This shirt was very ordinary in its day and not too stylish but, for Yours Truly Magicvintagespy, it was a plum to be picked because of its perfect parking spot in the mid-1950’s era. A garment like this has lots to say about its history.
It was home-sewn, of cheap synthetic knit material in a print that was designed with the Atomic and coming Computer Ages in mind. Much less elaborate and artistic than the boats at harbor on yesterday’s blouse, but more characteristic of the time when it was made.
The buttons, too, are interesting (take a close-up look) and are good examples of the stemmed plastic ones that were commonly made in the mid-century. Lots of them had novelty shapes and fun designs, even if they were very cheap. Many buttons of that era are gorgeous works of art, but that’s another story . . . . . . . . . .
Some time maybe I’ll do a post of my true vintage button collection.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I just LOVE this shirt with sailboats at anchor in a novelty abstract print. When I spied it, I just said WOW! Rather unusual – it looks like some of the artwork that was hanging in homes early in the 1960’s.
But, it may be from even earlier. The collar and fabric are a bit of a mystery and the tag is gone. It appears to be a man’s shirt at first glance, but was styled for a woman.
Made to wear over pants or shorts, with little slits in the sides, this blouse is pure casual sports-wear but not as tidy or girly as most women’s things were 50 years ago.
Although I’m tops at closing cases, I do love a mystery . . .. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
So much about this lovely style is quintessential early to mid – 1960’s. The velveteen fabric (something I’ve seen a lot of in clothing from that era), back metal zipper, bell sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, and just the idea that lounging robes were the popular thing to make and wear at home are all signatures of that time.
No wonder I had to pick this one up when I found it. Like most I’ve seen, the style is pretty, flattering and quite appropriate for receiving anyone who might show up at the door. For decades and even centuries past, the art of at-home leisure and entertaining of “callers” was a significant part of life. These kinds of fashion items seem, for the most part, to have fallen off the radar in recent years. Now, we hang out at home in sweats or super-sexy sleepwear that are not very attractive or practical when the doorbell rings.
But, any true vintage fashion-lover doesn’t worry about that. We create our own time-space wherever and whenever we want to. For me, a little swish & snuggle of that cotton velveteen is perfect with morning coffee. How genteel . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Hold the runway show – Here’s Stella, still in the early 1960’s. Imagine my delight to discover this beautiful evening dress, crafted in Hong Kong where some of the most lovely hand-tailoring was done for decades.
From shoulder to hem, it’s exquisite and deserves a detailed description. The bodice is a shell of embroidered lacy floral openwork, lined in sheer black and decorated with sequins and beads. It is made as a separate top which zips up the back and is attached to the dress at the shoulder seams. Very heavy, with all the bead-work, which would have been applied by hand.
The body of the dress is ivory on top (though you won’t see this), with a classic black crepe skirt. A crepe bow and 1″ border are attached to the hem of the shell , right at the waist.
Both the dress and attached shell have metal zippers in back so, as with many true vintage fashions, you’ll need an extra pair of hands to help you dress – – whether a partner or a lady’s maid, I can live with that.
Now for the additional little details – full lining in the skirt and a back kick pleat, little hooks and eyes in strategic places and bra strap holders sewn in at the shoulders.
I wonder who bought this, at what shop in what city, and where it was worn . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Does an undercover investigator without a “control” ever have a home base? I don’t think so . . . . .
But, in my case there’s got to be a Wardrobe Central to return to and I have. The “new” items are cataloged and about to be filed. There’s been a run of true vintage Sixties fashions this spring and it’s still spilling into summer!
They’re all classic, but not classified – so public posts of the latest collection begin tomorrow. Stay tuned . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY]
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Magicvintagespy 