Category Archives: traditional

LONG-SLEEVED WESTERN-WEAR MEN’S SHIRT FROM THE 1960’S

IMG_1484I’ve been on such a roll finding women’s blouses and shirts these past two months; it’s nice to be able to show a men’s shirt now, and one that’s suitable for the weather.  Classic Western wear styling by a company that specialized in this kind of clothing.

In the western U.S., men wear these shirts and bolo ties to almost every kind of event.  If it’s dressy, the jacket, pants or the fabric will change but a Western shirt can always be a dress-up style.  That’s not quite so true for women, but a Western-style outfit will often be business attire for them, too.

With a well-made version, you can’t go wrong with at least one or two of these garments in your wardrobe.  Some of the true vintage women’s styles have beautiful embroidery, also.

I stay away from modern versions that aren’t so nice.  Some are decorated too much and have lost their classic elegance.  There’s only one way to be sure he’s a real cowboy . . . . . . .. ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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EIGHTIES DOES FORTIES DRESSY SILK DRESS – IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

IMG_1679This frock would do nicely for Thanksgiving dinner or a December celebration.  Properly displayed on Stella, you can see the 1940’s cut and tailoring.

Silk makes the drape perfect and the shoulder padding is just right – not too much or too little.  3/4 sleeves and a classic below-the-knee hem length will allow me to go anywhere with approval from ALL the family members.

It’s rare for me to pick up something this “new”, but when I have wardrobe needs, I’m happy to find a piece with well-done, classic retro style.  This dress is by Maggie London and is, technically, true vintage.

You’ve already seen my green velvet treasure finds – there’s more velvet and sparkle to come . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

A BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE HAND-MADE VEILED HAT

IMG_1721Another “new” find.  That’s all you’ll be seeing for quite a while now!

This hat looks like a spring/summer model in pink and grey.  I can’t say exactly how old it is, as the milliner may still be in business.  But, it’s seen some wear (the veiling has some tears inside) and it was made to the standards of older hats with a liner, grosgrain ribbon inner band and little loops to catch pins in order to anchor the hat to your hair.  The ornament would be worn in back.

The fabric feels like a rayon/poly-type blend and the veiling is very nice.  My guess is that it’s “relatively new” (like within 10 – 20 – 30 years ago), but made with materials that are specially produced for “hatters” and that probably won’t make them mad unless they sniff too much adhesive.

Constructed to the traditional standards, for women who continue to prefer a hat for occasions such as church, weddings, funerals and such.  I’m happy to see that, although not quite as wonderful as older, true vintage hats almost always are, it’s certainly a cut above what is usually made now.  It’s only small, individually-owned shops that are run by someone who loves the art of millinery which produce hats of this caliber today.

Hope you all had a wonderful Halloween – my favorite holiday of the year . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ALL KINDS OF TRUE VINTAGE DRESS FINDS! THIS ONE’S A PREPPY DAY DRESS FROM THE SIXTIES

IMG_1709Pretty in pink again.  This beautiful summer dress is in virtually perfect condition – its owner was very meticulous about caring for her clothing, like so many women of two or more generations ago.  It’s a great example of the preppy styles that were very popular during the Sixties and early 1970’s.

Floral applique’s in front and a belted waist.  Traditional and lady-like in design, classic in tailoring with all the touches of a well-made garment.  This was the favorite every-day style of the country-club set back in the day (maybe still is – traditional tastes don’t seem to change much).

So, for a proper and buttoned-down look this frock is just right.  It’s so classic and subtle, you could get by with it anywhere and always look well-dressed – like, maybe, for dinner with the future in-laws . .. .. . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

RARE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S MEN’S COTTON PAJAMAS – JUST WHAT I’D BEEN DREAMING OF . . . . . .

Source: RARE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S MEN’S COTTON PAJAMAS – JUST WHAT I’D BEEN DREAMING OF . . . . . .

FRENCH MEN’S LEATHER & WOODEN CLOGS – SMALL ENOUGH FOR ME!

WHAT A FABULOUS FIND THIS WAS! HANDMADE SHOES FROM FRANCE!!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

FRENCH MEN'S LEATHER &WOODEN CLOGS - SMALL ENOUGH FOR ME!

Just to keep the fare varied, here’s another pair of shoes – but men’s from France. I am not sure how old these are. They are a size 7B, which is a smallish and narrow men’s size. That works for my 8narrowB feet.

The uppers are leather with laces, black or dark navy. They look like an oxford, but have the full wooden sole, made like the wonderful Scandinavian clogs. Undoubtedly, they are hand-made.

I’m not sure if these are true vintage or not – they appear to be, but European shoes and garments have different labeling and so many are hand-done that it is hard to be sure.  They are a very traditional French design.

Regardless, I love them.  Such quality and style. They were a surprise find and I think they are delightful! Love clogs, anyway – it’s a very early ’70’s thing in the U.S.  I wonder…

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TRUE VINTAGE SOUTHWESTERN NATIVE AMERICAN – INSPIRED DRESSES FROM THE 1950’S

From the time when Roy Rogers & Dale Evans were TV celebrities, Happy Trails to you . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

SOUTHWESTERN NATIVE AMERICAN - INSPIRED DRESSES FROM THE 1950'S

These two dresses are examples of fashions made and sold in the U.S. Southwestern states (Arizona, New Mexico mostly). They are inspired by traditional Native American designs and may have been made by Native Americans.  My warm-weather wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without them.

Outfits like this were especially popular in the 1950’s and early 1960’s. Some from the 1940’s have been seen. Tourists often returned from vacations with one and non-Native people who lived in the region wore them a lot.  It was a real craze for a while.

Ric-rac and braid trim on bright cotton material was popular. The skirts are big and swingy – usually full circle. I have more to show – some have interesting tailoring details on the blouses. Love ’em!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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TRUE VINTAGE SOUTHWESTERN NATIVE AMERICAN – INSPIRED DRESSES FROM THE 1950’S

TRUE VINTAGE SOUTHWESTERN NATIVE AMERICAN – INSPIRED DRESSES FROM THE 1950'S.

A CUTE LITTLE ’70’S NUMBER – ONE THAT’S ALMOST TOO SWEET

Traditional, classic lines keep coming back, decade after decade.

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

A CUTE LITTLE '70'S NUMBER - ANOTHER ONE THAT'S ALMOST TOO SWEET

I guess it’s just the high neckline. Lots of dresses from the early ’70’s (except the hippy/prairie/boho styles that were popular then) have a very innocent, girlish look about them. Have you seen the Prom dresses from that time? Watch the movie Footloose.

This one is unremarkable in its tailoring, but it was just that ’70’s cache’ that made me bring it home. I must admit, it is a very classic style and can be done beautifully if it’s with quality materials and exceptional workmanship. But this one just takes us on a daydream journey back 40 years.

It’s fun to watch old movies from that time (or That ’70s Show, I guess), just to see how awful some of the clothing was. Uh, oh – I’m going to get myself into some big trouble here.

But seriously, the dance scene from Footloose is a good tutorial on ’70’s Prom dresses…

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AUTHENTIC TRUE VINTAGE CUSTOM-TAILORED SHIRTWAIST DRESS – 1940’S/1950’S

AUTHENTIC TRUE VINTAGE CUSTOM-TAILORED SHIRTWAIST DRESS – 1940'S/1950'S.