LATEST FIND: A PRETTY LITTLE DRESSY FROCK FROM THE EARLY 1960’S

I haven’t seen a garment from this label in quite some time, so was thrilled to find one! The Kelly Arden brand was at the higher end of mid-priced dresses and might have been exclusively Junior sizes, as this one is. The nice tailoring details that we expect in a well-made garment (and hardly ever see in modern clothing) are on display here – wide hem allowance, well-finished seams, extra belt-loops to keep belts in their proper place, hooks & eyes at the neckline, full lining, fabric-covered button trim.

Someone took very good care of this dress and the only issue now is that the original belt has been lost. So common and frustrating and it likely happened after the dress was donated. The type may have been either a buckle belt or a sash tie. At least in this case, we can see the color of the original belt, which makes it easier to make a replacement. The style of the dress would also look very nice with no belt (after removing the belt-loops, of course) so there are options. I’m so grateful to women from the mid-century for looking after their clothing and accessories so well.

Although the design is very classic (and, therefore, flattering to many women), I especially like the cutaway neckline that gives almost a halter-style look and really accentuates the shoulders. The stand collar is an iconic element on 1960’s dresses. These style features distinguish the dress from other more plainly cut sheath designs.

I thought that it would be about a size too small for me through the body (a Junior size 9, which is what I wore in high school) but found that it fit very well in that regard. However, the dress seems to be cut for someone with a shorter figure than mine (that makes sense for a Junior garment). Also, the cut seems to be high-waisted with the belt falling just below the bust-line in an Empire style.

That’s not really my favorite, so I think I’ll pass this one on. I’ve had my fun and it will be super-cute on someone a little shorter. Wonder what’s coming next? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFULLY TOOLED LEATHER BAGS FROM MEXICO – CIRCA 1960’S – 1980’S

BEAUTIFULLY TOOLED LEATHER BAGS FROM MEXICO – CIRCA 1960’S – 1980’S

BEAUTIFULLY TOOLED LEATHER BAGS FROM MEXICO - CIRCA 1960'S - 1980'S

Soft, supple leather inside and out – these bags were made in Mexico and probably picked up by vacationers who used them very little, if at all, after their trip.  Both have vintage hardware, but the designs – especially on the left-hand purse – are more modern.

On the right, we see a traditional floral/cactus pattern similar to those made in the western United States while the left-hand one has a farm worker pictured and, on the back, the Mayan calendar.

What I like best about these handbags, whether made in the ’40’s or the ’80’s is that they are 100% hand-made and usually the workmanship and quality of the leather are excellent.  Plus, they are SO distinctive and unusual . . . . . . . . . . always a priority for me.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S TOTE BAG/HANDBAG – A REAL SIGN OF THE TIMES

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S TOTE BAG/HANDBAG – A REAL SIGN OF THE TIMES

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S TOTE BAG/HANDBAG - A REAL SIGN OF THE TIMES

Although this kind of carry-all has never lost popularity in general, it seems like the 1960’s was a really big time for smart, tailored bags like this.  Many were used to carry needlework, like knitting and crochet.  No matter the use for it, totes like this are always SO handy.  In this case, a very elegant design . .. . . . . . . .

Not sure why, but fashion needlework was kind of a “fad” in the Sixties among everyday women even though lots of people have always done it and certain people still do.  I picked this bag up when I found it because it is beautifully made, in pristine condition, and just spoke to me of that Mod time in fashion.

The tortoise shell plastic handles were really “in” then, as well as the printed lining.  I’ve left the closure flap turned up so that you can see the lovely lining material, too.  It’s fully-lined, with metal hardware.

Just a simple bag, but with a shift dress and flats (or a sheath and pumps if you’re at the Club or an appointment) you’d look just like any photo from a popular magazine of 1964 or so. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FOUND ANOTHER TREASURE TODAY!

FOUND ANOTHER TREASURE TODAY!

It’s so much fun to be back on the trail of elusive garments and accessories which have been in hiding out for decades! Will show you the latest very shortly. I’m really missing my models, who can make “any old thing” look like designer duds – not to mention the ones that really ARE designer duds! But, I know that you all have the imagination and understanding to be able to see what’s really there, even on a hanger. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS SURPRISE FIND – REEDCRAFT LEATHER PURSE FROM THE 1920’S – 1930’S

FABULOUS SURPRISE FIND – REEDCRAFT LEATHER PURSE FROM THE 1920’S – 1930’S

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What a rare and wonderful discovery!  In excellent condition – perhaps never used.  Only some minor discolorations from age or storage and almost 100 years old.

These handbags have beautifully finished leather and fun hardware touches.  A tri-color Bakelite or celluloid clasp ornament and even a little coin purse stashed inside.  When you think that this was at the beginning of the Great Depression with war looming in Europe, it puts a different slant on this pretty product.  The company was formed in 1928, just a year before the stock market crash.

Despite it all, people did find ways to enjoy life in the 1930’s – some of the most fun and outrageously glamorous movies were made during that time, some of the most luxurious and over-the-top fashion plus beautiful Art Deco furniture, architecture and ornamentation.

“Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..”

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LOVE FINDING TRUE VINTAGE JACKETS WITH STYLE!

What a find! Made in 1940’s/1950’s style, this jacket was custom-tailored by someone with expert skills. Some of my favorite colors – deep plum and teal green. Nice tailoring with patch pockets and those wonderful buttoned tabs at the cuffs. Fully lined, and with modest shoulder padding – my favorite!

At first, I thought it might have truly been a 1950’s coat but on closer examination, I decided that it is probably a retro version made in the 1970’s or 1980’s (but I could be wrong about that). Both of those decades had a 1940’s revival period. So fun and it fits, so I’ll wear it a lot when the weather is cooler. For now, it must be stored to protect the fabric which is a wool blend.

I did find a couple of blouses made in the ’60’s or ’70’s, but they’re not distinctive enough to show in a post. I’ll just enjoy wearing them. So, that’s it for my most recent haul but I’ll be back at it in a few days and my handbag reprise continues for some time. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM