Tag Archives: early 1960’s

MID-CENTURY TRUE VINTAGE SISTER HANDBAGS-MADE IN HONG KONG

Both these little ladies were made in Hong Kong, of similar basic design, but there is a world of difference between them.  Lady Right was made for the uptown market, while Lady Left was sold downtown.  Though they’re both clean and well-put-together, Lady Right grew up with all the best, while Lady Left’s beginnings were more humble.

It’s obvious “in person” that these bags were made for different markets. The styling in both is superior, but the materials and extra attention to detail show that Lady Right brought a higher price.  Just comparing these two pretties, found at the same time, was a fun chance to evaluate a number of “clues” about their backgrounds.

I don’t have a favorite.  Their stories are equally interesting to me  (maybe Lady Left’s is a little more so . . . . .).  Each one is perfect with the outfit that coordinates with it.  While Lady Left could be much more casual, she is no less elegant – maybe even more so, if you don’t look too closely. Lady Right could seem a little tasteless if she showed up everywhere dressed like that.

I see one for holiday festivities or a very gala occasion (maybe tonight?), while the other would be lovely with a pretty summer dress.  Both would be gorgeous for a bridal venue. It can all be so fascinating . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY SIXTIES CASUAL HANDBAG

Another wonderful find.   This is an iconic purse style from the early 1960’s.  I always love the fun prints used for the linings.  You can see in the second photo that it also has a clear vinyl layer covering the fabric to protect the inside of the purse from spills and wear.  What a great idea!

Several of these wait for summer in my closet, and the hardware and shapes can vary so I don’t mind collecting whatever I find.  Many were made in British Hong Kong, which always meant quality workmanship.

When traveling incognito, of course, it’s important to have seasonal clothing and accessories to help me blend in with the scenery.  These bags are big enough for all I need, but not too conspicuous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER HANDBAG DISCOVERY! 1960’S SLEEK AND MOD – AND SURPRISING

So I thought: “Hey, neat ’60’s purse with the faux tortoise plexi frame.  Black patent is so classic and versatile.  Nice big clutch with lots of room.”  When I looked more closely, I noticed the the rotating “cuffs” on each corner which serve as the closure.  And, when I looked inside – whoa!  There’s a hidden shoulder strap!!  Never would have guessed.

I just LOVE these clever designs from back in the day.  Someone loved this purse well because it looks virtually new.  I’ve seen one or two from that era in the same materials, but nothing made quite like this one and I love the larger size, too.  So convenient and stylish.

Another fun find . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TWO TRUE VINTAGE PURSES FOR SPRING & SUMMER BY MORRIS MOSCOWITZ & ANDE’

TWO TRUE VINTAGE PURSES FOR SPRING BY MORRIS MOSCOWITZ & ANDE'

These two are very special, though they may not seem so at first glance. Let me tell you why –

The coral-color clutch is by Morris Moscowitz, a maker of fine handbags until about 1975.  This one is from the Fifties or very early Sixties.  It is fabric on the outside – a linen/rayon blend is what it looks like – and fabric-lined inside (much more nicely than anything I see in the mid-priced range today).  Love the color and the fabric exterior – great for Spring and Summer.  You will find the maker’s name printed in gold inside – MM with the full name in small letters below.  Beware, as always, of logos that look similar, but are not authentic.

The second one can double as a clutch or handbag, made of imitation leather with a fabric lining.  It is by Ande’.   Purses by this maker, in my experience,  were not high-end items but their designs were always innovative and creative and they are nicely made.  For example, this one has a make-up mirror that folds out on a hinge.  You’ll never lose or break this one!  Of course, it would usually be stored inside the purse, as the handle can be, too.  Notice the Lucite clasp.

What else makes these handbags wonderful?  Remember, they are at least 50 years old and have stood up exceptionally well.  Their construction speaks to the quality of the materials and the workmanship in the manufacture of them which is something that we, unfortunately, see very rarely today.

I’ve discovered several of these in my various vintage-hunting episodes and they are each different and distinctive.
Little details are always a surprise! You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC MANTILLA SCARVES – A CULTURE OF SPIRIT, TRADITION, MYSTERY AND ALLURE

TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC MANTILLA SCARVES - A CULTURE OF SPIRIT, TRADITION, MYSTERY AND ALLURE

Marlene and Celia are back and . . .. .. introducing Daphne, far right.  She’s stuck in the ’60’s and ’70’s and is kind of a California casual gal so doesn’t care much for most of my elegant looks.   However, she is wearing the less traditional, graphic patterned lace today.   I suspect that these are from the 1960’s.

These are a totally different look and sometimes double as a shawl.  In the U.S., many women of the Catholic faith used to keep lace head coverings around to wear to church and they’ve always been popular souvenirs of a trip to Mexico or Spain where they were called mantillas (roughly pronounced mon-tee-ya).  Over the centuries women and girls have worn them not only in strictly religious ceremonies, including weddings and funerals, but at traditional social events, too.  It seems that many cultures have their own version of the lace scarf and how to wear it.

So, there are many interpretations of the lace “mantle” and how/where to wear one.  Make up your own . . . . whenever a touch of elegance, allure and the unexpected is desirable . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES / EARLY SIXTIES SCARF BANDEAUS – BEAUTIFUL FOR SPRING AND SUMMER!

TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES / EARLY SIXTIES SCARF BANDEAUS - BEAUTIFUL FOR SUMMER!

These scarves are of a vintage style I see rarely – sewn in a continuous circle and open in the back.  You can scrunch and spread them but they have no elastic built in.  Mid-century film stars loved this style.

The idea is to make a chic “hat”, pinned and adjusted to your type of hairstyle, or a quick and elegant solution to bad hair days.  They’re usually sheer rayon, nylon or silk.

Must have been, more or less, a brief “fad”. It would be easy to make or fake now, but the real thing is always more intriguing . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

VERY CUTE! TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S SPRING DAY DRESS

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SWEET LITTLE BIAS-CUT FROCK WITH A SWING AND SWAY HEMLINE.

This dress is so simple, but there are very interesting and attractive details – true to its mid-century era.  The bow at the neckline and little covered buttons are precious.  The fabric, also, is lovely.  It feels like rayon and has a weave that makes it look like shantung – very smart for such a plain dress, but – that’s true vintage – they put really nice details on even the most everyday off-the-rack garments.

Although this style would be very easy to home-sew, the dress was commercially made.  A tag inside says it’s a vintage plus size 18 1/2, believe it or not.  Equivalent to a size 6 or 8 today.  Size 4 me can even wear it with a belt, though I might want to pad my bra a bit . . . . . .. .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PRETTY 1960’S SPRING INTO SUMMER DRESS ENSEMBLES OUR GRANDMOTHERS KNIT AT HOME

IMG_1482Ready for a big project?  These patterns from a true vintage McCall’s needlework magazine from 1962 are just what you need!

Aren’t they elegant and very lovely?  A handmade ensemble like this would be totally unique today.

When everyone tended to dress up a little more and women almost always wore dresses  or skirts, it was easy to glide from more casual activities to something more dressy without having to change an entire outfit.  Add a matching jacket or coat,  maybe change your shoes and accessories, comb your hair and touch up make-up et voila’ . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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A HAPPY TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY PARTY DRESS

BYE - BYE BLUES! A HAPPY FIFTIES PARTY DRESS ENDS MY BLUE SERIES, for the time being . . . .

If you find a good deal on a vintage dress with stains like these, don’t let it worry you. I’ve had great success learning how to deal with them . . . . . . . . .

In heavy rayon or a blend, with its own rhinestone pin and a sassy fit, this dress has 1950’s party written all over it. In a pretty robin’s egg print, it’s just right for Spring. Try it with a little bolero jacket or sweater.

A frock such as this one is too good to pass up, if you feel confident about your skills. . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

NEW TO ME – PRETTY PASTEL YELLOW CLASSIC 1960’S FROCK

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Very early Sixties Spring dress from the early to mid-1960’s.  It’s a real blast from the past in a lady-like style, so typical of that time.  The zipper is metal, but the fabric an easy-care knit which was also popular then – “wash and wear” had become the common thing.

A dress like this is so versatile.  It can be worn almost everywhere, dressed up or down. Especially now when footwear choices are completely open, boots, pumps, sandals or flip-flops could all be possibilities that would not have been “right” when this dress was made.  Oh, you might have gotten by with go-go boots, flats, pumps or dressy sandals but that would have been all.

Ahh, fashion freedom.  Love it!  Can’t have it without true vintage in your closet, too . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM