Here’s the tell-tale zipper in the back waistline. VERY rare find! One of my wonderfulest discoveries.
The tailoring is impeccable and they’re in almost perfect condition.
Be careful – modern copy-cats just don’t measure up . . . . . . . … . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
In a ’50’s to early ’60’s style, but with mid-1960’s-type fabric this dress illustrates the creative power that home-sewers in the mid-century had over their wardrobes. The size, style and fabric were completely at their discretion and genre’s could be combined in any way.
This example was made for a teen or a petite woman (the photo is somewhat foreshortened, too, so it’s not quite as short-waisted as it looks), probably as a dressy day or party dress. It’s a simple style in cotton blend with a zip back and elasticized sleeves but shows evidence of extra care and skill in the insertion of piping detail at the waist and flounce on the skirt. There are also strap-keepers sewn in at the shoulders and some seams that were done by hand.
What a fun little mystery-history to unravel! More back to the future on the way . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just found this casual but classic 100% cotton plaid set in a beloved style from the mid-Seventies. Mister Leonard was a popular Canadian clothing label started in 1965, making sportswear that sold in several major department stores. It prospered until the late 1980’s and finally closed in 1999, due to market pressures and the declining health of it’s founder.
For Summer and into Fall, nothing could be more comfortable and cute than an ensemble like this, which could be worn everyday at home or tricked up a bit for work. Pure cotton clothing is always desirable, but the quality of this fabric sets it apart as well as tailoring details which are uncommon today.
Just my size, too! Here’s another keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
No rain in the forecast, but the Magicvintagespy is getting DRENCHED! The unique true vintage finds keep on coming. This cute culotte is not as MOD as the yellow print one I found last week, but it’s also got a metal zipper – this time center back – and an interesting front design. Unfortunately, the maker’s label and other tags are gone. Don’t think it was custom-made.
Nothing could be more convenient than this style for ease of wearing, sports and versatility when shorts aren’t the thing but a skirt or dress is just too much. A real blast from the past .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
All hand-made – it’s a classic style which we still see, but the fit and style are different in the way that only true vintage designs can be. It hits just above the waist and belongs over a plain, black or white dress. I probably have one or two that will fill the bill . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What fun to find this!! Love true vintage men’s and boys’ shirts and tops. Since men usually tend to be much harder on their clothing than women do, it’s unusual to encounter garments that have survived, especially in wonderful condition like this one.
Just an everyday casual shirt, it’s still got a great fit, fun collar and wonderful lightly-brushed cotton fabric. Happy Days all over again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The Bobbie Brooks company has been a fabulous maker of classic sportswear for many decades and their true vintage items are very special – well-designed and made to a high standard. I always do a flip when I find one!
This “skort” is summer-perfect – dressier than shorts, easier than a mini-skirt (no ugly and ungainly exposures and attempts to avoid them), cool and FUN. 100% cotton!!
I love and discover all types and makes of true vintage fashion, but a high-quality brand name is always an extra plus.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I had one other 1960’s sheath dress with fringe like this several years ago, and it was a surprise. Looks like a hoochie-coochie 1920’s or ’30’s frock but that kind of fringe is so GREAT for Sixties dancing, too. I guess some women thought so . . . . . . . . . . .
The interesting thing about this particular one is that the body of the dress is made of a soft fabric that feels like cotton with chenille stripes. I thought chenille was just for bedspreads, bathrobes and sweaters. That’s one thing I love about this investigating – you learn something new every day (and get to play dress-up every day, too).
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here are two more beauties from Hawaii. The same fabulous construction and fabric, but slightly more modern art prints. Don’t you love those colors? Whenever I find one, I grab it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Since I’ve started getting out the patio frock, here we go – – – – – – Nothing rivals the beautiful workmanship and fabulous fabric found in true vintage Hawaiian fashions from the early Seventies and before. The colors are incomparable. The cottons and rayons are practically indescribable. Men’s shirts are also incredible.
Since at least the 1940’s, dresses made in Hawaii were very desirable for their quality and fit. Some are exceptionally comfy and relaxed. Others are high-volume sexy or very chic.
Think Mata Hari of the islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 