I show a lot of this style, because it was SO popular from the mid-forties until the early ’60’s. This example is quintessential in all its qualities.
I’m sure this was home-sewn because when I found it I found 3 others obviously made for the same woman. Yes, she may have had a tailor.
Lovely cotton which can’t be found anymore – certainly not in fabric stores. It’s hard to describe if you don’t know it. Looks wonderful, feels wonderful and gets better with age.
Also, the buttons she used are just great! They’re big, plastic and colorful. Some were sculpted in their shape. The sewing is impeccably done and fabric-covered belts always look so crisp and stylish. Naturally, there’s a generous hem (whatever happened to those?).
All four of these dresses were of exactly the same style, each one in a beautiful cotton print. Though I’m sure they were well-used, they hardly looked worn – a testament to the quality of vintage materials and workmanship, as well as the care of the owner.
Each one opens the book on a mystery, just as illusive as they can be . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . … . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
The Koret company made women’s clothing starting in the 1930’s or 1940’s and had several off-shoots over the years. This lovely day-dress is a plus size, believe it or not, by a division called Korelle. It would now fit what we would call a medium size.
It’s made of a heavy, slinky nylon, polyester or blend and look at those colors! I have another one very much like it.
There’s a metal zipper at the waist on the left, and the fabric-covered belt. The buttons have huge blue rhinestones in them.
I just love the colors. This type of material takes color so well and drapes so nicely. The style is always flattering.
Koret made some very nice things over the years and they are still in business, apparently, though I can’t say that what they produce now is particularly distinguished. Only the true vintage examples that have been in hiding are worth searching for . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Prints like this were very popular at one time during the ’50’s. Ethnic and “primitive” patterns were seen in blouses and skirts, especially.
The skirt is very simply made, with a 3-button closure on the left side. The flouncy tiers are very cute. There’s no label, so it might have been made at home.
With a peasant blouse or some other casual style, probably also of cotton, and espadrilles or sandals, you’d be right back in the day . . . . . ..
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion
Back in the ‘ 50’s and ’60’s, purses made of woven materials like reeds, wicker, raffia, synthetic strands and other natural and natural-looking things were really popular. Some were decorated with whimsical designs and were very casual. Some were trimmed in leather and were almost dressy. Most were in-between, for everyday use.
I’ve found a ton of these over the years because they were so popular and are not really old, as vintage fashion items go. So, it did not really tax my sleuthing skills but, finding the best of these items in good condition can still be a challenge.
This one is a real cutie, with just enough attitude because of it’s structured shape and leather trim to have some high-fashion aspirations like lunching and club-prowling, which it may realize under some conditions.
However, it’s still just basically a small-time, hand-crafted little purse, even though it is from British Hong Kong. I don’t hold that against it one bit. Every wardrobe should have at least two or three of this genre, as they’re very versatile.
And, just like my example here, they often come from some pretty exotic places . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Magicvintagespy 