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
I love the colors of this dress. Blues and violets in a funny, abstract print that looks like computer cards from back in the day. It’s a happy dress that reminds me of the show Happy Days.
There’s no label, so it might have been home-made, but done so well that who would care? I was just watching a movie about swing dancing and saw a lot of frocks that looked like this.
Swing dancing is one of the most joyful things I can imagine . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I’ve got lots more dresses to show, but I’ll also be showing quite a few blouses and shirts. These are a dressier variety, from the ’40’s and ’50’s.
The first one, left to right, is a silk blouse by Lady Manhattan. It’s plain and could be worn for everyday, but is also classic & lovely enough to wear for a night out. The sleeves can be rolled up and it’s very well-tailored.
The second blouse is of linen with embroidery. Meant to be worn with a skirt. It buttons up the back. I’ve recently found a wonderful wool blend ’80’s does ’40’s swing skirt that will be perfect . . . . .
The third blouse has embroidery and applique’ trim at the neck and is some kind of rayon blend, I think. They’re all beautiful and a testament to the elegance of common clothing then – items that the “average” woman might have owned. I wonder who she was? . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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