McCalls needlework magazine from 1961 has patterns and instructions for these neat tops. It was one of those times when the fashion gets really playful. My most recent finds on this trip are ’60’s!
Not quite so intimidating as trying to make some of the dresses and coats, but challenging enough! There’s no mistaking the styles from that time and I’ll be showing more . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
It’s the details and the fit that make these things so wonderful! That’s what I love about true vintage and hand-constructed clothing. Check out these photos from a 1950’s needlework magazine, given to me by a woman who did this every year.
For a woman who had the skills to make these, it must have been so much fun to look through the new knitting magazines. These weren’t runway styles that were out of her reach!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Remember this bridal dress and veil that I had a surprise chance to acquire from the bride’s daughter about 6 weeks ago? Well, here it is in all it’s glory. Thought you’d like to see it, too.
I had no idea, on the hanger, how charming and pretty it truly is. And, there couldn’t be a better model for it than Stella. . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s another mid-century at-home leisure outfit. This one is a sumptuous lipstick red velvet design that mimics 1930’s – 1940’s style – I have a true vintage 1930’s rayon robe with tasseled sash – but this one, while still true vintage, is probably from the 1950’s or 1960’s.
LOVE the glamorous look and luxurious feel. What a treat to make a RARE discovery like this one (of course, that happens to me a lot, and each one is a delight!).
With pinked seams, rolled cowl neckline, a long back zipper and the wonderful rayon tassels on the belt plus a lovely embroidered tag. I can just see “The” Marilyn wearing this backstage in her dressing room, can’t you?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
1960’S KENNEDY ERA HEELS
Well, as of yesterday I’ve gone back to Europe again, but only in terms of the origin of some of my most recent finds. Nothing (much) is better than Italian leather and these early 1960’s shoes are no exception. Kid-suede and reptile with leather soles – ummmm. . . .
Excepting for the need for new heel caps (a minor detail), they are in beautiful condition. 100% leather construction is a major plus and means, that with good care, these mid-heel pumps can last a lifetime.
Nothing more classic, nothing more high-quality and nothing more iconic early – Sixties than these . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Beautiful sweaters to make yourself – I’d love to have lots of things like this in my wardrobe (I do have some cardigans that are hand-done). Pictured in the McCall’s Needlework Fall-Winter edition of 1956 – 1957. This year it’s been so cool that we could sometimes wear them now!
Nothing beats hand-made clothing, done by an expert. At one time, even middle-income women had this luxury because so many of them were very skilled seamstresses and tailors. It was economical to make your own wardrobe and even hiring someone to custom-tailor for you was not out of the question, at least once or twice a year.
The beauty of finding true vintage clothing is that much of it is hand done. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another stand-by style in ladies’ hats – the toque has been around for many decades. Black & white is perfect for Spring, but goes really well all year long. The bow thing that they did in the ’50’s and early ’60’s is cute, but the design is really classic and can be Mod, without the decoration.
That’s the enduring beauty of classic styling and quality construction. Excepting for the veiling, which is easy to replace, this one is in perfect condition . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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Here are three lovely wool skirt suits in pastels and sunny red. Back in the day, “winter white” would be “out” by now – worn only till the end of January. The pastels would traditionally have shown up in the first half of February, when resort vacation clothing also would make an appearance. This is the time of year that many people took their annual beach vacation.
The holidays are behind us, it’s a new year and I’m sure you’re ready for a change! These are just about the last of my wool suits for this winter . . . . . . . . . .
From the early 1960’s, in true Jackie O (sorry, Jacqueline) style, these lady-like but perky ensembles make us think of sunnier skies. The blue and pink are of boucle’ and the red is a smoother weave.
Boxy jackets and straight skirts, the sleeves (at least on the pink and red) are bracelet length which looks great with gloves and also lets you show off your charm bracelet to best effect.
Of course, if the weather remains very cool where you are, these beauties will be gorgeous at Easter, so don’t get tired of wearing them too soon . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I just love the hugely distinctive tailoring on this jacket!! The ensemble, of course, is woven of wool. Big shoulder pads and a belted jacket which leaves the back hanging free. The belt passes through slits in the waistline of the jacket that allow the back to fall straight. There is decorative button detail at each shoulder-blade area in the back, too.
The jacket, alas, was found without a matching skirt. But, by searching high and low I discovered one almost a perfect match. The original was probably longer than this one is, however.
Although this suit doesn’t have a fur collar, the collar is very high for warmth and a sweater could easily be worn underneath, rather than a blouse. it could be worn alone, without a coat, on a cool or cold day. Very practical, standard dressy day-wear for wartime and post-war women.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Showing some reds here together – always a favorite color! The most amazing things about these are the pocket details and, of course, the overall quality cut and styling.
I can always depend on a true vintage suit of my correct size to fit beautifully. Even off-the-rack garments were made to such a higher standard that the things made today can’t compare.
I have hemmed the red skirt on the right (folded up, NOT cut off!) but otherwise haven’t had to do a thing. These babies were well-looked-after by their first owners and I continue by storing them properly, since they are wool.
That’s another topic – SO much vintage clothing was made of wool back in the day. Even lightweight weaves and knits that we could mistake for synthetics are actually wool. The important thing about this is to learn what the fabric is when you buy a vintage garment so that you don’t make mistakes when caring for it.
It’s no fun to throw something in the wash and have it come out as doll clothing or horribly misshapen. Nor do we want to find little moth holes in our favorite blouse, sweater or pants. LOVE delightful surprises, but not those!
Just another little tip from . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
