Tag Archives: 1960's

SAPPHIRE BLUE AND SATIN, TOO . . . . . . . . .

This version of “satin” is really heavy and is also a bonded fabric. Materials like this crop up here and there throughout the mid-century and seem like they would be uncomfortable to wear. However, they hold their shape very well without the need of too many stiff crinoline underskirt layers which, I suppose, was the point and an improvement over 1950’s styles. The hem is tea-length on Stella but an average-size gal from 1960 – about 5 inches shorter – might have found it to be ankle-length. Again, not really a Prom dress but it would have been perfect at a gala or music recital.

The most striking features are the intense color and the back-view design. Bows were a big deal – even up into the early 1970’s. Comfortably demure but also sexy in it’s own way, gowns like this provided lots of coverage for girdles, garter belts and structured bras – the standard foundation garments of that time. Less prone to “wardrobe malfunctions”? Not sure about that. I’m sure there are stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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LET’S LOOK AT SOME LATE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S SPECIAL OCCASION DRESSES

Not quite a Prom dress, but it might be just right for the Spring Fling. The Spring season has always brought parties, dances and holiday events in March and April. Everyone was itching to get out of the woolies and into pretty frocks again.

This one is just made for the still-cool days and nights in a substantial fabric and with slightly more coverage on the bodice than dresses with spaghetti straps or strapless designs would provide. However, a lacy crocheted shawl or matching bolero jacket would not be out of place. For those of the more tony set, it would be an opportunity to wear a fur stole.

We’ve left St. Paddy’s day behind and are swiftly heading into Easter. Perhaps we’ll look at something a little more conservative tomorrow. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER SUPER-CLASSIC WARDROBE ELEMENT FROM THE EARLY 1960’S – THE SHORT-SLEEVED COTTON BLOUSE

Here we see all of the elements – a Peter Pan collar, roll-up cuffs, 100% cotton fabric and an emphasis on “easy care”. Manufacturers and designers of the 1950’s and 1960’s capitalized on making women’s lives easier and more “luxurious” by selling products that helped them to spend more time away from the kitchen and laundry room. Strawberry motifs had their day, too, and were often seen in prints and decorations on skirts, dresses and sweaters.

The Arrow company, well-known manufacturer of men’s daily apparel, also branched into a women’s line back when a Misses size 10 was tiny but also very commonly worn by the women of that day. Imagine opening your front door in the U.S. on a world where most women wore a modern size 4 and stood about 5’3″ tall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Bye -Bye Winter. Let’s look at some short sleeves from the early 1960’s.

Made of the slinky knit stuff that was soooooooo comfy to wear, this day dress looks smashing on Stella, as always. I love it when a find has such a cute, interesting label. I also love these funky abstract mid-century prints that are really wonky. You can take an afternoon trying to figure out what they might be. Nothing much more to say here – it’s got a nylon zip up the back. Funny how some companies didn’t get away from the metal zippers until the mid-Sixties and some started using them in the Fifties . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

IT’S 1960 AND WE’VE GOT A HANDBAG SORTED; THE DRESS, THE HAT, THE SHOES – JUST A COUPLE MORE THINGS BEFORE HEADING OUT THE DOOR . . . . . . . . .

A pretty handkerchief and a pair of white gloves. Can’t go anywhere without those. One never knows when a sniffle might appear or it might be necessary to shake hands. The collar is a matter of choice if your dress or blouse needs a little extra style before presenting yourself to the world.

Such a relief not to have those worries now. Also, how many times in literature have a dropped handkerchief or a single glove been the undoing of a lady’s reputation? And today, with DNA analysis, she wouldn’t have a chance. As always, agents, take care. The equinox is a powerful time – especially this one . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BACK TO LADIES’ ACCESSORIES – A MORE MODERN PURSE COMPACT

Come forward about 30 years from the chatelaine compact I showed earlier and we have another example from the 1960’s. Also from my family, with some of the original powder still remaining. For so many decades, a powder compact was an important item in every woman’s purse.

This one is also quite elegant, with a nicely finished puff and separator pad on top of the powder. The pretty design and large mirror made it a pleasure to carry and to use. Despite every effort to be discreet, however, one could hardly help sprinkling a trail of powder here and there when conducting an investigation. It would always have been better for any agent to use a common drugstore brand which could never be associated with with you after the forensics team arrives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NO MID-CENTURY WOMAN LEFT HOME FOR AN OUTING WITHOUT A LITTLE BLING

Whether it was a trip to town for the weekly shopping, the Women’s Club meeting or a visit to a friend in the hospital, a church service or a weekend in the city, most women’s jewelry boxes would have them covered. A simple, but elegant, pair of silver earrings purchased during that trip to Mexico would be perfect with a cotton shirt-dress or cotton blouse and capris at the grocery store. That simple string of white pearls can go almost anywhere anytime, even though these are costume (just don’t wear them in the shower). The brooch in raspberry tones would go well with a nice dress or on the lapel of your coat and the iridescent blue parure is perfect with a dressy suit. Some other time we’ll have to explore the eveningwear file –

At any rate, a few pieces could be very versatile but still leave sleuths with valuable clues about when, where and by who they were worn. It’s often enough to clinch a case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A PRETTY MID-CENTURY ENSEMBLE FOR WARMER WEATHER

During the vetting process I found two bits of evidence that seem to go together well. The dress is an unfinished project which is no mystery as it was given to me by the mother of a friend, who was an exceptional tailor. She even passed on the original pattern, which could have sleeves or not. The best thing about this design is the interesting pockets. When finished, it would be a very smart day dress.

In which case, only a coordinating hat would do for a late 1950’s – early 1960’s ladies’ ensemble. Just right for a Spring or Summer day in the city.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NOW, AS WE HEAD INTO THE LATE 1960’S, THE CHANGES IN WEDDING STYLE ARE WELL-ROOTED

This is where we step into Boho/Prairie/Victorian/Edwardian-style territory, which held on for almost 10 years. Although there are some general similarities between this dress and the one shown yesterday, they are completely different. Let’s compare – aside from the white color, lace and good tailoring (it’s got a full lining and a good cut), this cotton blend dress is perfectly casual. No real Princess deal going on here. But, it’s not full-on hippie style, either. It could easily be wedding/Prom/patio party of that time, when mainstream fashion was trying to be rebellious of the status quo but not always succeeding.

Although haute couture always tries, it was not an elegant era; However, a very successful way to blend into the crowd, which is a valuable asset to the sleuthing trade. A garment like this is quite useful to keep handy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LET’S MOVE FORWARD A COUPLE OF YEARS AND SEE WHAT AN EARLY 1960’S BRIDE MIGHT WEAR

Although full skirts were still seen on wedding gowns in the early 1960’s (and probably always will be), narrower skirts and differently-styled bodices began to show up more often. Society was beginning the overthrow of traditional ways of doing things. Especially after Americans’ and the world’s hearts were shattered by the murder of our King Arthur in 1963, all bets were off and the Mod fashion revolution began.

I somehow doubt that the Kelly Arden mini-dress on right was intended as a wedding frock, but it could have been – even with the contrasting buttons and sash. Grandma would have been scandalized and all but the most fashionista of mom’s wouldn’t have liked it, either. That would have been a powerful clue to the identity of the mystery bride . . . . . . .a closet revolutionary. Not surprisingly, the anti-establishment trend continued as the files further reveal. Stay tuned. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM