Here are two more beauties from Hawaii. The same fabulous construction and fabric, but slightly more modern art prints. Don’t you love those colors? Whenever I find one, I grab it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Tag Archives: 1970’s
BE A LUAU MAMA OR A CHIC WAIKIKI WAHINI
Since I’ve started getting out the patio frock, here we go – – – – – – Nothing rivals the beautiful workmanship and fabulous fabric found in true vintage Hawaiian fashions from the early Seventies and before. The colors are incomparable. The cottons and rayons are practically indescribable. Men’s shirts are also incredible.
Since at least the 1940’s, dresses made in Hawaii were very desirable for their quality and fit. Some are exceptionally comfy and relaxed. Others are high-volume sexy or very chic.
Think Mata Hari of the islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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TRUE VINTAGE LATE ’60’S CLASSIC SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS – POLY AND PLEATS
Classic styling in the fave material of the late ’60’s and early ’70’s. Poly synthetic that holds color and pleats so well (like forever). Often called a “secretary dress” today, it’s a conservative style that goes everywhere in a normal day. Sadly, as you can probably see, by the late 1960’s the quality is beginning to slide – but, it looks much better on a model and has some interesting vintage features making it a worthwhile buy.
I’d put a black belt on to wear and that will give it a really nice shape, as the skirt is fairly full and flippy. Buxom Madge would put the Va-Voom in this style, but I haven’t taken a new picture with her yet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
WHILE WE’RE INTO UNDERWEAR – JUST FOUND: PERFECT SPECIAL-DUTY MID-CENTURY LINGERIE!
I have never had a long-line bra, and lusted after the perfect one for years. It’s one of those things that has to fit just right or it’s a mess. Well, not only is this one in my size, but it does just that (fit perfectly)! Now I’ll be free to debauche in God-only-knows what shameless costumes.
No, probably not. But, a strapless dress or that plunging neckline . . . . . .YES!! and, feeling like a ’50’s vixen all the while.
Next, the slip that is not a slip. It is a “skirt liner” that’s worn like a slip, but is tailored like a skirt with a back zipper and kick pleat and is made of more substantial fabric. Great example of another garment that will come in handy under just the right skirt-cumstances. Forgive me.
Finally, a peachy split slip to be worn under gaucho pants or any kind of split skirt. I have a long pair of slacks liners, but sometimes they just won’t do. So, there! In one fell swoop, I discovered these ’50’s to ’70’s pieces that will sometimes be indispensable and just right with clothing from those decades. It pays. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
JUST FOUND! CUSTOM-TAILORED MID-CENTURY TAFFETA GOWN
This frock was made for a very special occasion. The stylistic features are early mid-century, but I suspect that it was made in the 1960’s or 1970’s. Makes me curious . . . . . .
It’s a war-time/rockabilly/musical performance recital/costume frock that could have almost any of those histories. It’s a bit over-the-top for cocktails. I’m guessing that it was made for someone who was going to a dance or about to sing an aria or perform a concert on the cello.
Whatever! . . . . . . . . . . it’s a fun mystery dress in one of my favorite colors. If it weren’t for the bones in the bodice (awkward packing issue), I’d add it to my selection of disguises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE TAP PANTS FROM THE 1920’s, 1930’S, 1940’S AND ?! 1970’S
To wear with a pretty brassiere or camisole, these were the underpants of the ’20’s, ’30’s and ’40’s. In the 1970’s they also came back for a while, though not as sumptuous or luxurious as the originals.
Clockwise, 12, 3 and 6 o’clock are the older ones, made of silk with hand-done embroidery and lace. They also close with buttons on the left side. At 9 o’clock, the newer pair from the ’70’s is of nylon and has nice lace, with an elastic waistband. It also has a matching camisole.
Look at those luscious colors! And, the silk is so smooth and comfy. In most cases, a garter belt and hose would also be worn with these, since women were usually wearing skirts or dresses, and those were often loose-fitting. Nothing there to cramp your Charleston, Lindy or Jitterbug style.
You know what I’d rather wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
STICKING WITH TRUE VINTAGE ACCESSORIES – ANOTHER GREAT FIND
Couldn’t pass up this gorgeous mid-century silk scarf by Echo. That company always made scarves in the proper way – usually of silk, and with hand-rolled edges. Good scarves can still be found here and there (especially in Europe) but they are rare and ungodly expensive.
Our female (and some male) forebears wore beautiful scarves and ascots regularly; sometimes as a part of their daily wardrobe and sometimes with dressier outfits – almost as standard as a hat. Every lady had several tucked into her top dresser drawer. European men wore them in place of ties.
Although I love funny designs and little prints, this stripe is a classic and easy to pair with many basic black tops, dresses, jackets or coats. Of course, there are plenty of less common ways of wearing them – tied to a handbag or in the hair. Can’t have too many . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BEAUTIFUL VAL MODE RETRO 1940’S PEIGNOIR
There are already at least a couple of dressing gowns in my collection that date from the 1930’s – 1940’s and are made in a similar style. So, although this was was made 30 to 40 years later and the fabric isn’t as nice, it’s pretty true to the design.
I’ll sometimes pick up retro items made by famous vintage makers because they do a pretty good job. This one still qualifies as “true vintage” because of being at least 30 years old, but the real 1940’s would always be my favorite!
Anyway, a pretty find and worth adding to my treasures.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
CLASSIC SUNDRESS BY HENRI BENDELL
Here’s the example I promised yesterday – by the iconic Paris designer, Henri Bendel, a summer frock of exceptional fit and construction. Although this dress may be no more than 8 years old since the company stopped selling clothing in 2009, it’s quality and pedigree made it worth picking up.
I also have a suit by Henri Bendel, made in the 1960’s. The design and tailoring of his garments are exquisite. Although this sundress does not look like anything special hanging here, it fits beautifully (my size!) and is very well-made.
If only for the legacy of this classic Parisian designer, I was happy to find it and will wear it with pleasure . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
LOVE MID-CENTURY HOUSE DRESSES – HERE’S A WONDERFUL NEW FIND!
Following in yesterday’s footsteps, here’s another summer-weight find but so cute that I had to pick it up. I haven’t seen true vintage plaid house-dresses often, and I just LOVE them. Wish you could feel this fabric – it’s the softest cotton imaginable – been loved and washed for many years and still looks wonderful!
Nothing could be simpler and more classic than this design, but it’s well-constructed and built to last. Ruffles around the pocket and pretty embroidery trim. It’s nice when practical clothing is also elegantly well-made and just plain fun. Makes housework like play-day (if your imagination is good!)
So, enjoy. Tomorrow we’ll get to see more new-to-me true vintage dresses (they’re ALWAYS true vintage) but still for every season of the year. If you travel, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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