Tag Archives: ’60s

TRUE VINTAGE PRAIRIE DRESS FIND – FROM THE U.S. SOUTHWEST

IMG_1673Here’s a much better picture of the frilly Prairie-style gown that I found in Santa Fe.  It’s from the Sixties or Seventies and might have been worn to a dance or some kind of historical event but, if that’s your style, it could look nice as a day dress.

The fabric is very sheer, but the dress is lined.  The details are very pretty, and carefully applied.  Though I’m not sure when/where I’ll wear it, picking up such a good example of an era is always worthwhile.

Come to think of it, it’s a piece that would make a good starting point for a great Halloween costume . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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FOUND YESTERDAY – THE CUTEST TRUE VINTAGE CHRISTMAS DRESS IN THE WORLD!!!

IMG_1686IMG_1687Well, probably – it would certainly have a huge chance of winning the contest!  Don’t you love the collar?  And the bright red wool.  It’s party time!

There’s no label – I suspect the dress was custom-tailored.  And, for a woman a lot shorter than Stella – the hem should at least be at the knee and the sleeves a tiny bit longer because I’d date it about 1960.

It’s finds like this that make my day – but there’s lots more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

MY LAST “NEW” FIND – SWEET TRUE VINTAGE WHITE EYELET BLOUSE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA From the same era as yesterday’s dress, this is my last “new” find. Although at first glance it looks like many things made recently, it’s not – and everything I said yesterday applies to it, too.

It’s just a cut above things made now and I’ll enjoy wearing it because it makes ME look better! The styling and fit are superior.

The peasant/farm girl/hippie clothing made in the late ’60’s and early ’70s is so fun and flattering that I always snap it up when I find it. Nothing of that style made since then seems to look as good.

So, I’m heading home soon with a dozen or more finds that I’m very happy with! Vegas was also pretty slim pickin’s, but they’re out there. It’s such a transient city that there may not be as many women still here whose treasures from decades past will find their way into the secondary market. Most of the classic glam and glitz came and went . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY DAY DRESS – THE FINDS KEEP COMING . . . . . . . .

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAHere’s another T.V. day frock that I love. To an uneducated eye, it looks like something modern. Actually, this dress is from the late 1960’s to mid-1970’s. Very sweet and simple style and totally practical for everyday wear.

I’d much rather have it in my wardrobe than any of it’s similar lookalike cousins that were made recently. Until you’ve experienced the difference, you won’t know how much better it feels. Until you’ve owned one and used it, you won’t appreciate it’s superior qualities and how they can improve your life.

Sometimes the differences are subtle, but always valuable. The material is nicer, details of better quality and the cut is a little better. Which means – that it will fit in a more flattering way, last longer, perform better in the wash and feel better to wear. If you’re also helping the planet and your budget while preserving fashion history and quality workmanship, what could be better? Well, we’ll get in to that another time . . . . . . .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

I KEEP FINDING TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BLOUSES – SWEET!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Been having such good fortune with a few rare items turning up for me all month. Love these two – both from the 1960’s or early 1970’s:

1. more black & white in my favorite boat-neck, cap sleeve, pullover style. The only thing missing is the original belt, but that won’t be a big deal to replace. The polyester fabric has a really nice hand. Take a look at the label. It’s a small maker that is new to me – such fun to find!
2. this classic button-front style has such great stripes! It’s the print and colors that made it stand out from the crowd. Takes me right to the late ’60’s and I will love wearing it.

If you love the Sixties and the Beatles music, I recommend the LOVE show by Cirq de Soliel here in Las Vegas. Came highly recommended to me and I pass that on . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

RARE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY ’60’S ORLON POLO SWEATER

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Beautiful Orlon acrylic is just the best for the comfy and pretty sweaters that were part of everyday wardrobes mid-century. Almost nothing feels softer and lighter, excepting a top-quality cashmere.

In a pretty butterscotch color, this sweater will be so easy to wear! It’s rare to discover one, because knits can be so vulnerable over time. Besides its wonderful feel, true vintage Orlon seems to pill less than the acrylics common today – and that is always a very welcome feature.

This one will be so pretty with skirts and slacks. I love the tiny buttons at the neckline – there is another little one right under the collar, too. And, the style! The Peter Pan collar and short sleeves are so classically flattering and feminine on a woman yet work equally well when designed for a man.

Uh, oh – elegance spotted again . . … . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES DAY DRESS – IT’S A MAD, MOD, MID-CENTURY WORLD

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA What a fun find! Classic black and white knit dress by Caron of Chicago, in the most marvelous mod, op-art design.

It’s a beauty! Haven’t seen one by this brand name in a while, so I love catching up with a previous acquaintance. Although this classic style will never go out of fashion, the graphic is so eye-catching that it will always seem new and avant guarde.

What a great example of fashion artistry!! We always love the “timelessly elegant” design that is never flashy, but eternally beautiful and ageless no matter when it was made – but there’s also this category of knock-your-socks-off great designs that look fabulously new and fresh, even though they’re 50 years old!!!

No wonder its first owner took such good care of it, but then, treasure is always worth safeguarding. Quality true vintage – just like a pot of gold . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-1960´S PARTY FORMAL – FOR PROM OR ANOTHER SPECIAL OCCASION

SWEET SIXTEEN IN THE SIXTIES

SWEET SIXTEEN IN THE SIXTIES

I´d love to have Stella here now!  This innocent, cotton-candy gown is just right for a petite figure like hers – made to fit a teen-age girl like Buddy Holly´s Peggy Sue, but about 10 years later.  Lace and bows and sheer pastels, plus an ankle-length hem  – all the things that used to be standard for a Prom dress back in the day.

It´s just so iconic of that time – in between some of the sophistication that was coming out in the late Fifties and very early Sixties, and before the Mod fashions hit hard.  Less elegant or frilly, a little more casual, but VERY sweet and girly.

We´re so lucky that many women of the Sixties and before tended to hang on to their favorite ¨special¨ dresses for decades, preserving them for fashion archivists and those of us who adore true vintage today!  The best treasure is usually buried pretty deep . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1960´S BLOUSES ON THE RUNWAY THIS WEEK – NEW TREASURES

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I couldn´t believe my good fortune last week – half a dozen blouses, as well as shoes and dresses.  These are somewhat rare finds, so I always do a happy dance!

Yes, they look very unremarkable in the photos, but I think you trust my snooping skills well enough to follow along while I explain what is so cool about them.

The blouse on the left is in a wonderful, semi-sheer and shimmery mid-century synthetic fabric that is just so pretty.  It also has darts at the shoulders, front and back, that not only make the fit special but also are pretty details that can be seen.  The little Peter Pan collar is very feminine and early ´60´s all the way!

On the right, a Levis shirt is just special in it´s casual sort of way for the fit and the ´60´s sportswear flavor that it will add to my high-waist blue jeans – a favorite everyday look when I´m at home.

Although you might think that “I could go to Walmart and buy shirts like that any time . . . .”, no, no, no.  These jumped out at me from the midst of a crowded rack and they´ll do the same when I wear them.  People who pay attention to fashion – even in a casual sort of way – can usually spot it when they see someone wearing something a little bit different, even if they don´t know why . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY – FABULOUS BLACK & WHITE LEATHER PUMPS AND A GREAT BAG

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Aren’t these shoes beautiful? The design is so unique, and the quality is wonderful. Smooth white and black patent leather.

This handbag is vinyl and like so many from the 1950’s and 1960’s – HOWEVER, I like it because it has two full compartments, a mid-night navy satin lining, sewn vinyl handle rather than a chain and smart-looking hardware. It’s a great partner to these marvelous shoes, which . . . . .

will never go out of style and will always get attention and compliments!!!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM