Tag Archives: ´60´s

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S MOD ARNEL SHEATH FROM PARIS

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A MOD PRINT IN RARE ARNEL FABRIC!

Moving forward in time 20 years or so, this iconic ’60’s dress is an unusual discovery.  In virtually perfect condition, what a find!

The fabric, Arnel triacetate, was a biggie for a few years but soon gave way to acrylic and polyester.  Granted, there are a few care issues that would have made the change more convenient but we’ve always lost something when those older fabrics were replaced with the “new and improved”.  The sheen and the feel of this material has never been duplicated, as far as I can tell.

Of course, the rarity and special qualities of these old pieces are what give me the biggest kick when I find one!  It would be boring if things made today looked and felt the same. Some day we’ll be able to see this only in museums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S/1960’S TANK SWIMSUIT FROM STOCKHOLM

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MID-CENTURY PRIMITIVE ART PRINT BATHING SUIT

Before leaving the Baltic, I couldn’t believe it! (Oh, yes, I could) . . . . A rare find of this mid-century swimsuit in near-perfect condition.  It’s got that pretty-but-sporty look that was so popular then, in a classic sleek tank style with a mini-skirt effect right at the hips.

Adjustable button straps. molded bra cups and a back metal zipper. Just perfect for one of those tropical island movies of the 1950’s.  And, of course, I carried it away for a mere song.  You just never know  . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

IN THE MEANTIME . . . . . .

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Couldn’t find any record of having shown these to you before, but I’m not sure.  If you’ve seen them, have patience.  I’ll be getting the most recent treasures photographed very soon.

This is the stash that I found just before leaving for the European adventure – mid-century day-dresses, secretary and pretty styles, plus an early 1960’s Wedding gown!

You just never know . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MY FIRST EUROPEAN FIND – BEAUTIFUL MID-CENTURY COSTUME JEWELRY

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BEAUTIFUL TOPAZ(?) LAVALIER AND FILIGREE RHINESTONE BRACELET

These are the two items which I found in England, during our first week. The necklace is from the 1950’s or before, and the bracelet 1960’s.  Use a detail examination of the metalwork – it’s gorgeous.  Yes, they show some wear, but that’s often a plus and no problem on a bargain like this.

It’s possible that the stone in the necklace is a real topaz – I’ll need to have that checked. The bracelet is unquestionably totally faux, but very pretty and has a safety chain.  That’s a feature I LOVE on bracelets and is almost impossible to find on any modern piece.  Such a sensible and elegant-looking addition . . . . .

Although these pieces are not a set, I will wear them together and was so happy to find a pair that coordinate so nicely.  The elegant jewelry finds continue tomorrow, in a new country . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BACK TO THE EARLY SIXTIES – TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S SWIM TRUNKS

BACK TO THE EARLY SIXTIES - TRUE VINTAGE MEN'S SWIM TRUNKS

Gearing up for summer with a pair of true vintage men’s swim briefs.  I think this is a really flattering length – not too short nor too long.

Simple construction with a button at the waist.  These were  a hand-me-down from a family member and I’m so glad to have them in my collection!

Just think of all those vintage beach photos with surfboards and old movies and TV shows – didn’t the guys look so much more hot?

  • I’ve just discovered a women’s suit of the same era in Sweden!  So much to catch you up on, but the sightseeing demands and dodginess of Internet may delay the communique’s in full at least until I’m back at temporary Headquarters.  However,  I’ll do my best to keep you informed from the field.  Stay tuned  . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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WOVEN SUMMER – WEIGHT VERSION OF THE CLASSIC COWBOY HAT – MADE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA BY SMITHBILT

WOVEN SUMMER - WEIGHT VERSION OF THE CLASSIC COWBOY HAT - MADE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA BY SMITHBILT

Just as classic as the wool felt version, this beautiful Smithbilt hat is also of the highest quality.   Not sure when it was made – these enduring styles and handmade constructions are almost ageless.

Contrasting two-tone woven-in design & leather bands inside and out.  The weaving is tight and even.   This hat will also last forever (almost) if it’s taken care of.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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I TURNED MY TRUE VINTAGE DRESS INTO A SLEEVELESS STYLE!

I TURNED MY TRUE VINTAGE DRESS INTO A SLEEVELESS STYLE!

Sometimes I love short sleeves and sometimes I think that they look dowdy on me.  It all depends on the cut and style of the dress, and how it fits my body.

In this case, I decided to remove the sleeves.  It’s very simple to do by carefully taking out the stitching in the seam that attaches the sleeve to the bodice.  Don’t cut into the material – just save the sleeves as they are.  Then you can re-attach them later or include them with the item if you ever decide to sell it.

Finishing off the seam is an easy thing to do, or to have someone else do!  Voila! A sleeveless style, which are favorites of mine.

I’m sure that some of you seamstresses and tailors out there will have comments to make about this. Please do!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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A CLASSIC SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS WITH A STORY

A CLASSIC SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS WITH A STORY

This dress doesn’t shout at you, but it shouted at me and that was why I picked it up.  It is so obviously classic 1960’s and has an interesting label.

I researched the company, Carolina Made, and discovered a small clothing firm in, I believe, South Carolina, USA, which has been selling clothing for decades.  Rather than closing down, as many have done over the years, they have morphed into selling a completely different casual line of t-shirts, shorts and other sportswear that looks like the usual modern styles.

The southeastern U.S. was a clothing manufacturing center for many, many years.  This is where the garments were constructed.  So, this company – regardless of how it has changed – represents that history.

And, this dress also represents the history of classic styles in several ways.  The style has stayed good over several decades, the construction is strong and the colors are basically neutral.  It’s very versatile and useful – the way that we wear jeans today, a dress like this would serve for many activities that an average woman would do in a day in 1964.

The original belt was probably a fabric tie belt – this dress was not even swanky enough to have a buckle belt on it.  It’s a workhorse-type of dress, but with lots of possibilities.

Anyway, that’s the story that it told me and part of the enjoyment I get from hunting for true vintage.  I love stories and you just never know . . . .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY – MID 1960’S LOUNGE-WEAR AND HOSTESS GOWNS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY - MID 1960'S LOUNGE-WEAR AND HOSTESS GOWNS

A change of pace for the weekend – let’s slip into some fabulous-feeling vintage nylon. There’s nothing that feels like it – heavy, smooth, creamy and cool on your skin.  Well, enough of that – this is a vintage fashion blog, not a . . . . . .

These are what the fashionable woman wore at home while relaxing and/or for casual entertaining.  The one on the left is a slip-over design with roses embroidered at the neck. The right-hand style is unique with two fabric layers, a front zipper and long scarf “tails” that can be tied in a bow or crossed in front and thrown over the shoulders.  One is by ShadowLine and the other by a less well-known maker.

Those shoulder “tails” are an interesting feature.  I have a velveteen sheath dress circa about 1960 which has them and also a jacket, which I think comes from the wartime era. Not sure if this style element was something that repeated – I haven’t seen it often.  The color combo on the right has such a characteristic ’60’s look.

When I go sleuthing, or just sorting through my closets, I drift through several decades one after the other.  It’s almost as good as going to the movies . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE SEA BLUE DINNER DANCE DRESS FROM THE LATE ’60S – EARLY ’70S

TRUE VINTAGE SEA BLUE DINNER DANCE DRESS FROM THE LATE '60S - EARLY '70S

This one could have been worn to the Cotillion dinner-dance before the time of Disco. With sheer sleeves and crystal-pleated skirt, it’s a dream of a dress for dancing.  It had no belt when I found it – I think I would put on a skinny tie belt, perhaps with a little sparkle (depending on my jewelry).

Crystal pleats can be really lovely and in this case they have a superb swing, with their trumpet shape. Polyester fabric holds pleats like this really well, so that style was popular when poly was really big.  This dress is very nicely made, by a company that was based in California.

It’s always frustrating to try finding a really good dance dress.  I’ve already shown one and will be posting several more soon because I have a collection!  One thing that was really popular in decades past was social dancing, in a more formal way than we do now. Therefore, there have been mountains of fabulous dresses created to dance in.

I’m always thrilled when I find a super one like this!  Though it’s not meant for funky get-down nights, it would be perfect for most kinds of ballroom dancing (fox trot, swing, tango, waltz, rumba, samba – stuff like that).  Whenever you go to a formal wedding or dance, there’s bound to be some of that – just depends.

Stick with me and I’ll show you all the treasures that I keep uncovering all year. So much fun, because you just never know!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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