Tag Archives: clothing

STILL STUCK IN THE EIGHTIES IN HAWAII – NOT A BAD PLACE TO BE!

Here’s a favorite dress of mine that I haven’t shown before because, as a lover of real-deal classic clothing, it’s hard for me to think of something made in the 1980’s as true vintage. But, this piece is by Hilo Hattie and has a design feature which is reminiscent of the 1940’s and 1950’s. Though you can’t see it in this picture, there is a triangular panel that folds across in front of the hips and ties on the left.. This gives the dress an added fit advantage. Back in the day, tricks of style were done like this often and made dresses uniquely attractive.

Otherwise, the cut is a straight shift that pulls on over the head. Very easy to wear, cool and bright, so still collectible.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MY BEAUTIFUL HAWAIIAN SHEATH DRESS BY YOUNG HAWAII

ANOTHER TAILORED BLACK DRESS FROM THE ’60’S? NO!!! IT’S ’70’S ALL THE WAY . . . . . . . . . . . .

SEVENTIES STRIPED SUMMER SUNDRESS

This breezy little frock is probably from the early 1970’s, even though it’s not a mini-length. Hems were also looking back to midi-length at that time and there was a brief 1940’s retro fad happening. It’s a bargain store construction, but does have a white liner sewn in so going bra-less could work out.

I picked it up because it’s pretty and summery but also shows the fashion variety that was going on. Although we tend to identify different decades with certain fashion styles, there always seems to be a departure or two from that which doesn’t get as much publicity. Tomorrow we’ll see something that is DEFINITLY early – mid 1970’s. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL TAILORED DRESS – VINTAGE ELEGANCE

Though this frock is so classic that it could be from many different decades, I’m placing it in the late 1960’s for several reasons. The finishing is very professional but I believe that it was custom-made, which has been rare for a long time. The fabric is a loose weave which was popular in the late Sixties. Fully-lined and substantial, it’s really a 3-season dress rather than just for summer, as the style might suggest. I have hardly ever seen a well done custom-tailored dress that dates later than the 1970’s. Also, the hooks at the neckline have gotten a little rusty . .. . . .

I’ll love this dress forever. It will probably last that long. It’s such a pleasure to wear something that has been beautifully-made. Tomorrow we’ll really get over the line into 1970 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A PUCCI PATTERNED KNIT TOP! IS IT THE REAL THING?????

ANOTHER HOME-SEWN DAY DRESS FROM THE MID 1960’S – LOVE THIS FABRIC!

ANOTHER HOME-SEWN DAY DRESS FROM THE MID 1960’S – LOVE THIS FABRIC!

Nothing WAY special about this dress – it’s nicely made, fits flatteringly, etc., etc. but my very favorite thing about it is the fabric. It’s a substantial woven cotton or cotton blend but the best is the colors!! Several of my favorites all together, which is a rare combo. Jewel tones, but for summer!

The metal zip is in great shape so I’ll wear this one for years before having to do anything with it. The fitted cut is very nice and puts it a notch above plain shift dresses. Since my shoulders aren’t quite as broad as Stella’s, the sleeve opening forms a slight cap on me and is a nice touch. Easier to dress up or down, as the mood or occasion calls for. Thank you, Sally seamstress or whoever you were . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . And, a happy American Thanksgiving to you, whenever you see this. It’s always a good day to be grateful.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MID-’60’S NON-TRADITIONAL COCKTAIL DRESS IN GOLDEN YELLOW

Very surprising find, at first. It’s a non-traditional style for a traditional type of party – very popular in the early 1960’s. Although the LBD has never gone out of fashion since Coco Chanel first designed it and made it a “must” for every woman, cocktail outfits really began to morph in the 1960’s. Not only is this dress not black, but it has an Asian feeling to the design, with decorative knots and slits at each thigh. Fortunately, there is a yellow satin liner underneath so modesty is well-preserved. The shaped sheath style was definitely a staple of early to mid-sixties wardrobes.

The jacquard fabric design also has an Asian feeling to it, so that makes this frock a departure from the normal of that day and very forward-looking. It does need the zip replaced, but I have a stash of vintage zippers where I’m sure I’ll find just what is needed. Fun!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SURPRISE FIND TODAY! CLASSIC DAY DRESS ALL THE WAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .