THREE PRETTY MID-CENTURY HOUSE DRESSES

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Two of these were handmade and the third is a simple style from a bargain shop, sometime in the Sixties or Seventies.  I can never get enough of these cute cotton frocks because they are so practical – from housework to a grocery run they’re just right for the job.

It’s fun to put out a vintage vibe while doing the everyday this and that with no worries about special caution for your outfit.  Dresses like this can serve me well and eventually be retired with no tears.

So, although not a hugely exciting find it’s one that always makes me happy and keeps my everyday closet well-stocked.  I’d much rather wear one of these dresses on an average day than a same old same old jeans and Tee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A VERY DIFFERENT TYPE OF AT-HOME JACKET – EMBROIDERED, FROM THE FAR EAST

This is such a beautiful thing – I wish it weren’t  too big for me.  But oh, well, I love it all the same.  Not way old, because it’s poly satin, but the embroidery is to die for and it’s not completely colorfast so may not be too modern.  I’m not always sure about the construction and fabric qualities of garments made overseas.

Anyway, what a gorgeous item to wear around the house and, also, out.  I have a fantastic  embroidered red silk jacket from China that I often wear with black pants when dressing up is the thing.  Looks ab fab.

Tomorrow I’ll show a very recent discovery of the same genre, but older and more the style of Mata Hari.  Something I’d been searching for for a long time . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MID-CENTURY BLOUSE FINDS. I’M ALWAYS THRILLED BY THEM!

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These are all great,  but I always love peasant blouses and Sixties cotton blouses.  The true ones are becoming more and more rare and are so fun to encounter.  They are always a go-to for me in the summer.

Nothing could have been more iconic in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s.  Some of the little-white-blouses had embroidery on them, too, but not big and bold like the peasant variety.  Although popular back to the Forties, these examples come from the Sixties and, maybe, early Seventies.

Yes, another trio to find closet room and happy wearing come next May . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC COTTON SUMMER BLOUSE

IMG_1486 IMG_1487I’ve left the shirt un-ironed to show that it is 100% cotton, rather than poly or a blend.  And the feel of true vintage cotton – so soft and wonderful after being washed, worn and loved for a while!

The close-up shows some of the detail that covers the front, with tucks and crocheted lace.  A 1/2 inch ruffle goes all the way around the hem.  Few blouses made in the U.S. have this amount of gorgeous, high quality decoration – even the old ones!

For that reason, I wonder if this one was made in Europe where they routinely made glorious cotton garments like this one – maybe still do . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1970’S HAWAIIAN GOWN

IMG_1355 IMG_1354Although I much prefer Hawaiian garb from the 1940’s and 1950’s, I sometimes will pick up things from the ’60’s, and ’70’s, too.  The fabric used was still very nice  and the tailoring often exceptional.

Back then, Hawaiian apparel was almost exclusively made by small concerns who stuck to traditional designs and workmanship.  Also, the quality of cotton and rayon used was excellent.

This dress, though plain in the front, has a sweet detachable half-belt in back and two pleats fall from it like a faux train – a nod to traditional Hawaiian styling.  The skirt, also, is quite wide at the bottom and sweeps when you walk, giving a rather regal feeling . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE SPECTATOR PUMPS FROM THE 1970’S

IMG_0911A classic!  These are just a run-of-the-mill example, probably made in the Sixties or Seventies, but they just go to show how enduring this style is.  Spectators have been showing up in fashion since the early 1900’s, at least.

Although black/white and brown/white are the most common, true vintage styles have been made in all the basic colors, including red, tan,, navy and, probably, grey.  If you’re looking for a good city shoe, a pair of spectator pumps is an excellent choice.  A true vintage pair is a fabulous one!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – 1970’S SUMMER DRESS FIND

IMG_1060An improved photo of a previous year’s discovery in Canada –  LOVE this one so much.  A little big on me, so I probably won’t keep it, although altering things to fit is often very much worthwhile.

Just a very cute dress and a neat way that the pattern on the skirt has been arranged – much more interesting and flattering than if the the stripes went straight across all the way down the dress.

This was just a very ordinary, mid – lower priced garment back then.  Wonderful and smart design touches like that are something I don’t often see in modern clothing, even at the higher end.  Vive la Vintage!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

1970’S STRIPED KNIT DRESS – A RARE STYLE SUCCESS

IMG_1059     Although 1970’s fashions are definitely not a big deal for me, I will pick up something that is especially nice.  I like this one because of the diagonal stripe contrast on top, nice drape of the knit fabric and the covered belt.

Sometimes they get things right during every decade and, OK, I’m a style snob in some ways. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE/RETRO HEELS THAT ECHO THE FIFTIES

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA     Love the lines of this heel, and the leather construction.  Heel caps are nailed on and materials all quality.  When true vintage (at least 30 years old) and retro are combined in one piece, it’s all about style and quality to decide whether they’re a good choice or not.

Apparently made by a higher-end line of a popular brand from Brazil, which has done a lot of good vintage/retro styles.  I’m guessing these are late ’70’s, ’80’s or maybe early ’90’s. It’s a skill to find old retro items now, that still have some of the good quality.

Rivaling the real 1950’s thing enough to be worth picking up.  Such fun!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RECENT FIND – MID-CENTURY PJ’S WITH BOTH ORIGINAL PIECES!!!!!!!!!

IMG_3854A lot of you might not get too excited about these, but I just love, love, love true vintage slinky nylon pajamas!  Nothing else feels like them.  They are so comfortable and fun to wear but, alas, usually the pieces are not found together anymore.  BUT, THIS TIME I did!

In a lovely coral pink that I also love, couldn’t be better.  Thanks for sharing my fun!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM