What a pretty frock! Although it was retro when it was made 30 – 45 years ago, it’s true vintage now and gorgeous. So glad that summer is far from over – I’ll really enjoy wearing it.
I’ve discovered a treasure trove of dresses and clutch purses lately, so stay tuned . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just found this casual but classic 100% cotton plaid set in a beloved style from the mid-Seventies. Mister Leonard was a popular Canadian clothing label started in 1965, making sportswear that sold in several major department stores. It prospered until the late 1980’s and finally closed in 1999, due to market pressures and the declining health of it’s founder.
For Summer and into Fall, nothing could be more comfortable and cute than an ensemble like this, which could be worn everyday at home or tricked up a bit for work. Pure cotton clothing is always desirable, but the quality of this fabric sets it apart as well as tailoring details which are uncommon today.
Just my size, too! Here’s another keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Mod, psychedelic, polyester knit dress – was made just a little past the time of the hey-day of the hippie/back-to-the-land movement. About the time that popular fashions were beginning to turn back toward mainstream, but still liking the counter-culture vibe in a more modest way.
Prairie-style was also becoming a big thing around this time – leaning more toward Jessica (McLintock) designs than Janice Joplin’s Salvation Army finds. Also, polyester was beginning to replace cotton in a big way.
Not quite your pure Love-In roll-a-joint party outfit, but you could still get by with it . . . . . try doing it at a patio party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This one is SO sweet on! Hits right above the knee; empire waist with bead trim hanging down, bateau neckline (one of my favorites).
It’s black crepe with an acetate lining and a back zip. Simple and elegant, and it fits really well.
Who could ask for anything more? The perfect combination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
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
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
It is just incredible that these things survive! Although this cute little coat could have been made more recently by a master needle-worker, I’m betting that it’s a mid-century creation. Much prettier in person, the yoke is composed of very intricate-looking sculptural stitches and the yarn feels like angora.
Similar to the one I showed several weeks ago, it’s pink – probably made for a girl back in the day since pink for girls and blue for boys was pretty much what everybody did when it came to babies. There are still some women around who can knit well and a few who have taught themselves in order to revive these old skills. But, they are a rare breed. A classic garment like this is worth collecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
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