Pretty easy-wear polished cotton sundress from the early to mid-1950’s, in the New Look style. Bit of an atomic thing going on with the applique’ design. Somebody had a lot of fun with this one!
Can’t wait to see it on Stella – it’s a real knockout on a gal with an hourglass figure. Marilyn would have loved it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Dig the hairstyles, too. Now that Christmas and New Year’s celebrations were over, women in 1961 turned their attention to Spring and travel styles, as well as Prom & Easter.
With the crazy weather, we’re also thinking of flowers and sunny colors. Although our grandmothers and great-grandmothers thought about new needlework projects in their spare time, it’s still FASHION, and we continue to think about it now, but in different ways (what’s on my favorite Internet site?).
in 1961, the subscribers to McCall’s Needlework and Crafts magazine looked forward to these styles.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I just LOVE classic mid-century blouses with roll-up sleeves and wing collars! It’s so unusual to find one in good condition. This one even has pretty sculpted buttons with a star in the center. Although it’s barely visible in the photo, there’s even a line of fine embroidery in a contrasting green on the seams in the front placket.
The fabric is also do die for – not sure whether it’s a cotton or rayon because the hand is very smooth. This shirt is very finely tailored, with all kinds of extra-quality touches on a simple, everyday garment. Well, that’s just how it goes with true vintage clothing – there’s nothing better.
Almost missed it – but when you’ve got the eye for the subtleties, things turn up. What will be next? – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG; MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just when the 1960’s treasures were beginning to feel a little hum-drum, up comes a beautiful men’s item that pulls me back to post-war days and some of the best old movies. Stay tuned – I’ll publish it tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another home-sewn frock, this time for school or work. The spots are just from the camera and a little water at the hem – the condition is WONDERFUL! Thanks for bearing with me in the less-than-ideal publishing conditions. Can’t wait to put it on Stella or Giselle for a really good presentation.
Soft knit fabric with embroidered ribbon – such a popular trimming at that mid-century time. Dolman sleeves and a flared hem – pretty style! It all screams late 1960’s and was another at-home creation that captured some girl’s imagination back in the day. Most of us get a thrill from shopping, but can you imagine the step-by-step anticipation and excitement of watching a custom-designed frock come together? Back in the Sixties and before, that’s what a lot of women experienced.
So, I’ve been from classy designers’ elegant designs to stitching on the dining room table in less than two weeks. What’s coming next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This frock is sooo iconic late Sixties and in perfect condition! It’s Flower Power, British influence and Edwardian style. I’ll bet it was made for a Prom or Spring Fling dance. What a Blast from the Past!!!
Look at the sequence of iridescent buttons at the sleeves and the ruffled flounces. Sheer flocked flower design over a pink liner. Back in the day, it was usual to hire a seamstress to make these types of dresses or to make them at home unless the high school was in an expensive neighborhood.
It’s just so cute and tells such a typical story. It’s fun to know something about those times so that I can read the book very easily! Not sure what I’m going to do with this, but it was just too fun to pass up. It would make a really sweet short dress . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This dress is regal and majestic. The material is a heavy rayon with sheen – almost satin. It has black beaded designs around the neckline and each sleeve.
It’s an example of the design introduced by Christian Dior in 1947, I believe, called the “New Look” because it was so different from the severe, short and relatively plain clothing that women wore during WWII in order to conserve resources. Tiny waists, long skirts, luxurious material and extravagant decoration were “in” again.
Enough history lesson! It’s just a beautiful, feminine and stunning dress. The original owner had shortened it by 2 – 3 inches, so it was definitely mid-calf length when new. Fortunately, she didn’t cut off any material, so it could be let down again.
This is certainly something that you might wear to see the Queen, or the King, or the President or just your favorite prince . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
As usual, I came upon this jacket by surprise and was thrilled by the hand-tailored details. The true color is a nice wheat beige, washed out by the camera flash. The the gold thread-embroidered label would also not photograph well with the flash in my camera, but maybe you can get a close-up view of it with zoom-in feature. It came from a Melbourne store and is made of cloth, as all the older labels of best quality were done.
The jacket is fully lined. The buttons (all are present) are in plastic, with a basket-weave design. The fit is high-hip length in a boxy cut. Sleeves are bracelet length – all nice design features from the Kennedy era. Someday I’ll photograph it again on one of my models for a more elegant presentation – but, until then –
one of the nicest things of all, it fits me . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Another plus is that the fabric is a patented linen-poly blend that gives you the lovely texture without the wrinkling issues of linen.
Today, on a more-or-less routine survey, I had wonderful good fortune. I’m just about to re-examine and photograph my newest acquisitions and get them ready to post on the blog. Because I have already scheduled postings for the next three days, expect to begin seeing these on Sunday, Nov. 13.
Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although we do Christmas marketing almost year-round, back in the mid-century time no one thought seriously about Christmas stuff until after the American Thanksgiving in late November. But, if you’re making lots of your gifts . . . . .
McCalls needlework magazine promoted doing just that – to economize as well as adding a personal touch. Can you imagine getting all that done ?!
For many of our grandmothers, that was just part of the day-to-day. And, they did produce beautiful things – from hats, gloves, sweaters, socks and scarves to dolls & their clothing, tablecloths & bedspreads, just to name a few.
I love discovering some special true vintage handmade item that was probably made as a gift or a table decoration for a special family holiday. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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