating cotton candy and winning at least one Teddy Bear . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A flowery knit with a flouncy neckline – this dress was made in 1962. Hemlines were still a bit longish then, and nipped waists were still “in”.
Oh, so much fun to be right back there at the exact time – perfect frock to wear to a picnic or to the carnival. Rides weren’t so wild then that women had to worry about their skirts flying, like we would now.
The fabric is a little heavier, so probably no slip required – definitely a plus on a hot day, though a cotton slip could even be a nice cooling layer against the synthetic material. Always good to have at least one on hand, and the true vintage lingerie is always pretty and sweet.
Take me out to the ball game. Take me out to the fair . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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This is the latest of my latest discoveries – the real deal from when mini-dresses were a “new” thing, and somewhat daring (not forgetting the 1920’s, of course). It’s made of a nice synthetic fabric in a fine rib knit. Love the funky print and the sunny colors.
At first glance it looks like it could have been made yesterday, but it’s got fully built-in and substantial bra cups in front such as you see only in mid-century bathing suits and the occasional vintage dress. In other words, it’s constructed like a brick house – no worries or straying straps.
That’s only one of the many things I adore about true vintage fashion – the superior construction which makes many items easy to wear because of thoughtful features that minimize the need for special undergarments – and saves us from wardrobe malfunctions!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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