Tag Archives: beachwear

PRETTY WHITE COTTON MINI FROM MID-CENTURY EUROPE

While I’m missing Stella (my fabulous vintage mannequin model), please use your imagination to visualize how fun and flattering this mini-dress or tunic looks when it’s on. Without my honed sleuthing skills, I never would have found it and am so glad that I did. As a mini-dress (if you don’t mind the side slits showing your whole leg almost to the hip) it’s really cute and calls for a 1960’s/’70’s chain belt to finish it off. As a swimsuit cover-up or beach dress it would be perfect – cool, crisp and lightweight while giving some reasonable sun protection. Over a pair of skinny white pants or shorts I LOVE IT!! Also love the elbow-length sleeves and unusually-shaped neckline.

How do I know it’s from Europe? The size label tells me. How do I know that it’s true vintage? By my guesstimate, a European size 42 would always be too big for me, but I look great in this whether worn as a mini-dress or a tunic over pants. So, the cut seems to be smaller than a modern garment of that size would be. This is always tricky with international sizing, but I think I’m correct. The fabric is a nicely-woven cotton with some weight (but not too much for Summer) and all-over floral embroidery – similar to vintage fabrics that are almost never seen now. Also, the interior tailoring is different from what I find on modern garments. Not fine tailoring, because this is a very simple garment and probably sold at a lower price. However, some of the finishing is remarkable – if it did not have a size label, I might say that it had been home-sewn. It has darts in back to give it extra fit and style. The size label, printed rather than embroidered, is sewn in at the back neckline and there are no other tags at all.

All right, the verdict is in. This dress is probably from the 1970’s, give or take 5 years. Allowances have to be made for the overseas manufacture. Whatever it’s exact heritage, it’s wonderful and I will really enjoy it. I love solving mysteries but an open-ended investigation is always intriguing. Who knows – sometimes I solve a cold case years later! You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FEBRUARY GET-AWAY . . . . LET’S GO TO THE SEASIDE – IN TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY STYLE!

Enough of the freezing temperatures and snow! Our mid-century gal is more than ready for at least 2 weeks at the shore, somewhere with warmth and sun. Plans are almost made but, Jeepers, – it’s time to pack!!

Okay. First thing on the list has to be her swimsuit. It’s too early for an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny bikini, but this cute two-piece will still have the guys looking. Made by Lantz, with a metal zipper in the back of the bottoms – to nip the waist just right. Next, some cotton short shorts by Bobbie Brooks, of course, and a cute white blouse to wear with. Maybe a divided skirt, too, when a little modesty is necessary (we didn’t call them skorts back in the day). Oh, gosh, she’d better pick one of those jackets I showed yesterday, too.

Well, that’s a good start, but she’s just getting going. This packing preparation will take at least two suitcases and probably several days. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEACH BLANKET BINGO! TWO GREAT FINDS FROM THE 1950’S

Super-rare finds! A fluffy two-piece swimsuit for a “beach babe” and baby blue short shorts. I’m really glad these swimsuits have seen their day but it’s fun to look back at the way women used to dress themselves like baby dolls. Both are well-made by iconic labels which were known for their quality. The little glimpse of interior construction shows some of this. The bottoms have a back metal zipper, which was often used on suits of that era.

Although it’s difficult to photograph these garments in a really good way, these short shorts are actually much more smart and flattering than the style which is popular now. They zip on the left side and the fit is sleek. The high waist accents an hourglass figure and prevents any tummy roll. Though the hem is very high on the thigh, nothing hangs out behind. Much more sexy, if that’s what you’re going for. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1950’s PIN-UP SWIMSUIT FOR A VALENTINE’S DAY PHOTO

1950's PIN-UP SWIMSUIT FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY PHOTO.

TRUE VINTAGE SWIMSUIT WITH SKIRT – LATE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S

TRUE VINTAGE SWIMSUIT WITH SKIRT - LATE 1950'S - EARLY 1960'S

This one’s a little later than the suits we’ve just seen – it belonged to a relative years ago. I think it is a Catalina brand.

Abstract floral print, with a cute little figure-saving skirt over the hips. I love the soft colors.

Such a pleasure to receive things from people I know – it’s great to have the inside scoop on the history and care of the garment. And a double plus when I can wear them, too!

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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