So nice to encounter this one! Morris Moscowitz mid-century purses are always fun, good quality items – and some of them are really exceptional. I own examples from the 1940’s through the 1960’s or 1970’s.
This one has leather trim, nice hardware and little feet to stand upon, plus an attached coin purse.
In such good condition, too!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This frock is a home-tailored version of Mary Quant’s Tent Dress which she introduced in 1964. It was an immediate hit because it fit every body, was SOOO comfortable and easy to wear and also was a radical fashion departure from the more structured, prissy day and evening dresses up until that time. The closest women had come so far was the summer shift dress that was only acceptable in the most casual settings.
I didn’t think I’d probably keep it at first. Waist-defining styles are usually my preference but then I tried it on. Mega cute!! It’s a little bit mini on me, which makes it just perfect. Just love the aqua color, with a printed repeating pattern of interlocking flowers in pale yellow for just the right amount of contrast. The vintage nylon zip and hook and eye at the neckline are the only hardware needed. Probably won’t even require a slip.
Such a fab find. Although there were similar versions over the following years, I’ll probably never encounter another one as faithful to the original authentic style. But then, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Finding true vintage handbags in almost-new condition is always a treat. When summer’s almost over this year, the old-fashioned rule of “Don’t Wear White Wardrobe Items After Labor Day” is also dead and gone!
Ande’ was another company that made popularly-priced purses in the mid-century era. Usually small, and more often made of vinyl, but always cute, sturdy and stylish.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I just LOVE this dress with its big hem allowance, like the sundress from yesterday, vintage metal zip and beautiful color palette. The photo doesn’t do the fabric justice – tones are a bit darker and more vibrant in person. It’s a cotton twill with just enough heft to hang well. The dress fits me perfectly and the cut is very flattering. This photo makes it look as though something a little wonky is going on at the sides of the bodice, but that is not the case. The dress is seamed in a way to define the waist a bit and make the upper body fit more closely.
This combo of deep red, scarlet and turquoise is one of my favorites. The addition of orange, yellow and greenish accents make a really lovely color experience that almost seems to draw me into an interesting landscape or a Moroccan souk full of beautiful carpets, fruits and vegetables. It’s wonderful to discover handmade garments made in ways that follow the techniques of excellent construction. Can’t wait to try this one, in particular, on Stella. She always does justice to my fitted finds. Take a look at previous posts and see what I mean.
Tomorrow we’re in for fabulous fun with dress discovery #3. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Needlepoint totes and sassy little clutch purses were very popular in the late 1950’s – mid-1960’s. I’m tickled to find these great examples that will be so practical and fun to carry! Love the touch of asymmetry in the designs of both.
Although modern shoulder straps can make today’s monster purses quite handy when only a large handbag will do, I often prefer the design of older ones – and they’re better-made, too, unless you want to pay hundreds of dollars (and even then, it’s no guarantee – shame, shame on modern makers).
Anyway, these pretties got tucked into my closet and will come out soon – so perfect for the season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is the first item I discovered on Wednesday. It’s not the best of the 3 dresses, but I love it and will start here. There’s no label, and only a manufacturer’s tag in the side seam. A budget-priced item, it was originally unlined but the previous owner put in a perfect lining adapted from a vintage lingerie slip. Now it’s not see-through in any way and hangs better. See what a little ingenuity can do?
The colors and chevron stripes were what caught my eye to begin with. The lightweight fabric, easy fit and pull-over style make it a perfect summer frock or swimsuit cover-up. I’ll get a lot of use out of this one. Stay tuned for the rest of the line-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 