Back in the ‘ 50’s and ’60’s, purses made of woven materials like reeds, wicker, raffia, synthetic strands and other natural and natural-looking things were really popular. Some were decorated with whimsical designs and were very casual. Some were trimmed in leather and were almost dressy. Most were in-between, for everyday use.
I’ve found a ton of these over the years because they were so popular and are not really old, as vintage fashion items go. So, it did not really tax my sleuthing skills but, finding the best of these items in good condition can still be a challenge.
This one is a real cutie, with just enough attitude because of it’s structured shape and leather trim to have some high-fashion aspirations like lunching and club-prowling, which it may realize under some conditions.
However, it’s still just basically a small-time, hand-crafted little purse, even though it is from British Hong Kong. I don’t hold that against it one bit. Every wardrobe should have at least two or three of this genre, as they’re very versatile.
And, just like my example here, they often come from some pretty exotic places . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
I’m not sure where this would have been worn in the late 1940’s or early ’50’s. Probably to a party, dance or some dressy but non-formal event.
It’s beautiful in it’s cut and drape. The back has a low dip (not to the waist). There’s a bit of Grecian feel to it with the folds around the bodice. Just another of those lovely frocks that women loved then.
The fabric is relatively heavy – a polished cotton in medium aquamarine blue. Maybe it’s cornflower blue. The welts across the skirt add to the quintessentially beautiful tailoring we almost always see from that time.
The skirt is almost a full circle, so it’s just made for dancing. There’s no crinoline – so it is from before “that” time, though you could easily put one under, and maybe someone did . … . .. you just never know . . . . . . . . . . .
Mortgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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The dresses made of this smooth, drapey, slinky synthetic (probably polyester) material were all over in the mid-to late ’50’s. The styles were usually very much the same, with a covered belt (this one doesn’t match the original), a side zipper and short sleeves.
I’ve got many versions of this. This one looks pretty plain but, on the right figure, VAVOOM! I guess that’s the way with anything if it fits right, but this fabric is one of those that just swings and sways with you and follows the body nicely. They knew how to do that in the ’30’s and ’40’s, too.
Madge shows it off nicely. This one is by a company called Tiffany.
These dresses are never lined excepting, perhaps, around the neckline. They’re usually in some kind of abstract or stylized print – sometimes in very bright colors, and generally have a plain neckline.
This is a good example of an average style that, when it is well cut and fitted on the right body, looks great! True vintage garments usually do because they have the expert construction and design that makes clothing very flattering and elegant.
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
I just loved it when I found this! I still have two decorated circle skirts that relatives had picked up in Mexico. They were very popular in the ’50’s as souvenir items from a trip south of the border. Also, I’ve found several Native American blouse and skirt sets from that time. My mother had one which she, sadly, gave away without thinking I’d want it(!?#+!)
These were all the rage(?) in the late ’50’s – early ’60’s and lots of women bought them during a trip out west. Those who were fortunate to live out west often made them at home. They were made and sold by the Navajo tribe primarily, I believe – decorated in bright colors with yards of ric-rac, braid and ribbon.
If this one was not from the southwest, it was a take-off on that style. Always made of cotton,- this one is, too, with silver ric-rac and braid trim.
Tons of fun to wear! Although the native costumes would have a matching blouse, a sleeveless or short-sleeved white blouse looks really good. In the ’50’s, peasant blouses with elasticized necklines that could be worn off-shoulder were a big thing.
This is really an iconic style from back in the day. I’m glad to have several of them. As I said, they originated from aboriginal peoples in various countries and the gringos fell in love with them. Can’t argue with that!
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
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