Tag Archives: buying

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! 1950’S NEEDLE-WORK PATTERNS THAT FOLLOWED RUNWAY FASHION IN EUROPE . . .

IMG_1478McCall’s magazine  was a real stand-by for our thrifty and talented Grandmas who wanted to keep up with the latest fashion trends.  They could knit and crochet wardrobes that kept them feeling stylish at a fraction of retail costs, and have a lot of fun doing it!

From what I’ve seen online, the well-known pattern makers for seamstresses like Butterick and Simplicity did the same and were even more popular.  Practically every home had a sewing machine, but some women probably still had the skills to do everything by hand if necessary.

Although it was a lot of work and must have felt like another chore in times of necessity like the Depression, it also gave women a lot of creative freedom.  When they had the time and the funds to  be choosy about fabrics and to adapt their own touches to a pattern or add decorations, knowing how to do this and having the support of companies that sold the things that they needed was a real relief from economic and social limitations that may have faced them every day.

Today, people find that creative freedom by doing things online and go to Walmart to ease their financial hardships during tough times, but it’s not the same.  Somehow, the old way seems more attractive in some ways.  Your thoughts?

By the way, I’ve got several fabulous “new” discoveries and am preparing them to show you . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE FLOWER POWER MID-1960’S DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE FLOWER POWER MID-1960'S DRESS.

TRUE VINTAGE FLOWER POWER MID-1960’S DRESS

Back to Mad Men times . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE FLOWER POWER MID-1960'S DRESS

Someone custom-tailored this dress in about 1965. I put the tie belt around it just for effect, but it is an A-line style, which can be worn belt-less, too.

Although it doesn’t show well in this photo, the neckline is a wide, high scoop with a collar. The material is unusual in that it is fairly heavy and is almost embroidered with the floral pattern – not printed. The style and flower design, plus the back metal zipper, are the clues to its age. Although many copycat styles and designs are on the market now, this one just looks different and you have to have a trained eye and know the details to spot it.

It’s always fun to suddenly see a dress like this, because it immediately transports me to the ’60’s and all the mod and English influence that was popular then. That’s what everybody wore, who was…

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TRUE VINTAGE SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS FROM THE 1950’S

TRUE VINTAGE SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS FROM THE 1950'S.

TRUE VINTAGE SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS FROM THE 1950’S

One of my best favorites . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE SHIRTWAIST DAY DRESS FROM THE 1950'S

This style was everywhere from about 1945 to about 1965, I think. In house dress to day dress styles, the shirtwaist with full skirt was a classic fashion. I remember my mother wearing them.

Some had fabric-covered buckle belts and some, like this one, had tie belts. All kinds of prints or solids were seen.

I love this one, which is a semi-sheer material in a print with a French motif. Not a bit high-end; just the average do-what-the-day-requires outfit for a modern 1950’s housewife.

This one came my way from a relative, which makes it very special . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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TWO WONDERFUL MEN’S SHORT-SLEEVED SHIRTS – TRUE VINTAGE 1970’S & RETRO

TWO WONDERFUL MEN'S SHORT-SLEEVED SHIRTS – TRUE VINTAGE 1970'S & RETRO.

TWO WONDERFUL MEN’S SHORT-SLEEVED SHIRTS – TRUE VINTAGE 1970’S & RETRO

Super Spring & Summer Shirts for the Guys . . .. ..

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TWO WONDERFUL MEN'S SHORT-SLEEVED SHIRTS - TRUE VINTAGE 1970'S & RETRO

I LOVE these shirts! Of course, I can’t wear them (WAY too big), but I couldn’t resist anyway. The photo doesn’t show you the details well, so I’ll describe. Let’s start with the true vintage shirt on the right.

This one was made in Hawaii in the 1960’s or ’70’s. Beautiful heavy 100% cotton fabric that is so characteristic of true vintage garments made there before about 1975. Since that time, the fabric usually isn’t so nice, nor the construction. My apologies to Hawaiian clothing-makers if there are exceptions.

The prints on these materials are also superb – nice designs and astounding colors. The label and the buttons used are also good clues as to the age of the shirt.

The shirt on the left is retro – probably 1980’s – but it is such a nice reproduction of a 1950’s to early 1960’s men’s shirt that I decided to…

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TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940’s – EARLY 1950’s TEA LENGTH GOWN OR PARTY DRESS

Need something to wear for dancing around the Maypole?

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940s - EARLY 1950s TEA LENGTH GOWN OR PARTY DRESS

Easter is past (for another year) but Spring isn’t over yet and tomorrow is May Day.  Although it  might not be a day for teas or luncheons or other events which call for a dressy frock, it is still celebrated in some places.  If you know about any May Day celebrations, I’d like to hear!

Shown over a slip, this dress is made of a semi-sheer cotton (maybe a blend) in a blue and violet floral print. It has a vintage nylon zipper mid-back. The skirt length is mid-calf to ankle, depending on the height of the woman wearing it.  The gathered bodice and high waist (again, depending on the wearer) are so pretty.

Not  quite semi-formal – just a pretty frock for a special occasion. I was so thrilled to find it!  Someone kept it for many years.  It’s always important to have at least one of these in…

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TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940’s – EARLY 1950’s TEA LENGTH GOWN OR PARTY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940's – EARLY 1950's TEA LENGTH GOWN OR PARTY DRESS.

ANOTHER FUN FIND! HIPPIE ’60’S CASUAL CHIC HAWAIIAN PATIO LOUNGE-WEAR DRESS

ANOTHER FUN FIND! HIPPIE '60'S CASUAL CHIC HAWAIIAN PATIO LOUNGE-WEAR DRESS.