i bought this little blouse in about 1977. It is by a company called Nirvana (not the same as the stores that have been around lately or the music group of the same name). Made in India, of cotton. Again, it looks a lot like stuff sold today. The only differences are that the cotton fabric is nicer and the embroidery design is done better than what I usually see now. The stitching is also better – one reason why I still have it after 36 years!
Although it would look better on my mannequin, Madge, there is no special fit. The shoulder straps are adjustable and the waist is a drawstring tie. Mostly, it’s very typical of the time it was made – the sort of thing that everybody wore in the summer.
Most of my true vintage is older than this and has much more interesting style, which is very different from today (excepting for the copycats, if you don’t look too closely). But, I thought I’d go ahead and share these to show you that the differences between true vintage and modern are still there, but are harder to spot after the 1960s.
This fine leather jacket is from the early 1960s. It is fully lined with a glossy acetate satin material. The tailoring is impeccable, made of high quality leather that lasts for decades. There is only one thing that is not original and that is the buttons. When I found it, one of its leather-covered buttons was missing, so I substituted vintage plastic buttons. Some other style, perhaps of wood or braided leather might look nice, too. That’s one reason that I keep a collection of vintage buttons at home.
What can I say – this classic style goes almost everywhere, with almost everything, at almost any time of year. I have several styles that I’ve found in my hunting expeditions and I love every one.
Use some leather conditioner once a year and basic good care (you know, hang it up properly and wipe off any spills right away) and it’ll be passed on to your grandchildren, or, whomever . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
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Yes, we’re still in it (with temps in the “teens and winter storms) but these jackets start moving us toward Spring with winter white (a traditional late-winter color) and an unlined style.
Jacket #1 on the left is wool with a full lining. No labels remain. Look at the details! Clothing from the ’40s and ’50s had such interesting tailoring touches – every one I find is different in its own way. This one probably had a skirt that went with it at one time . . . . . .
Jacket #2 is lighter-weight and unlined. It does have a matching skirt and was made by the Lampl company. Worn as a cute little suit or as separates, it’s also a winner – looks like a fashion for a ’40s working girl. Neither of these jackets have the iconic huge shoulders of the 1940s, so I would place them toward the end of the decade or, possibly, in the early 1950s. No matter – I always do a little jump for joy when I discover one!
As posted yesterday, I had a FABULOUS day doing my undercover work. It looks like I’ll be able to post daily again, every day excepting Sunday (so that I can get some other things done!) I may skip another day here or there if I’m traveling or something else is happening. I’ll let you know if that comes up. Please join me again tomorrow!
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
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Doesn’t this just make you want to pull out the Mickey Mouse ears, saddle shoes, or Keds and toast marshmallows? Or maybe put on the Frye boots, a workshirt and painter pants for a “70s thing – whatever mood you’re in, it’s fun to have garments like this in the closet. ONE GLANCE and I knew that it was not a modern item. That’s the cool thing about true vintage – even people who aren’t expert at picking it out will notice something different or intriguing about what you’re wearing that sets you apart from the crowd.
This one is of a heavy knit that has kept its shape beautifully. Aside from a little fuzz, which can be shaved away, it is in excellent condition. I suspect that it is from the 1960s, all things considered, though the style could span 2 or 3 decades. It’s certainly not a high-end item but, what fun! When I saw it I snapped it up and have enjoyed it ever since. You just never know . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This one is really special (so what else is new) and great for cold-weather wear; anything from sitting through a football game, roasting marshmallows or chestnuts on the fire to dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh.
It is of a nice wool or wool-blend material, with a heavy black lining and fringe all around. I love the metal zipper from the left shoulder to the neck. A couple of hooks and eyes close the collar. With a casual, hometown style that was so popular in the sportswear from that mid-century era.
I’m not sure if there had been a label inside – may have been home-sewn by a very good seamstress, which is not unusual in vintage from the ’70s and before. Finding this one was another “Aha! experience” that I hadn’t been specifically looking for – that’s what makes being a sleuth for vintage so much fun, because you just never know . . . .
Traveling tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This very casual mid-century jacket has great features such as big shell buttons in front and at the cuffs, a lining around the neck and upper back for comfort, modest shoulder pads and front patch pockets. Built for practicality, but stylish in true vintage fashion! The label says: Wonder Fabric virgin wool Vagabond by Chippewa.
I love to imagine who wore this and where it was worn. Feels to me like jeans and saddle shoes or Keds would be just right – for a picnic or raking a few leaves. So much fun to find this one! When you’re being a vintage sleuth, it’s one great surprise after another 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
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