Need a new coat? Well, in just a few minutes of your spare time . . . . . . Right! McCalls Needlework Magazine used to publish patterns for projects like these all year. In the 1950’s and 1960’s it was so common.
Aren’t they beautiful? – But, can you imagine making one?? Your grandmother might have. I rarely find a hand-knitted one now, but once in a while . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Still in wool but, for someone who’s not into the darker colors, this one is done in pretty pastels that can go 3-seasons of the year. The style is also easy-breezy with an open front. I’ve clipped it in the photo to protect Stella’s privacy but it would normally hang free, showcasing the garment worn underneath.
Also hand-tailored (perhaps by the same woman as yesterday’s?) – I’m amazed by women who could sew so well. Since there’s no tailor’s label, I presume that the person who wore it also made it. What a great way to save tons of cash.
I should have saved this photo for the Spring, when I have the perfect hat to pair with it. Perhaps you’ll see it again when I show that off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A gold rayon satin sheath, perfect for cocktails and dinner out in 1960. The over-dress with high slits and frog decoration is very much a style of that time. The white embroidered design is a little showy, but understated fashion wasn’t a big thing then. However, this dress still manages to be elegant.
Sadly, there is no label remaining and I doubt that it was home-sewn. Could have been custom-tailored by an expert dressmaker, which was a favorite thing to have done back then. Of course, I miss my mannequin models big-time when showing off this frock. A fitted sheath looks best on hourglass figures and was really cut to fit that way when it was new.
I’m discovering things from the late ’50’s and early ’60’s a little more often in the last year or two and it’s obviously a sign of the times. Not sure how many 80- and 90-year-olds might still be hanging on to a favorite Mod designer outfit. I guess I’ll find out later, but we’re still going in that direction tomorrow. Hang on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Love this dress with it’s slinky, sexy fit. It has 1960’s style features i.e. bell sleeves and decorative trimming and a nylon Talon zipper BUT it is placed in the middle of the back with no opening at the top, like some 1940’s dresses. The fabric is also heavy cotton(?) and has an unusual art print. So, several indications of an older garment though it may have been styled the way it is just to enhance the fit.
No matter! Fits me well and looks fabulous on Stella. It’s a keeper, at least for a while . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Empire A-line styling with flutter sleeves and a floral print – couldn’t get more ’60’s early ’70’s than that. But, there are so many retro versions made recently – why would I decide to collect this one?
Frocks that I might otherwise pass on if they were commercially – made, I will collect if custom-tailored. Hand-sewing always tells it’s own story, with special touches and unique designs or fabrics.
So, this dress is especially pretty and versatile. It only needs a few TLC interventions and will be ready to go. I might lose the sleeves, as I like sleeveless styles so much, but will decide later.
More finds from this general era, but very different. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Very simple, but with the 1960’s bona-fides. This fabric can’t be found today, no matter that some modern materials may be lookalikes at a glance. Maybe some girl made this as a first project for Home-Ec class, though whoever it was did a pretty good job. Not fancy; no bells and whistles, but sturdy, useful and very cute.
The elastic neckline is still stretchy and there are no stains, so someone stored this for a long time and didn’t use the heck out of it. It’s our good fortune that many great true vintage garments were cared for this way by our moms and grandmothers, let alone the generations before. Our current throw-away culture has played havoc with the quality of items that we can buy as well as any encouragement to keep things. However, prices just keep going up and up out of all proportion.
Well, la-dee-da – not so much of a problem for the Magicvintagespy. Wonder what’s next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Long, sweeping gown in a beautiful, heavy cotton(?) – the photo on left shows the cut while the photo on right gives the true color and close-up of the interesting print. This dress has many construction contradictions; some point to 1940’s and some to 1960’s. Undoubtedly, it was custom-tailored.
Maybe our mid-century tailor was very experienced and knew how to use various methods to achieve exactly the slinky, hourglass fit she wanted. The bell sleeves and commercial braid trim say 1960’s but the mid-back zipper placement, dip in the front waistline and fabulous art print fabric say 1940’s. Looks like a film noir hostess gown. I love a mystery!
Anyway, it’s an absolute beauty and fits me like a glove. Dresses with the zipper placed mid-back are always a trick to get into and out of – pays to understand the method. However, when the fit is right and the construction good, it’s a snap. Tomorrow I’ll show you a cute shift with a clear Sixties pedigree. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Sheer cotton “lawn”(?) – I don’t know. A beige color with delicate flower and leaf embroidery on the collar and skirt. Closes with snaps, hooks & eyes on the left and has partially-gathered sleeves and a two-tier skirt. Such interesting design details, so different from any styles we usually see, vintage or not.
So delicate. This will be worn with great care. The waist isn’t right for most dresses made in the 1920’s so it could, possibly, have been an earlier style made for a teen or someone who was very petite. But – early 1930’s could be the most accurate. Must do some more in-depth research.
Anyway, what a treasure!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Oh, I love this – just my style. Dark navy gabardine fabric with a fabric-covered belt and interesting details. Peplum waistlines are so flattering, on the right figure.
This beauty is in such good condition for it’s age. I do need to replace the tattered lining and re-install shoulder pads, but that is a minor repair. The best things are the authentic 1940’s styling, the belt in great condition, the quality fabric and tailoring. I’ll wear it forever.
What’s next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Two “new” finds today – I’m on a roll. This little frock caught my eye because of the fabric – real, plush, beautiful VELVET. We just don’t see that anymore. The lace trim is also very nice. Stiff and Elizabethan.
Aside from the fabric, it’s just as cute as can be and oh, so of that time. Mini, slightly Mod but also demure. I love it and it was worth snapping up even if it isn’t quite my size, just for the fabric.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 