Tag Archives: 1960's

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

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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