These two dresses are examples of fashions made and sold in the U.S. Southwestern states (Arizona, New Mexico mostly). They are inspired by traditional Native American designs and may have been made by Native Americans. My warm-weather wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without them.
Outfits like this were especially popular in the 1950’s and early 1960’s. Some from the 1940’s have been seen. Tourists often returned from vacations with one and non-Native people who lived in the region wore them a lot. It was a real craze for a while.
Ric-rac and braid trim on bright cotton material was popular. The skirts are big and swingy – usually full circle. I have more to show – some have interesting tailoring details on the blouses. Love ’em!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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From the ’50’s with a back center zipper, longer skirt and skinny, covered belt. White piping detail around the neck and armholes and lovely floral embroidery + applique’ on the skirt. Too bad it doesn’t show well in this photo.
This dress is very feminine and is another that can be casual or semi-dressy, depending on how you wear it. In any case, it always looks cool, classic and lady-like.
It has no label so who knows where it was made. Finds like this one are rare, but not for me . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I love the colors of this dress. Blues and violets in a funny, abstract print that looks like computer cards from back in the day. It’s a happy dress that reminds me of the show Happy Days.
There’s no label, so it might have been home-made, but done so well that who would care? I was just watching a movie about swing dancing and saw a lot of frocks that looked like this.
Swing dancing is one of the most joyful things I can imagine . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Although another similar style to the floral one which is so flattering, this dress has a slightly different fit and does not give off the same secuctive vibe as the other.
This one is a little more no-nonsense, but very pretty and smart. It’s also got buttons with rhinestones (very popular on early ’50’s dresses).
I’m not exactly sure of its age, but can easily place it between that 1945 – 1955 space. It’s another that you can enjoy wearing one of of your beautiful slips underneath.
I can’t have too many of these, either. So easy in every respect, though of course it requires careful attention when being laundered, as do all of my treasures . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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