Just when the 1960’s treasures were beginning to feel a little hum-drum, up comes a beautiful men’s item that pulls me back to post-war days and some of the best old movies. Stay tuned – I’ll publish it tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
“For Active Americans” on the label – famous baseball star Ted Williams had his own sportswear line that produced outerwear, mostly, from the 1950’s – 1970’s and was sold by Sears & Roebuck and at Simpson Sears in Canada. What an interesting item with history that I did not know!
Although this may have been a men’s or boy’s jacket, I think it is unisex. Small – medium on a sportswoman with room for a heavy sweater underneath and FULL of pockets with sturdy metal zippers and features that would be very handy for a hiker, day-camper, cross-country skier (or hunter – some were made for this). I guess the big pocket across the back was called a “small game pocket” but it would be PERFECT for carrying a lightweight sleeping bag or tent or many other trekking supplies with space above to allow a day-pack to hang.
Virtually unused condition, warm and toasty with a quilted lining and rib-knit cuffs and collar. I hope to go to Montana next year, and this would be a great thing to take along! Reminiscent of mid-century family vacations to the national parks – there’s a whole Happy Days/Kennedy era novel inspired by this one. Tomorrow I’ll show you it’s sophisticated sister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although we do Christmas marketing almost year-round, back in the mid-century time no one thought seriously about Christmas stuff until after the American Thanksgiving in late November. But, if you’re making lots of your gifts . . . . .
McCalls needlework magazine promoted doing just that – to economize as well as adding a personal touch. Can you imagine getting all that done ?!
For many of our grandmothers, that was just part of the day-to-day. And, they did produce beautiful things – from hats, gloves, sweaters, socks and scarves to dolls & their clothing, tablecloths & bedspreads, just to name a few.
I love discovering some special true vintage handmade item that was probably made as a gift or a table decoration for a special family holiday. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Yes, it’s that time of year again. I don’t know how many of you had mothers or grandmas who made most of your wardrobe, all year long – BUT, it was not at all unusual back in the day. And, aren’t these cute and good-looking! I’ll bet no one else would have had one like it.
These kinds of needlework magazines with patterns were really popular and there used to be little knitting shops around that sold all the necessary supplies. When I was cleaning out some of the OLD family stuff recently, I found a lot of knitting needles of every size and configuration you can imagine. I couldn’t begin to understand how they were used . . . . .
In these old magazines that were given to me, I’ve seen ads for knitting machines, too – something small that you could set up and use at home. Although I can’t imagine devoting the time it would take to make these garments really well, they are SO beautiful that it seems it was well worth it.
I’d love to hear about your own family stories . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: HOW TO FIND THE BEST THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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Here’s a collection of neckties that span from the early ’50’s to the late ’60’s. Brand names include Wembley and others (which I’ve forgotten at the moment). Some are of silk, some of rayon blend and some of polyester.
Although the widths vary a lot from decade to decade, I don’t think that I would let that keep me from wearing the one I wanted to if I were a man. They can all look sharp and interesting or fun.
It’s not difficult to find these now. Once in a while I check for them. They even make nice belts for women’s clothing sometimes, and women did wear them as ties, too, in 1967 when the British Carnaby Street fashions were really in. You can wear a skinny one for an Annie Hall look, or whatever.
When it comes to wearing vintage fashion, anything goes . . . . . . .
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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Costume jewelry for the guys, though they may be sterling silver. Sets like this were standard dress-wear for men in the mid-century and before. These came through my family, but I always nab nice ones when I find them.
They are by SWANK, in their original packages. The set on the left, with pearls, were sold at a hometown menswear store. The set on the right was packaged especially for a department store. Perfect with your ’50’s,’60’s or ’70’s dress shirt (and tie).
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
What a surprise it was to run across these! Finding true vintage slacks is rare – especially any that are this old. Finding nice slacks, with their belt, hardly worn and a perfect fit is a miracle!!! Just like they were made for ME (maybe they were . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .) though I feel just like Katherine Hepburn . . . .
These are a small plaid weave in grey and ivory. They are “man-tailored” with a zip fly, front and back pockets. But, the fit is NOT man-tailored!
Notice the straight legs and cuffs. The other pairs of ’40’s pants I own have a very long crotch or very wide legs. They’re lovely fun, but I like the sexy fit of these. I suppose it’s possible that they were men’s pants, though they button in the wrong direction. But, I’ve got hips for sure, and a small waist so I would doubt it. Anyway, who cares!
I treasure mid-century blouses that are perfect with my true vintage skirts and slacks. Always on the lookout for just the right jacket 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
You see how classic – this robe is made in the same style as the one I showed a few days ago, with the same, now rare, black satin trim. However, the feel is completely different.
This robe is of Sanforized cotton, in a very traditional medallion print. The fabric is slightly lighter-weight and much more “conservative”.
I suspect that this robe is also from the 1950’s, or the late 1940’s. Menswear has rarely been as lavish as women’s and this one was not a luxury item, but these satin-trimmed robes are special.
Makes me think of a man of distinction; a real big spender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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