MID-1950’S FASHION PHOTO FROM MCCALL’S NEEDLECRAFTS MAGAZINE

MID-1950'S FASHION PHOTO FROM MCCALL'S NEEDLECRAFTS MAGAZINE

Can you even imagine being able to knit a dress like that one on the right? And, have it fit like that?! Wow.

Do you have any stories of family members who could make things like this? I’m so amazed by some of the things that the women of our grandmothers’ and great-grandmothers’ generation could do . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

1950’S NEEDLEWORK OUTFIT THAT FOLLOWED THE PARIS TRENDS – TO MAKE IN HER SPARE TIME

1950'S NEEDLEWORK OUTFIT THAT FOLLOWED THE PARIS TRENDS - TO MAKE IN HER SPARE TIME

I was gifted with a collection of needlework and handicrafts magazines from the 1950’s – mid 1960’s. Thanks, Rosalie! Although I’ve never been big on the idea of knitting, I was astounded by many of these fashions and how women were encouraged to make them at home.

These styles were designed to follow the current fashions in the mainstream magazines. Some of them are really beautiful and they give a good window on “average” American women’s lives back then in the way that they are photographed and staged. Some of the ads in these mags are amazing, too. So sweet and naive – women’s “place” was certainly apparent!

How do you like this gorgeous 2-piece dress? I’d LOVE to have that! So perfectly crafted – it’s amazing what skilled knitters could/can do. I even saw ads from yarn suppliers who offered little contests that gave awards for skill to their customers.

This outfit was supposed to echo trends in Paris at the time. I love the soft colors, the way the skirt drapes and that cross-over top. Makes me wish I had a great-grandma who loved doing it!

I’ll post a photo and commentary from these mags in among my own wardrobe items once a week or so. . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

NEW FIND – A LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S EVERYDAY SUMMER SHIFT DRESS

NEW FIND – A LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S EVERYDAY SUMMER SHIFT DRESS.

ANOTHER “NEW” FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – 1970’S LBD DATE NIGHT DRESS

ANOTHER "NEW" FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S – 1970'S LBD DATE NIGHT DRESS.

ANOTHER “NEW” FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – 1970’S LBD DATE NIGHT DRESS

For cocktails, dinner and dancing, gallery openings, parties . . . . . any time you’re feeling in a slightly dressy mood . . . . . . . this frock will suit very well. It’s quietly sophisticated but, also, eye-catching. . . . . . . . . .

demure and suggestive at the same time. Isn’t fashion fun?! Always LOVE the sheer sleeves and nipped waist.

It’s not obvious in the photo (darn it, black clothing!) but the bottom foot or so of the skirt is crystal-pleated in a criss-cross way that is very pretty and adds a lovely highlight to the simplicity of the style. Synthetic knit with a smooth hand drapes beautifully.

A small, elegant necklace, pretty belt, impeccable shoes and small bag will complete the look perfectly. This is not a stand-out dress in terms of its quality or pedigree, but it’s lovely on its own and has that certain true vintage cache’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Digg, PATH & more . . . . .
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

ANOTHER RECENT FIND! TRUE VINTAGE BRAND DOES THE ” ’80’S DOES ’40’S ” THING

ANOTHER RECENT FIND! TRUE VINTAGE BRAND DOES THE " '80'S DOES '40'S " THING.

NEW FIND! TRUE VINTAGE BLACK SATIN EMPIRE – STYLE GOWN FROM THE SIXTIES

NEW FIND! TRUE VINTAGE BLACK SATIN EMPIRE – STYLE GOWN FROM THE SIXTIES.

NEW FIND! TRUE VINTAGE BLACK SATIN EMPIRE – STYLE GOWN FROM THE SIXTIES

NEW FIND!  TRUE VINTAGE BLACK SATIN EMPIRE - STYLE GOWN FROM THE SIXTIES

From sometime in the Sixties, this formal gown was custom – made in a very heavy but fluid satin material that drapes beautifully. So simple and elegant, it cascades to the floor with only a bit of shoulder detail and a lot of style.

At the shoulders, straps fasten in front with a large button and loop. Otherwise, the dress closes in the back with a metal zipper. The waistline dips to the natural waist in back but sweeps up to an empire style just under the bust – line in front.

A bit big for me, but Madge carries it well and it will be very easy to alter. What better way to add a gorgeous and well – made wardrobe staple to my closet!

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Digg, PATH & more . . . . . .
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

THREE OF MY MOST VINTAGE HAWAIIAN GOWNS

THREE OF MY MOST VINTAGE HAWAIIAN GOWNS.

SURPRISE FIND – TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S – 1950’S HOME-SEWN DAY DRESS

SURPRISE FIND – TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S – 1950'S HOME-SEWN DAY DRESS.