A very pretty frock from the late 1950’s – early 1960’s. I found this several years ago at an out-of-the-way sale.
Basically, it is a sheath with added tailoring details. Metal zipper up the back and an attached bolero jacket, with big buttons in back. The cummerbund waistband closes in back with hooks and eyes.
Very, very refined and elegant. The mid-heel leather pumps are of the same era and make a perfect complement.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE. MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Gorgeous, gorgeous easy dress that is so sophisticated and well-tailored. This mid – century frock would get you on the best-dressed list in a heartbeat! It’s been in my wardrobe for a while and it’s gonna stay there!
I uncovered some fabulous finds this past weekend and have seen some wonderful true vintage items in the shops that I’ve visited. As I get myself together after the trip, I’ll be cluing you in . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This gorgeous little number says summer all over. It is the brightest yellow, with little embroidered flowers all over the bodice, each with a pearl center.
If that isn’t enough, around the hem are larger flowers, all embroidered in the same bright yellow thread. fit, as you can see, speaks for itself . . .
The label is long gone, but I am sure that it was commercially-made. There are too many professional details. Fully lined, of a really nice woven fabric with a bit of texture – metal zip up the back.
Although this is not a formal dress, it is quite refined and could go into the evening very confidently. In the heat of the summer, it could go shopping, lunching, to dinner and dancing without missing a beat.
Natalie Wood would have loved it. “I feel pretty, oh so pretty . . . .”. Almost as if it found its way from her closet into mine . . . . . . .. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Gearing up for summer with a pair of true vintage men’s swim briefs. I think this is a really flattering length – not too short nor too long.
Simple construction with a button at the waist. These were a hand-me-down from a family member and I’m so glad to have them in my collection!
Just think of all those vintage beach photos with surfboards and old movies and TV shows – didn’t the guys look so much more hot?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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It was really fun to come across this find! A poly-nylon women’s uniform – probably from a diner waitress or other food worker in the 1960’s. Could even be from the 1950’s – must research the maker’s label.
The blue is really nice, and the fact that it is in such perfect condition! Also love the cute scalloping on the collar.
Really makes me wonder where this was worn and about all the stories it must have to tell. If only she’d carried a secret tape recorder . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Just as classic as the wool felt version, this beautiful Smithbilt hat is also of the highest quality. Not sure when it was made – these enduring styles and handmade constructions are almost ageless.
Contrasting two-tone woven-in design & leather bands inside and out. The weaving is tight and even. This hat will also last forever (almost) if it’s taken care of.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s a pair of shoes that I might wear with the dresses I’ve shown recently. These needle-toe patent leather pumps are characteristic of late ’50’s to early ’60’s styles. The placement and shape of the heel is also characteristic.
I love the little cut-outs on the vamp. Many shoes of that era had great details.
One of the things I like best are the company names stamped on the insoles. The script is usually so interesting. Although these are cracked inside, the outers are in great shape.
I’ve had new heel caps put on, but otherwise they will last for decades more. The color is funky but fun, too!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I see Sophia Loren wearing this dress and running down a street in Naples, Italy (in black stilettos) – chasing Marccello Mostriani in their latest film. Someone custom-tailored this little beauty in a style that falls low on the shoulders if you are petite.
It’s a sunny, breezy style with the 1950’s wasp waist and full skirt, in cotton print material, made for whatever casual activity is on the agenda. However, like most dresses of the era, a little jewelry and a hat (and, maybe, gloves) made it suitable for a slightly more formal event such as a luncheon date.
I prefer to let fantasy take my imagination away with this one – a bottle of local wine, a loaf of bread, cheese and fruit on a balcony overlooking the Adriatic Sea – with a very good friend . . .. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This dress doesn’t shout at you, but it shouted at me and that was why I picked it up. It is so obviously classic 1960’s and has an interesting label.
I researched the company, Carolina Made, and discovered a small clothing firm in, I believe, South Carolina, USA, which has been selling clothing for decades. Rather than closing down, as many have done over the years, they have morphed into selling a completely different casual line of t-shirts, shorts and other sportswear that looks like the usual modern styles.
The southeastern U.S. was a clothing manufacturing center for many, many years. This is where the garments were constructed. So, this company – regardless of how it has changed – represents that history.
And, this dress also represents the history of classic styles in several ways. The style has stayed good over several decades, the construction is strong and the colors are basically neutral. It’s very versatile and useful – the way that we wear jeans today, a dress like this would serve for many activities that an average woman would do in a day in 1964.
The original belt was probably a fabric tie belt – this dress was not even swanky enough to have a buckle belt on it. It’s a workhorse-type of dress, but with lots of possibilities.
Anyway, that’s the story that it told me and part of the enjoyment I get from hunting for true vintage. I love stories and you just never know . . . .. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A change of pace for the weekend – let’s slip into some fabulous-feeling vintage nylon. There’s nothing that feels like it – heavy, smooth, creamy and cool on your skin. Well, enough of that – this is a vintage fashion blog, not a . . . . . .
These are what the fashionable woman wore at home while relaxing and/or for casual entertaining. The one on the left is a slip-over design with roses embroidered at the neck. The right-hand style is unique with two fabric layers, a front zipper and long scarf “tails” that can be tied in a bow or crossed in front and thrown over the shoulders. One is by ShadowLine and the other by a less well-known maker.
Those shoulder “tails” are an interesting feature. I have a velveteen sheath dress circa about 1960 which has them and also a jacket, which I think comes from the wartime era. Not sure if this style element was something that repeated – I haven’t seen it often. The color combo on the right has such a characteristic ’60’s look.
When I go sleuthing, or just sorting through my closets, I drift through several decades one after the other. It’s almost as good as going to the movies . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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