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There’s nothing more eye-catching on a plain tailored dress, coat or jacket lapel than an outstanding piece of jewelry. These costume brooches are each signed, by different designers. Whimsical and elegant, women hardly felt dressed without one on back in the day.
From the 1950’s – 1960’s, they are either glamorous or fun. I love the turtle!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Spring flowers abound on this breezy semi-formal dress from the 1960’s. It is lined, but I think that originally a stiff a-line petticoat would have been worn underneath – probably with a crinoline to hold its shape.
However, the print is casual, so the petticoat could no doubt be omitted for an informal party. So up-beat for Easter doings, though a little jacket or warm shawl would also look pretty if it’s cool.
Empire waistline styling with a simple back zip. Although I adore the elegance of the Fifties and before, sometimes the extra simplicity of fashions that took over in the Sixties is refreshing – certainly easier for a quick costume change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s a pretty frock that’s just right for a dinner date, dancing or a semi-formal party. I always love sheer/opaque fabric combinations and a flippy hem that moves so wonderfully.
This dress was from a California designer/company that was popular in the 1960’s and 1970’s. One follower who commented when I first showed it 3 years ago said she would add a silvery belt and sandals. Sounds perfect to me!
Although this particular garment was made a little before the time of “disco nights” in the late Seventies, the style is classic and I’d certainly dance the night away in it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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ANOTHER NEW FIND. SOME OF THOSE AWFUL MID-CENTURY SLACKS, IN BEAUTIFUL CONDITION. THESE ARE SO FUNNY, I COULDN’T RESIST!
With a sports shirt and maybe a dark brown poly sports jacket, you’d be right there in 1970’s style. Put on a different top and jacket and you could go late Sixties. Well, I guess they were cool then, and they’re cool now – for a different reason.
This pair was made by the Haggar company, which did make decent slacks, and they’re in great shape. The fabric feels very nice to touch and I’d wear them, too, if they were in a suitable size.
And the checked pattern – so iconic – much better than similar ones in a plain color. One thing about the poly knits, they did last pretty well if they were taken care of BUT it’s still not common to find men’s garments this well-preserved. So, it’s another treasure for the archives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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CUSTOM-TAILORED VINTAGE FROCKS ARE OFTEN THE MOST INTERESTING!
I love this find! All the details of the talented seamstress’s work are evident here. She was good!
Like many dresses from the Fifties – early Sixties era, this frock is made with a contrasting liner under sheer illusion fabric. The black overlay has flocked design with little reflective accents, like tiny, tiny sequins, sprinkled throughout. The neckline treatment took a lot of skill to create, with many folds and tucks.
The side metal zipper was a standard in many of these early styles. Because it’s a bit shorter, I suspect that the owner was a buxom lady of petite stature or that she shortened the dress over many seasons of wear as the hemlines went up in popular fashion. Although the dress is in exceptional condition, some wear to the flocking shows that it was worn more than once – maybe many times. She loved it!
The original belt is missing and I put one of my own on just for illustration. The sizing is a vintage plus, or half-size as they were known then, and is made for a full figure. Can’t wait to photograph it on Madge, whose measurements will do it some justice!
More new finds tomorrow, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Another treasure from the 1960’s. Sorry my camera/laptop is playing tricks on me again – can’t edit the photo.
This pretty Spring dress was custom-tailored with lots of nice features. Love the Mod bell sleeves – I’ve run across several of these in the past 2 years, all of a sudden. It’s fully lined, with raglan sleeves and an invisible zipper center back.
The seamstress knew her stuff and did a very good job. Although it’s plain, it’s very well-made. The first thing she did right was selecting the fabric – a good quality polyester and/or acetate. The print and colors are gorgeous – SO SIXTIES!!!
Sorry that this isn’t my color palette (makes me look jaundiced) but I’m sleuthing for true vintage fashion – not only things I can wear. So, that didn’t stop me. Never does . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A POPULAR CONSERVATIVE DRESSY STYLE FROM THE EARLY TO MID-1960’S
Can’t wait to photograph this frock on Madge, whose figure will show it off to best advantage. It’s a vintage Junior size 9(which would be about a Misses 6 now) – aimed at teens and young women. Lace overlay (very popular then for special occasion styles), but in matching color rather than a contrast. I could almost see it being worn as a non-traditional wedding dress!
The buttons are gold-tone sculpted metal and there is a gold thread in the lace edging around the neckline, sleeve hems and front placket. The hem is quite wide, so I suspect that someone shortened it – either because they were of petite height or because the mini length was in style when this frock was last worn – 1965 or sometime later . . . . . . . . . . . .
Although I think the design is pretty blase’ (but I’ll have to see it on Madge to make the final judgement), the fabric and tailoring are of excellent quality and it’s always a pleasure to see that.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s somebody’s pretty frock from the Mad Men – Jackie Kennedy era. An off-the-rack design from a middle-income lady’s wardrobe that might help her feel a little bit like Marilyn . . . . . . . .
Many dresses that I’ve found from the early 1960’s that are dressy styles are made with this two-color feature. Sometimes it’s woven together, sometimes it’s a sheer layer over an opaque color that comes through.
In this case, it’s a woven fabric. The style has those characteristic mid-century design elements of decorative bow, 3/4 sleeves, knee-length, a covered belt and wiggle-dress fitting . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This is absolutely one of my best (if not THE best) go-to dresses for almost any occasion – no doubt that I will look stunning and elegant.
A 3-season frock of soft wool knit, with lovely and flattering drape. Look at the graceful folds from the left shoulder and at the waist. Easy fit. So effortless. One piece of fine jewelry, beautiful shoes, a small and elegant handbag and I’m done. Each piece of exceptional quality, but nothing flashy.
This is the type of dress that Jacqueline Kennedy preferred, and it has been seen on many fashionable and well-dressed women for decades.
This one was also an early find, found years ago at the same time as the va-va-voom dress posted day before yesterday and I almost missed it, too! But now, I spy with my little eye EVERYTHING . . . . . . . .. ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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When Spring is springing (or almost) I really like to get into the true navy blue and white and nautical themes that have been classic styles of this season for decades and decades. In this case, the classic double-breasted jacket with a twist – cape styling(!) and a little military feel.
A cute little sailor-style hat would look so great with this (true vintage, of course). Imagine it with skirts, sheath dresses, slacks, jeans, leggings – a true vintage classic can go with all of them, ups the style quotient and lasts for decades because of its high quality.
In this case, there’s wool warmth, too. Much appreciated this year! I’ve loved my vintage military pea jacket for winter, but now it’s time for a change. Perfect outerwear to bridge the seasons from cold to cool in fashionable elegance, with a lighter, brighter feel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGSPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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