Tag Archives: classic clothing

IT’S SO MUCH FUN!! HOME-SEWN DAY DRESSES FROM THE 1960’S

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More custom-tailored stories coming my way – this cute cotton summer frock practically lets me follow the seamstress’s journey as she made this dress for herself.  It’s so fun to think of a girl or woman, way back in the day, going to the fabric store and finding a pattern she loves – picking the material she wants and using her sewing skills learned in Home Ec class and the dreams in her imagination to create a dress that she’ll love to wear.

Wish Stella were here to model it for me, but if you know anything about sewing, all the details of this dress make it crystal clear.  Although I love finding gorgeous designer frocks from the 1940’s, Fifties and before, a simple homemade garment is one of the sweetest surprises. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FLORIDA FEET!

FLORIDA FEET!

Gotta have for summer!  Original vintage low-heeled pumps found in the Miami area. From the late Sixties – early Seventies. One pair more casual, one pair a bit dressy.
Both a little bit mod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND!! A BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE LOUNGE DRESS FOR SUMMER – PATIO PARTY, HERE I COME . . . . .

I’m ready for the BBQ – maybe not the volleyball or badminton game.  This gown was custom-tailored of a beautiful fabric (look at those colors to die for).  Prettier than the black and white from yesterday, but they’re all wonderful.  Lovely feminine style with an easy-wear feel.  Sixties or Seventies chic.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

“NEW” FIND – TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – 1970’S HALTER SUNDRESS BY PARADE – NEW YORK

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This little beauty has such a wonderful fit, because it’s adjustable!  The neckline and waist closures are so unique – wrapping straps that hook like a belt, with several holes to choose from.  Never seen one like this before!

I just love discovering these interesting and unusual tailoring and design details.  In this example, it’s so ingenious yet so simple.  A bit confusing at first look, but makes perfect sense and works beautifully.

The fabric and the fit are ultra-flattering and so cool and carefree for summer.  It’s a high-quality construction by a well-known, if smallish, vintage clothing maker and in perfect condition.  Sweet!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND – 1960’s MOD PLUS SIZE SUMMER DRESS BY MYNETTE

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This is also a true vintage brand that I already own – so fun to find things by names that I know.  It’s a vintage 16, which was a plus size at that time, but still looks pretty cute on Stella.

Plain and everyday, but still worth picking up, to me.  All part of the vintage sleuthing craft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S STILETTO SLING-BACK HEELS FOR 3-SEASONS – FABRIC AND LEATHER FROM JOHANSEN

STILETTO SLING-BACK HEELS FOR SUMMER - FABRIC AND LEATHER FROM JOHANSEN AGAIN

This is one of my favorite true vintage styles in warm weather shoes.  The fabric uppers and openness are so breezy, cool and feminine.   They are such a cross between dressy and casual that they are very versatile and will look just right almost any time.

I’ve found lots of lovely true vintage shoe styles by Johansen since I’ve been sleuthing and they’re always dependably elegant and well-made. Such a pleasure to find and to wear . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FLATTERING TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S SUMMER DRESS IN APRICOT

FLATTERING TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S - EARLY 1960'S SUMMER DRESS IN APRICOT

I love the styling of this frock, with its wasp waist, free hips, cap sleeves and delicate neckline that really enhance the figure.  Madge’s fuller measurements give it the right “va-voom” fit.  I also like the peek-a-boo effect of the white band below the waistline.

This was another “surprise find” – always the most fun!  Summer days and nights, here we come . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A COUPLE OF LATE ’40’S – EARLY ’50’S FUN SHIRTWAIST DRESSES IN SUNNY COLORS

A COUPLE OF LATE '50'S - EARLY '60'S FUN SHIRTWAIST DRESSES IN LEAD-INTO-FALL COLORS

I love the colors of these dresses – pink to lavender, with black and white.  Both in a similar shirtwaist style, below-the-knee length and made of a substantial cotton.  Perfect mid-century design.  Absolutely LOVE the collar shapes!

The dress on the left has little houses in a novelty print and some interesting tuck and piping details.  The fabric is a bit heavier, and I’d wear it into Fall.  The one on the right has cute pockets, ric-rac trim and a great plaid.  It really says “summer” and farmers’ markets, to me.  I took the sleeves off for a more flattering fit for me (and saved them, of course!) and wear it often.

Neither one has a label, but I doubt that they were made at home – especially not the left-hand one.  Just goes to show, that labels often go by the wayside. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

VERY RARE!! TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – 1950’S SATIN WEDDING PUMPS

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These are the perfect shoes to be worn with the wedding suit shown yesterday.  Can you imagine a pair of white satin pumps at least 60 years old staying in this condition?  Who knows how long they were out of the original owner’s safekeeping?  Amazing!!   I found these beautiful fabric shoes clean enough to be worn again as is.

Fun ’40’s/’50’s styling and beautiful leather soles that make them good forever.  They also carry a mysterious story of a very special and formal occasion.  I wonder where and when it was . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

STELLA’S TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S 2-PIECE WEDDING SUIT

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This is the ensemble that Stella was wearing when I met her and I’m glad she didn’t want to give it up.  I’ll be showing some white satin 1940’s wedding pumps tomorrow.   Although they didn’t come with this outfit, they’d be just perfect with it!

During wartime, this was a relatively modest choice for her wedding and the bride probably had this suit custom-tailored.  Naturally, it has many of the 1940’s styling details which were popular then – shoulder pads, nipped peplum waist, a handkerchief hem and a rare coil metal zipper in the skirt.

Also, some of the favorite classic features of a wedding gown are also present – rows of tiny, covered buttons and medieval-style points on the sleeve hems.  The fabric is a substantial brocade/jacquard floral – not a high-end textile, but nice.  Clearly, this wedding took place in a formal setting.

I wonder about her hair . . . . bridesmaids?  Wouldn’t it be fun to go back as a guest? . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM