I’ve been looking for one in my size for a long time and, THERE IT WAS! A real-deal men’s pea jacket in wonderful almost-black close-woven wool, with those buttons with the anchors on them. There are not many guys who wear a size 34, so this catch was elusive, but a good investigator never lets the trail get cold.
These jackets are so warm and have such a wonderful fit. Even a gal with an hourglass shape looks great if the size is right. Remember that these coats are made for working sailors who need protection from the elements while still looking smart and spiffy.
Just right, in time for Fall and Winter weather. Layered over a turtleneck sweater, or a cable-knit, or whatever. I can dress it up and around in lots of ways. I’m just so delighted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Pretty 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
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This beautiful skirt is a full circle, decorated in the style of some Native American costumes that was very popular in the 1950’s. It seems like these beautiful clothes were “discovered” by tourists and movie-goers during the Forties and it became a real trend to buy them as souvenirs of travel and to wear to casual parties (in the eastern U.S.) and for everyday out West.
Made of a substantial cotton, and always colorful with braid trim or ric-rac. Some were made by Western-wear companies and some were made at home. I love these for summer, but they are really 3-season skirts that look nice with sweaters, too.
Always makes me happy to find one!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s Stella showing off a mid-century sweet-sixteen Prom dress with the traditional small-town high school look. Pretty bows and lace, with a 2 or 3-layer skirt, but no high-end fashion drama or expensive fabrics.
This is how most girls went to the dance in 1965 – 1975. Bye, bye Miss American Pie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Both these dresses need a professional pressing before they go to the dance but, so what?! Such iconic styles!!!!! Read on . . . . . . . . . . . . .
#1 is of taffeta with a gored skirt and velveteen insert at the v-neckline, That was put in for modesty, because without it the dress has a decolletage and would sit wide on the shoulders. A very sexy style, and I’m convinced that the sewing pattern or the dress as originally made had the sexy neckline.
Of course, it’s got a tiny waist and the skirt is a fabulous style for dancing (or just walking in!) because of how it flips and moves. The most interesting and telling thing is the zipper in back. It’s about a foot long and sits in the middle of the back, with no connection at the neckline. Therefore, you REALLY have to wiggle into frocks made with these and this one is already quite tiny. Not even Stella could wear it!
#2 is very plain in style, but it’s got 3 layers of taffeta-like then organza-like fabric in the skirt. With proper finishing by a professional cleaner (or someone who just knows how to do it correctly) it would be a stunning and pretty dress. About a size or two larger than the other, it would have been made about a decade later.
Both in aqua blues. What each one needs is a corsage at the neckline or the waist. Both of them could have benefited with a bit of trim here or there to finish the look – maybe that was coming. Little bows, covered buttons or bits of lace/embroidery were commonly used as final touches to make a mid-century look more feminine and stylish.
Though they may not have both been made by or for the same woman, who knows? I found them in the same location, which adds possibilities to the story. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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