Tag Archives: 1970’s

TAILORED BLOUSE THAT IS BOTH TRUE VINTAGE AND RETRO . . . . . . . . . .

1940’s styling from the early 1970’s, when a Forties wave was happening in fashion. Under the Shirt Accent label, this blouse has Dolman sleeves, a ’40’s style wing collar and side seam vents at the waistline.

As is often seen with vintage tailoring, the blouse is purposed to be very versatile. It can be worn casually, un-tucked with jeans, pants or shorts. However, dressed up a bit with skirts and high-waist slacks it will tuck in nicely.

No doubt, this garment had been someone’s staple for 45 – 50 years with only one tiny seam repair needed. Now it will be mine for another 50?

Tomorrow we’ll be traveling back in time to a much earlier era . . . . . . . .. . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEWEST FIND! MID-CENTURY COTTON GRANNY DRESS

Ooh, groovy mama! I love these – from a small-ish label in California this hippie boho dress from the late 1960’s or early ’70’s is a pure sign of those times. 100% cotton, with flounces and smocking. To be worn barefoot or with army boots.

I’ll have a lot of fun with this one. Wonder what’s next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CLASSIC, CLASSIC, CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE HANDMADE SHEATH DRESS

This is a style I love and it even got better when I saw the full lining and hand-stitching. A tailor-made dress that I’ll wear for decades to come.

Boring? NOT!! From the late 1960’s to the early 1970’s, this design has been around at least since the Forties. Nothing says comfortable, tasteful and well-dressed better than this.

Add a scarf, an elegant necklace or a statement belt – good leather shoes and handbag (true vintage, of course). Your profile is instantly elevated. Working with vintage garments and accessories, it’s easy. That was the nature of fashion for our mothers and grandmothers. Durable, stylish and well-made does the trick. That goes for shoes, too . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BLACK SATIN JUMPSUIT WITH MESH AND SEQUIN OVER-DRESS: THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOST-EST!

Can’t you see Stella greeting her cocktail party guests at the door of her penthouse on Park Avenue? At first glance, in photos 3 & 4, this looks like a sumptuous but sedate evening gown. However, when she begins to walk . .

there’s a strapless jumpsuit underneath! Wide embroidered mesh panels with streams of shiny sequins from shoulder to hem, finely tailored with satin binding, waft and swing across her legs as she fetches your martini. I have never, ever discovered one of these and I’m so excited!

It’s Joan Leslie by Kasper and it’s a late 1960’s – early 1970’s vintage. Almost looks like ’40’s – ’50’s to me, but that would pre-date the label. Just a continuation of the glam costumes which began to appear in the 1920’s when women’s hostess outfits started showing up with wide-leg silk and satin pants.

So, I always love a party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAEGSPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST RECEIVED A WONDERFUL GIFT FROM FAMILY: 1970’S BILL BLASS SWIMSUIT AND 1960’S CAP

Awww, this was so sweet. After the passing of her mother, my in-law gave me this swimming costume that had belonged to her mom for part of my collection. I’m so thrilled to have it! Those iconic floral swim – caps from the 1950’s and 1960’s are something else. This one is fragile, but still survived all those years of chlorine exposure and kept mom’s hairdo pretty.

Bill Blass created this one-piece swimsuit design in the Seventies that was still loyal to much older styles from the 1940’s and 1950’s. Very elegant, yet functional. It gives a sleek, figure-enhancing fit which is not dowdy and also super for serious swimming. The waffle weave of the fabric would never do for Olympic competition, but is just fine for your daily laps or a cooling dog-paddle. Just had to share this surprise with you . … . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE JACKET FIND: 1970’S OR 1980’S DOES 1940’S

Rare and unusual short-sleeved jacket with many of the best features of the wartime / post-war originals. I have several of the real Forties examples in my collection for comparison. Look at the detail photo for a better view of the covered buttons, sleeve pleats and crepe-style fabric.

Love the fitted cut, all the tailoring detail and smooth lines. Made before quality really hit bottom, it’s an honest and true attempt to simulate the real deal.

These jackets look wonderful over pencil skirts, cigarette or wide-leg pants and skinny sheath dresses. A super find!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MID-CENTURY HOME-SEWN FLORAL FORMAL DRESS —PROM, ANYONE?

    Empire A-line styling with flutter sleeves and a floral print – couldn’t get more ’60’s early ’70’s than that. But, there are so many retro versions made recently – why would I decide to collect this one?

    Frocks that I might otherwise pass on if they were commercially – made, I will collect if custom-tailored. Hand-sewing always tells it’s own story, with special touches and unique designs or fabrics.

    So, this dress is especially pretty and versatile. It only needs a few TLC interventions and will be ready to go. I might lose the sleeves, as I like sleeveless styles so much, but will decide later.

    More finds from this general era, but very different. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    1970’s CUSTOM-TAILORED EVENING GOWN

    At first glance, this frock looks like something modern but the tailoring details and fabric tell it’s true age. It’s hard to be sure of the true color in this photo, but it is another beautiful velvet, in aubergine with iridescent flocking in a floral design. Again, sorry for the poor focus.

    This dress could go from being a swanky hostess outfit at home to a night on the town. Long sleeves are so practical in the evening and the deep slit in front adds the drama that is lacking in this otherwise conservative style.

    Very well-made and fits like a dream. I’ll get a lot of use out of it, when the occasion calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    A CACHE OF TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE FINDS: TREASURE WORTH SAFE-KEEPING

    I came across a whole bunch of classic nylon sleepwear pieces that are ALWAYS worth adding to your collection – even if you already have several.  My rationale? :

    1. if you’ve never slept in mid-century nylon pj’s or gowns (just about 1950’s to very early 1970’s), you don’t know what you’re missing!  There is nothing (including silk) that is more comfortable as well as practical in bed and for lounging.  They add warmth and are also cool, plus luxuriously smooth and soft.  The fit is forgiving.  2.  well-made and classically stylish, you won’t find anything equal in modern garments.  3.  often you may find single pieces – these are great for matching later, with an identical or similar mate, or as an accessory, such as the black sleeveless cape pictured above.  I plan to wear it over a black nightgown.

    Not to forget, photo 3 is of a satin storage bag I discovered.  These have been staple pieces in women’s undie drawers and storage chests for decades.  Not sure if they are still being made to the same standard, but this one is great.  Pretty peachy pink and brown in the classic style with inner pocket and fold-over styling, plus ribbon closure ties.  Nothing is better for keeping hosiery and delicate garments safe from snags and dust.  Grab these, too, whenever you see one.  A girl can never have too many . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

     

    A VERY UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE STATEMENT DRESS!

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    I have dresses and a couple of coats trimmed with fur on the sleeves and a a couple of coats with fur around the hems but this is my first find of a dressy dress with this kind of trim.  Made in a 1950’s style, but I think it is from the 1970’s (maybe the 1960’s).  How unusual!

    Very much of-the-season in perfect plush velvet for all the holiday party activities that about to crowd our calendars.  What an entrance I’d make to an evening Thanksgiving dinner.   Hmmm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM