To change gears a bit today, here’s an example of a beautiful handcrafted item. It’s an evening purse made of black velvet and satin with metallic embroidery all over, front and back.
It was probably made in Hong Kong or Europe and took someone a long time to do by hand. These sorts of items were much more available back in the day. I suppose that you can still get them now, but only overseas or in very specialized shops.
Handiwork of this kind and exquisite workmanship used to be seen in fashion items that middle-income women could afford to buy, at least once in a while. Although it was generally done overseas, many of the major department stores sold it in their better departments. It’s difficult to find now. The hand-crafted items that are sold today generally can’t compare in terms of their quality.
Keep your eyes open for little items like this, hiding here and there. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This was a fabulous find – not too dressy, but certainly a step up from some of the little day dresses I’ve shown recently.
Cotton, again – one of the most versatile and perfect fabrics for most attire 50 or 60 years ago. No one was afraid of an iron, and most women expected their clothing to last a lot longer than one season.
This is a snazzy little number, though possibly custom tailored. It shows off the mentality of women who had gotten tired of war-time deprivation and modest conservatism a decade or so before.
Although it took us a while, girls have always just wanted to have fun . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This dress is one of my favorites from the 1950’s/early 1960’s. I have one or two others, and the style is very distinctive. Applique’ decorations are a lot of fun on these older items, too.
It was made by Swirl and is a wrap-around. Easy to
wear with a flattering fit. One piece, with a belt that slips through and then ties in front.
I put the bandana bows on the shoulders due to some fade there (a common problem with true vintage items, due to storage) – and I like them! They go great with the cute flower.
Never fails to get compliments. With some little red sandals, or even Keds . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Here are a few examples from my daily closet – blouses/shirts from the 1950’s and early 1960’s. Names like Bobbie Brooks and Ship’n’Shore and Villager.
There are other names, too. I’m just thinking about the most common ones. I love wearing them with skirts and slacks, jeans.
On the far left, a peasant blouse – looked great back in the day with a peasant skirt and espadrilles.
The upper three in the center – made from that lovely vintage cotton I’m always writing about, in great prints or gingham weave.
And, the one on the bottom – in my favorite red. A sheer-ish cotton blend with tiny white polka dots.
Yes, you do sometimes have to iron shirts like these, but there’s nothing like them today and it’s worth it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This one was hiding in an out-of-the-way spot. You just never know!
It’s a lovely dress in unusual colors. The blue is not a common one, and flattering only to just the right skin and hair tone. The interesting part is the top.
Like many dresses made at that time, a rayon-type under-layer with a lace overlay dresses it up. Sometimes they’re in the same color, and sometimes contrasting, as in this case.
Here, we have a medium lavender color under the blue. Quite uncommon. I love finding these quirky things! The two layers in the skirt have the same contrast, but the chiffon on top is heavy enough that very little of the lavender comes through. Perhaps just enough to draw a little attention when the wearer moves.
And, the under-layer is a taffeta, so it swishes. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Magicvintagespy 