Here are two cotton blouses that are made of quintessential vintage fabrics. I haven’t seen others like them made this way in modern clothing (meaning since about 1975 at the latest).
The first blouse is made of cotton seersucker. This has been a trademark summer fabric since the 1920’s, I’d say – probably before. It is known for being cool and having a nice texture that stands up to heat and humidity.
The second blouse, with the Peter Pan collar and 3/4 sleeves that can be rolled up, is a lightweight cotton blend. These were super-popular in the ’50’s and early ’60’s and, as simple as they look, there’s not been a fabric that performs like this since.
Of course, I like the style details, too – the large buttons and banded scoop neck collar on #1 and the dainty collar and 3/4 sleeves on #2. True vintage blouses are often cut much better, also, so the fit is more flattering. Of course, adding Spandex and Lycra to fabric blends makes for killer fits, but they have their own care and wear problems.
The moral of the story always is: Lookalikes come and go, but there’s nothing like the real deal when it comes to true vintage fashion. It’s hard to fool a seasoned investigator . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
These shirts are authentic from Hawaii when they were very well-made and always a vacation souvenir. The shirt on the left, especially, is from the 1940’s or ’50’s – made of cotton with a bark cloth print. It’s also got buttons made from, I think, coconut shell.
The shirt on the right is newer – 1950’s to ’70’s. It is also cotton and is from the shop at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. That is (or was) a famous hotel on Waikiki Beach which had their own line of clothing with their label. The buttons are also distinctively theirs.
What’s so great about these shirts? The lovely cottons, the great prints and the “exotic” origin. I don’t have any of the fabulous rayon shirts from the ’40’s that were made there – maybe someday – noting better to wear during a tropical investigation on a hot summer night . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Here’s a beautiful leather handbag in a classic shape and with the quality of leather. I have collected them whenever possible because of their outstanding value and elegant design.
This one is beige leather inside and out, with a snakeskin quilt overlay. It’s so classic in design and neutral in color that I can carry it any time of year. It has lasted for decades and, with good care, will last decades more.
I always use a leather conditioner on my leather goods once or twice a year and store them in a way that won’t encourage mold or mildew or cause them to be bent out of shape.
Like your shoes, there’s nothing that is more telling about your good taste and willingness to invest in the best than the kind of handbag that you carry.
I’m not big in favor of designer names just for their own sake. I’d much rather have a high quality item that looks elegant than an obviously designer item to show off – many times I think they look cheap no matter how high the price may have been.
Nothing can beat the elegance and obvious chic of a well-selected true vintage handbag . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
It’s been so much fun finding all the different styles and prints in this type of frock, which are numerous from that mid-century time. This one has a really nice collar – square over the shoulders and in back. It’s the only one I have with this design – a bit unique.
Sorry that Madge can’t model – she’s just a bit too buxom for some things and side zippers always pose a problem for gals with full figures. When I get home, a new photo on Stella will be on the agenda.
I could live in these during warm weather – there’s nothing easier to wear!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I’ve shown a circle skirt or two before. Here’s one of my favorites! In a farm theme print, with colors that segue into Fall. Novelty prints on old fabrics are wonderful!!
Coral color is a favorite of mine. This blouse is not really old (1970’s or maybe 1960’s). I dyed it, because I had other blouses of the same hue. Turned out a PERFECT match for this skirt!
Soft cotton from years of wear and washing – I believe that the skirt is home sewn, but very well. It has an inside tab at the waist that buttons, with two choices for size. At the sides, there are tabs that pull through two rings, allowing you to tighten the waist to fit. One side pocket.
Simple design, easy wear. I really love the adjustability of the waistline.
The print shows horses and wagons and trees, a barn. I wear this all Summer, but it doesn’t look too summery to wear all Fall, until it gets too cold. Would go nicely with a sweater.
I found this one hiding at a friend’s place. It pays to check around because you just never know . .. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Magicvintagespy 