Tag Archives: cotton

LONG-SLEEVED WESTERN-WEAR MEN’S SHIRT FROM THE 1960’S

IMG_1484I’ve been on such a roll finding women’s blouses and shirts these past two months; it’s nice to be able to show a men’s shirt now, and one that’s suitable for the weather.  Classic Western wear styling by a company that specialized in this kind of clothing.

In the western U.S., men wear these shirts and bolo ties to almost every kind of event.  If it’s dressy, the jacket, pants or the fabric will change but a Western shirt can always be a dress-up style.  That’s not quite so true for women, but a Western-style outfit will often be business attire for them, too.

With a well-made version, you can’t go wrong with at least one or two of these garments in your wardrobe.  Some of the true vintage women’s styles have beautiful embroidery, also.

I stay away from modern versions that aren’t so nice.  Some are decorated too much and have lost their classic elegance.  There’s only one way to be sure he’s a real cowboy . . . . . . .. ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PRETTY IN THE BLUES: A TRUE VINTAGE COTTON HOUSE-DRESS FROM THE FIFTIES, WITH MORE TAILORING TRICKS

IMG_1754IMG_1749Another beautifully-soft cotton print day-time house dress with fun, plastic sculptured buttons.  This one wasn’t made with a belt, but I think I’ll add one. The most interesting thing about this frock is that, like yesterday’s, it tells another story. . . . . . . . .

I don’t know if the seamstress ran out of fabric when cutting her last piece, or whether this was a repair or alteration made later to widen the shoulders in back but these extra pieces of another material were put in very expertly.  When I see the patching and stitching and creative add-ons that mid-century seamstresses used to do at home, it really amazes me!

Little details like this make a find even better, as far as I’m concerned.  And, it’s in an unusual color palette – this kind of all-blue print is not common, so it’s a good addition to my wardrobe and more fun to wear.  Wow, I’m on a roll – love these!!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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HOME-SEWN VINTAGE SUNDRESS WITH SURPRISING “MYSTERY” TAILORING

IMG_1748This frock just looked like a plain, old cotton sundress – rather inexpertly made – and I almost passed it by.  The fabric felt kind of stretchy.  OK, right – lots of today’s fabric feels kind of stretchy because it has Spandex built in  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

But, the fabric also told me that it wasn’t recently made.  When I looked more closely, it became apparent that the entire dress had been cut on the bias!

Take that, Spandex!!  The tailoring trick for adding some give, drape and a fabulous, molded fit that was so popular in the 1930’s was used by this seamstress to make her summer frock unique.  And, it will probably look killer on! Can’t wait to try that . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A REALLY NEAT CLASSIC 1950’S HOUSE DRESS FIND!

IMG_1735I just love the fun cotton prints on so many mid-century house dresses. The sleeve cuffs are fun, too.  Can’t wait for warmer weather!

Although the original belt is missing, it will look nice  with a black one or, maybe, there’ll be extra fabric in a hem or side seam to make a matching replacement. This is a great find, in such good condition.

Mid-century women wore these so much, every day, that it’s always a treat to find one that didn’t wear out!  Back to the future again . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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RARE MID-CENTURY FEMININE COTTON LINGERIE FULL SLIP

IMG_1692Remember I said I’d show this one a bit later – very different from it’s fancier nylon cousins.  I’m always thrilled to discover a true vintage one, because they aren’t common.  Absolutely the best  for wearing with summer dresses (or even as a nightgown).  Some people wear them as dresses alone.

No one wants to smother in a nylon slip on hot days, no matter how gorgeous it is!  But, many vintage and some modern dresses really need an undergarment like that in order to look their best.  Smooth cotton will enhance the fit just as well as nylon or rayon, while being wonderfully comfortable.

This piece is short, too, compared to most of the slips of that era so that’s a plus. So pretty!  I love the innocent style of the lace and embroidery decorations.  So, even though it’s out of season here in North America, it’s another sleuthing success . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY NOVELTY SKIRT – CUTE AND PREPPY

IMG_1701This is another new find – just about two weeks ago. The Country Club set loved things like this in the Sixties and early Seventies (they probably still do) – well-tailored cotton with strawberries and dandelions all over.  It is very cute.

The style is perfectly classic, with a button-up front and gathered tie waistline. Despite its fashion history, it stands on its own as a really fun and high-quality piece that I can get a lot of mileage from.

From the same era as the pink sleeveless dress I showed about 2 weeks ago. In a casual setting you can never go wrong with this one, but you might keep them guessing just a little . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S WHITE COTTON BLOUSE

IMG_1704There’s nothing like cottons from the 1960’s and before.  And, the gorgeous, lady-like styles from those past decades have never been done as well since then.  I’m always so excited to find another one!

The trims are beautifully made and the tailoring is impeccable.  Nice buttons, too.  The fit is excellent.  The fabric feels soft but substantial and lasts forever.

Although sometimes a little fussy, styles from the late 1960’s are fun and have that British flair that was popular then.  Of course, it looks great with the ribbon skirt shown yesterday or a mini, but I like them with jeans, too, or bell-bottom pants.

The new finds just keep on coming.  Groovy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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WONDERFUL TRUE VINTAGE 1950´S BLOUSE AND SHIRT – A DELICIOUS NEW FIND!

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COULD IT REALLY BE PIMA COTTON?

When I saw these beautiful colors, classic styles and FELT the scrumptious fabric, I was over the moon.  As I always tell you,  true vintage blouses and shirts are a pure gold find.  And, mid-century designs are my favorite!

The cap sleeve blouse was custom-tailored, like so many mid-century garments.  I love that style and the print is fun.  Also in my beloved turquoise.

Surprise – the red shirt is actually a boys´, but just the right size for me, with a classic wallpaper print.  I love the small wing collar and the slanted front pocket.  Made in California – I couldn´t be happier with the color, too.

Another, and maybe the BEST thing about these shirts is the material.  I said that it feels fantastic and that is an understatement.  In a substantial cotton, which might have been Pima cotton since that was so popular and one of the best available in the 1950´s.  So, it might have come from Pima County in New Mexico!  If you have ever felt one of these old cottons – especially after they have been washed and used for a while – you´ll remember that it feels just like you´ve gone to Heaven.

So, for the second (or third, or fourth) time this trip, I felt like I´d won the jackpot when I spotted these babies.  It`s worth every bit of shoe leather and the trenchcoats that I have to replace . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1950S – ’70S “HAPPY DAYS” UNISEX JACKET

Can’t resist the autumn jackets right about now . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

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…

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RARE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S MEN’S COTTON PAJAMAS – JUST WHAT I’D BEEN DREAMING OF . . . . . .

Source: RARE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S MEN’S COTTON PAJAMAS – JUST WHAT I’D BEEN DREAMING OF . . . . . .