Category Archives: Uncategorized

HAND-TAILORED AND ELEGANT: MID-CENTURY SILK SHEATH DRESS FROM HONG KONG

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Let’s stay in the 1950’s ad 1960 with summer frocks. This dress is another keeper!  I wish Stella were here to model it for you – it’s so beautiful. So chic and elegant, of 100% silk with a floral jacquard design, with all the fine details that would be expected from an expert tailor.   This dress was made in the late 1950’s – early 1960’s by a tailoring firm especially for a higher-end shop in the Bahamas.

Excepting for the missing original belt and a few stitches in the hem which need to be repaired, it is in perfect condition.   A dress of this type would have been especially prized by it’s mid-century owner, and protected from damage.  That’s why it’s still possible, if you are lucky, blessed and skilled, to discover these frocks today.

I’m also fortunate to be of a size that was more or less average at that time, so I can wear many of my finds without alterations.  However, an expert cleaning service will have skilled seam-sters who can work wonders when necessary, so carry on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY’

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HEADING FARTHER BACK IN TIME – A HAND-TAILORED FLORAL FROCK WITH A FULL CIRCLE SKIRT

In a ’50’s to early ’60’s style, but with mid-1960’s-type fabric this dress illustrates the creative power that home-sewers in the mid-century had over their wardrobes…

Source: HEADING FARTHER BACK IN TIME – A HAND-TAILORED FLORAL FROCK WITH A FULL CIRCLE SKIRT

HEADING FURTHER BACK IN TIME – A HAND-TAILORED FLORAL FROCK WITH A FULL CIRCLE SKIRT

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In a ’50’s to early ’60’s style, but with mid-1960’s-type fabric this dress illustrates the creative power that home-sewers in the mid-century had over their wardrobes.  The size, style and fabric were completely at their discretion and genre’s could be combined in any way.

This example was made for a teen or a petite woman (the photo is somewhat foreshortened, too, so it’s not quite as short-waisted as it looks), probably as a dressy day or party dress.  It’s a simple style in cotton blend with a zip back and elasticized sleeves but shows evidence of extra care and skill in the insertion of piping detail at the waist and flounce on the skirt.  There are also strap-keepers sewn in at the shoulders and some seams that were done by hand.

What a fun little mystery-history to unravel!  More back to the future on the way . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

1970’S COTTON SKIRT AND VEST BY MISTER LEONARD

Just found this casual but classic 100% cotton plaid set in a beloved style from the mid-Seventies.  Mister Leonard was a popular Canadian clothing label started in 1965, making sportswear that sol…

Source: 1970’S COTTON SKIRT AND VEST BY MISTER LEONARD

1970’S COTTON SKIRT AND VEST BY MISTER LEONARD

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Just found this casual but classic 100% cotton plaid set in a beloved style from the mid-Seventies.  Mister Leonard was a popular Canadian clothing label started in 1965, making sportswear that sold in several major department stores.  It prospered until the late 1980’s and finally closed in 1999, due to market pressures and the declining health of it’s founder.

For Summer and into Fall, nothing could be more comfortable and cute than an ensemble like this, which could be worn everyday at home or tricked up a bit for work. Pure cotton clothing is always desirable, but the quality of this fabric sets it apart as well as tailoring details which are uncommon today.

Just my size, too!  Here’s another keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A MAGICAL FIND – PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE VEIL ILLUSION HAT

Couldn’t be simpler, but that’s what makes it so elegant and lovely.  I also like the midnight navy color – a nice switch from black. Velvet and netting – nothing is more fl…

Source: A MAGICAL FIND – PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE VEIL ILLUSION HAT

A MAGICAL FIND – PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE VEIL ILLUSION HAT

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Couldn’t be simpler, but that’s what makes it so elegant and lovely.  I also like the midnight navy color – a nice switch from black.

Velvet and netting – nothing is more flattering and alluring while adding a touch of mystery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER 1960’S MINI CULOTTE!

No rain in the forecast, but the Magicvintagespy is getting DRENCHED!  The unique true vintage finds keep on coming.  This cute culotte is not as MOD as the yellow print one I found last week, but …

Source: ANOTHER 1960’S MINI CULOTTE!

ANOTHER 1960’S MINI CULOTTE!

No rain in the forecast, but the Magicvintagespy is getting DRENCHED!  The unique true vintage finds keep on coming.  This cute culotte is not as MOD as the yellow print one I found last week, but it’s also got a metal zipper – this time center back – and an interesting front design.  Unfortunately, the maker’s label and other tags are gone.  Don’t think it was custom-made.

Nothing could be more convenient than this style for ease of wearing, sports and versatility when shorts aren’t the thing but a skirt or dress is just too much.  A real blast from the past .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER CLASSIC FORTIES FROCK, IN BLACK CREPE

When it rains, it pours.  I’d like a better picture, but it’s that black thing again and the fact that it’s really too big for Stella, who might show it off a little better.  Midi…

Source: ANOTHER CLASSIC FORTIES FROCK, IN BLACK CREPE