MORE DRESSES! 3: ’70’S – ’80’S DOES 1950’S ENGLISH GARDEN HOUR GLASS SUNDRESS

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Dark navy and white, with clear buttons all-the-way down the front.  Almost a tea dress, but very North American.  So smart not to spoil the print and pretty lines while still making it super-easy on and off.  I really appreciate the good tailoring that could still be found on  low- and mid-priced dresses in the Seventies and early Eighties.

Love the nipped-waist fit and cute pocket flaps at the hips.  It’s a simple dress, but with so much FIT and figure-enhancing detail.  It will be another go-to frock on hot days this summer.  Soon we’ll be heading into Fall and even Holiday styles – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE DRESSES! 1: FABULOUS ’70’S OR ’80’S DOES 1940’S HALTER NECKLINE SUNDRESS

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What a pretty frock!  Although it was retro when it was made 30 – 45 years ago, it’s true vintage now and gorgeous.  So glad that summer is far from over – I’ll really enjoy wearing it.

I’ve discovered a treasure trove of dresses and clutch purses lately, so stay tuned . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1970’S COTTON SKIRT AND VEST BY MISTER LEONARD

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Just found this casual but classic 100% cotton plaid set in a beloved style from the mid-Seventies.  Mister Leonard was a popular Canadian clothing label started in 1965, making sportswear that sold in several major department stores.  It prospered until the late 1980’s and finally closed in 1999, due to market pressures and the declining health of it’s founder.

For Summer and into Fall, nothing could be more comfortable and cute than an ensemble like this, which could be worn everyday at home or tricked up a bit for work. Pure cotton clothing is always desirable, but the quality of this fabric sets it apart as well as tailoring details which are uncommon today.

Just my size, too!  Here’s another keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE LATE ’60’S – EARLY ’70’S CALIFORNIA NOUVEAUX HIPPIE DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE '60'S - EARLY '70'S CALIFORNIA NOUVEAUX HIPPIE DRESS

Mod, psychedelic, polyester knit dress – was made just a little past the time of the hey-day of the hippie/back-to-the-land movement.  About the time that popular fashions were beginning to turn back toward mainstream, but still liking the counter-culture vibe in a more modest way.

Prairie-style was also becoming a big thing around this time – leaning more toward Jessica (McLintock) designs than Janice Joplin’s Salvation Army finds.  Also,  polyester was beginning to replace cotton in a big way.

Not quite your pure Love-In roll-a-joint party outfit, but you could still get by with it . . . . . try doing it at a patio party  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A FAVORITE LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE LATE ’60’S – EARLY ’70’S BLACK DRESS

A FAVORITE LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE LATE '60'S - EARLY '70'S BLACK DRESS

This one is SO sweet on!  Hits right above the knee; empire waist with bead trim hanging down, bateau neckline (one of my favorites).

It’s black crepe with an acetate lining and a back zip.  Simple and elegant, and it fits really well.

Who could ask for anything more?  The perfect combination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE MEN’S CLASSIC – MID-CENTURY WESTERN-WEAR COWBOY HAT FROM A DENVER, CO STORE

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE MEN'S CLASSIC - WESTERN-WEAR COWBOY HAT FROM A DENVER, CO STORE

Wool felt with leather interior and exterior hatbands – it’s a quality item that was sold by a western-wear dealer in Denver, Colorado.  This one could be several decades old or just a couple – that’s how durable and stylish true vintage apparel is!

When it’s taken care of, it lasts and lasts and never goes out of fashion.

What could be better than that? Tomorrow we’ll see . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET – TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S / EARLY 1970’S HAWAIIAN DREAMS

ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET - SIXTIES / EARLY SEVENTIES HAWAIIAN DREAMS

Here are two more beauties from Hawaii.  The same fabulous construction and fabric, but slightly more modern art prints.  Don’t you love those colors?  Whenever I find one, I grab it!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BE A LUAU MAMA OR A CHIC WAIKIKI WAHINI

BE A LUAU MAMA OR A CHIC WAIKIKI WAHINI

Since I’ve started getting out the patio frock, here we go – – – – – – Nothing rivals the beautiful workmanship and fabulous fabric found in true vintage Hawaiian fashions from the early Seventies and before.  The colors are incomparable.  The cottons and rayons are practically indescribable.  Men’s shirts are also incredible.

Since at least the 1940’s, dresses made in Hawaii were very desirable for their quality and fit.  Some are exceptionally comfy and relaxed. Others are high-volume sexy or very chic.

Think Mata Hari of the islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE LATE ’60’S CLASSIC SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS – POLY AND PLEATS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE '60'S CLASSIC SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS - POLY AND PLEATS

Classic styling in the fave material of the late ’60’s and early ’70’s.  Poly synthetic that holds color and pleats so well (like forever).  Often called a “secretary dress” today, it’s a conservative style that goes everywhere in a normal day.  Sadly, as you can probably see, by the late 1960’s the quality is beginning to slide – but, it looks much better on a model and has some interesting vintage features making it a worthwhile buy.

I’d put a black belt on to wear and that will give it a really nice shape, as the skirt is fairly full and flippy.  Buxom Madge would put the Va-Voom in this style, but I haven’t taken a new picture with her yet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WHILE WE’RE INTO UNDERWEAR – JUST FOUND: PERFECT SPECIAL-DUTY MID-CENTURY LINGERIE!

I have never had a long-line bra, and lusted after the perfect one for years.  It’s one of those things that has to fit just right or it’s a mess.  Well, not only is this one in my size, but it does just that (fit perfectly)!  Now I’ll be free to debauche in God-only-knows what shameless costumes.

No, probably not.  But, a strapless dress or that plunging neckline . . . . . .YES!!  and, feeling like a ’50’s vixen all the while.

Next, the slip that is not a slip.  It is a “skirt liner” that’s worn like a slip, but is tailored like a skirt with a back zipper and kick pleat and is made of more substantial fabric. Great example of another garment that will come in handy under just the right skirt-cumstances.  Forgive me.

Finally, a peachy split slip to be worn under gaucho pants or any kind of split skirt.  I have a long pair of slacks liners, but sometimes they just won’t do.  So, there!  In one fell swoop, I discovered these ’50’s to ’70’s pieces that will sometimes be indispensable and just right with clothing from those decades.  It pays.  You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM