Tag Archives: ’60’s

MID-CENTURY FINDS ABOUND! TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S NECKTIES FROM THE 1950’S . . . . . .

IMG_1507I don’t have a huge collections of ties, nor have I been into wearing them or sewing with them (I guess I could get a lot more creative in that way).  However, I always keep an eye open for interesting ones and don’t resist when I see them.

These two are from the ’50’s or very early ’60’s.  I love the medallion motifs and interesting geometrical shapes that were common then.  Conservative and elegant but snazzy, too.  Wow, that’s a word from that time that I don’t tend to use, but it fits.

Men always seem to prefer blue, but I like the red . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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CUTE TRUE VINTAGE SUMMER DAY FROCK – ANOTHER EARLY ’60’S FIND!

CUTE TRUE VINTAGE SUMMER DAY FROCK – ANOTHER EARLY '60'S FIND!.

TRUE VINTAGE WORKING GIRL DRESS FROM 1960 – APPLE FOR THE TEACHER?

TRUE VINTAGE WORKING GIRL DRESS FROM 1960 – APPLE FOR THE TEACHER?.

TRUE VINTAGE WORKING GIRL DRESS FROM 1960 – APPLE FOR THE TEACHER?

IMG_1504I love it when I can date a true vintage find to the exact year!  Although this frock is not hugely distinctive, it’s a great example of a specific vintage genre.  I’ve got another to show in a couple of days.

.     This lightweight knit dress (yes, ladies, you’ll need a slip!!) is breezy and practical, with an all-over apple print. Despite the long sleeves,  it’s sheer enough to comfortable in a cool office and would be perfect in a couple of months for the first day of school.  Very professional.

The style is so classic that it’s almost invisible; that is also a basis of elegance.  Skinny self-tie belts were really popular in the early sixties, and I’ve seen them mostly on styles that are classic and streamlined.  Day-wear from that time seems to have verged away from some of the fussy, though beautiful, detailed tailoring of the Forties & Fifties.

So, think old re-runs of popular sit-coms of that year and what the female leads were wearing though, at that time, they’d be mostly housewives . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BLOUSE WITH FANTASTIC ABSTRACT ART

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BLOUSE WITH FANTASTIC ABSTRACT ART.

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BLOUSE WITH FANTASTIC ABSTRACT ART

IMG_1502I just LOVE this shirt with sailboats at anchor in a novelty  abstract print.  When I spied it, I just said WOW!  Rather unusual – it looks like some of the artwork that was hanging in homes early in the 1960’s.

But, it may be from even earlier.  The collar and fabric are a bit of a mystery and the tag is gone. It appears to be a man’s shirt at first glance, but was styled for a woman.

Made to wear over pants or shorts, with little slits in the sides, this blouse is pure casual sports-wear but not as tidy or girly as most women’s things were 50 years ago.

Although I’m tops at closing cases, I do love a mystery . . .. . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S AT-HOME FASHION VELVETEEN ROBE

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S AT-HOME FASHION VELVETEEN ROBE.

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S AT-HOME FASHION VELVETEEN ROBE

IMG_1501So much about this lovely style is quintessential early to mid – 1960’s.  The velveteen fabric (something I’ve seen a lot of in clothing from that era), back metal zipper, bell sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, and just the idea that lounging robes were the popular thing to make and wear at home are all signatures of that time.

No wonder I had to pick this one up when I found it.  Like most I’ve seen, the style is pretty, flattering and quite appropriate for receiving anyone who might show up at the door.  For decades and even centuries past, the art of at-home leisure and entertaining of “callers” was a significant part of life.  These kinds of fashion items seem, for the most part, to have fallen off the radar in recent years. Now, we hang out at home in sweats or super-sexy sleepwear that are not very attractive or practical when the doorbell rings.

But, any true vintage fashion-lover doesn’t worry about that.  We create our own time-space wherever and whenever we want to.  For me, a little swish & snuggle of that cotton velveteen is perfect with morning coffee.  How genteel . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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WAIT, WAIT!! . . . . . LOOK WHAT I FOUND YESTERDAY!!!!!!!

WAIT, WAIT!! . . . . . LOOK WHAT I FOUND YESTERDAY!!!!!!!.

WAIT, WAIT!! . . . . . LOOK WHAT I FOUND YESTERDAY!!!!!!!

IMG_1512Hold the runway show – Here’s Stella, still in the early 1960’s.  Imagine my delight to discover this beautiful evening dress, crafted in Hong Kong where some of the most lovely hand-tailoring was done for decades.

From shoulder to hem, it’s exquisite and deserves a detailed description.  The bodice is a shell of embroidered lacy floral openwork, lined in sheer black and decorated with sequins and beads.  It is made as a separate top which zips up the back and is attached to the dress at the shoulder seams.  Very heavy, with all the bead-work, which would have been applied by hand.

The body of the dress is ivory on top (though you won’t see this), with a classic black crepe skirt.  A crepe bow and 1″ border are attached to the hem of the shell , right at the waist.

Both the dress and attached shell have metal zippers in back so, as with many true vintage fashions, you’ll need an extra pair of hands to help you dress – – whether a partner or a lady’s maid, I can live with that.

Now for the additional little details – full lining in the skirt and a back kick pleat, little hooks and eyes in strategic places and bra strap holders sewn in at the shoulders.

I wonder who bought this, at what shop in what city, and where it was worn . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM