These shirts are small men’s or large boys’ sizes that I can (just) wear and I LOVE THEM!!!! The fun stitching detail on the blue one and the fabulous print designs on the red ones are wonderful.
These were all commercially – made garments. The boys’ ones may have been sold in chain stores like J.C. Penney or Sears and Roebuck or Montgomery Ward – maybe elsewhere.
The boys’ shirts are made of a quite substantial cotton and the blue one, which is a man’s size, is lighter weight and might be a vintage rayon fabric, which is almost always really nice because of how it feels and fits.
Of course, these shirts don’t have a feminine fit, but still can look amazing on us girls and are so much fun to wear. A really nice edge-into-Fall element for your wardrobe, and I’ll be showing more . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s a very pretty cotton shirtwaist style – probably from the early ’60’s, but could be 1950’s. I especially like the fabric, colors and the cut of this one. Although I have lots of nice dresses of similar design, I get more compliments when I wear it.
The dress has a label (it was not custom – made) and a really attractive neckline, to me. The type and cut of the collar is especially flattering. It also has an artistic- shaped asymmetrical belt buckle, rather than a plain rectangular one.
Just goes to show, vintage fashion never gets boring and elegance is never “plain”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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These two dresses are examples of fashions made and sold in the U.S. Southwestern states (Arizona, New Mexico mostly). They are inspired by traditional Native American designs and may have been made by Native Americans. My warm-weather wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without them.
Outfits like this were especially popular in the 1950’s and early 1960’s. Some from the 1940’s have been seen. Tourists often returned from vacations with one and non-Native people who lived in the region wore them a lot. It was a real craze for a while.
Ric-rac and braid trim on bright cotton material was popular. The skirts are big and swingy – usually full circle. I have more to show – some have interesting tailoring details on the blouses. Love ’em!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here are two cotton blouses that are made of quintessential vintage fabrics. I haven’t seen others like them made this way in modern clothing (meaning since about 1975 at the latest).
The first blouse is made of cotton seersucker. This has been a trademark summer fabric since the 1920’s, I’d say – probably before. It is known for being cool and having a nice texture that stands up to heat and humidity.
The second blouse, with the Peter Pan collar and 3/4 sleeves that can be rolled up, is a lightweight cotton blend. These were super-popular in the ’50’s and early ’60’s and, as simple as they look, there’s not been a fabric that performs like this since.
Of course, I like the style details, too – the large buttons and banded scoop neck collar on #1 and the dainty collar and 3/4 sleeves on #2. True vintage blouses are often cut much better, also, so the fit is more flattering. Of course, adding Spandex and Lycra to fabric blends makes for killer fits, but they have their own care and wear problems.
The moral of the story always is: Lookalikes come and go, but there’s nothing like the real deal when it comes to true vintage fashion. It’s hard to fool a seasoned investigator . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
From the ’50’s with a back center zipper, longer skirt and skinny, covered belt. White piping detail around the neck and armholes and lovely floral embroidery + applique’ on the skirt. Too bad it doesn’t show well in this photo.
This dress is very feminine and is another that can be casual or semi-dressy, depending on how you wear it. In any case, it always looks cool, classic and lady-like.
It has no label so who knows where it was made. Finds like this one are rare, but not for me . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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