Tag Archives: Fifties

BE A LUAU MAMA OR A CHIC WAIKIKI WAHINI

BE A LUAU MAMA OR A CHIC WAIKIKI WAHINI

Since I’ve started getting out the patio frock, here we go – – – – – – Nothing rivals the beautiful workmanship and fabulous fabric found in true vintage Hawaiian fashions from the early Seventies and before.  The colors are incomparable.  The cottons and rayons are practically indescribable.  Men’s shirts are also incredible.

Since at least the 1940’s, dresses made in Hawaii were very desirable for their quality and fit.  Some are exceptionally comfy and relaxed. Others are high-volume sexy or very chic.

Think Mata Hari of the islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND – A COUPLE MORE PRETTY CLASSIC VINTAGE HANDBAGS

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All right – I know that a lot of you, my followers, are not too excited about some of these accessories, but I love them!  Aside from being practical, they can really “make” an outfit that would otherwise be kind of blase’.

The black ’40’s – ’50’s evening handbag is so similar to other I have, yet distinctive.  It’s got a lovely and high-quality metal frame that puts many to shame.  Matte rayon on the outside and black satin inside.  Clean and elegant.

The ’60’s purse on right is very plain inside with no brand-name label and was probably sold at a shoe store or department store.  The cover is fabric but the construction is nothing special in terms of the quality.  However, it’s very clean and pretty.  With just the right dress, skirt & blouse or suit, it would really be an eye-catcher!

So, more fun fashion dreams and, of course, always in reverse-time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER DISCOVERY! 1950’S – 1960’S MEN’S CATALINA SHIRT-JAC

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This one is an interesting find.  Might have been part of a work uniform back in the day, but it’s a shirt made like a jacket with hip pockets and that funky stripe.  Today it would be fun as a sports shirt with jeans.  The maker was Catalina – that iconic California maker of sportswear, so who knows . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’m sure that it was intended to be a man’s top when it was made, but today it’s very unisex.  To me, it’s got a Grease vibe.  Could also go over a tank top or muscle shirt.  If it were smaller, I’d keep it myself if not for the orange color.  No can do.

So, this was for fun and will go into the archives for the time being.  That’s OK.  It’s the hunt and the quest that are the real reward!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WHAT TO WEAR UNDER MY 1960’S MINI – SKIRTS, CULOTTES & BLOUSEY HIPPIE PANTS?

WHAT TO WEAR UNDER MY 1960'S MINI - SKIRTS, CULOTTES & BLOUSEY HIPPIE PANTS?

How about some pretty lingerie that makes the decision easy! No more concerns about indiscreet gaps or getting your undies in a twist . .. ….. . . ..

Back in the day when every type of clothing came in well-made and lovely versions that weren’t expensive, women had options like these to wear under those trendy and faddish styles that might not be in fashion next year.  I was so glad to find that pair which I showed a few days ago that was just – a – little – bit – longer . . . . . . . . . .

Even though culottes and hot-pants went by the way-side pretty quickly, there’s still a definite place for lingerie pieces like these in my wardrobe and sometimes they are SO practical! And, the heavy, silky nylon and beautiful decoration are always a pleasure . .. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST UNEARTHED THESE -TRUE VINTAGE FABRIC HANDBAGS

IMG_3291Unusual and cute – worth collecting.  It’s great to find bags this old that have survived in such wonderful condition!  The hardware is really shiny and bright but, of course, reflects shadows.  The purse on left was handmade with a needlepoint cover, mounted on purchased hardware.  Up through the 1960’s, many women made purses this way because the kits were easy to buy and a perfect way to make a bag that exactly matches an outfit – especially when so many women were home-sewing their wardrobes.  I’ve seen them in all styles, including late mid-century macrame’.

The handbag on right is a commercially-made style by the CARA brand-name.  Pretty standard on the inside with a satiny rayon liner and zipper compartment – beyond the excellent condition, the deciding factor for me was the hardware design.  Isn’t that a lovely infinity coil along the top?

Still good for many years of service, and wonderful along with just the right outfit.  I’ll have fun with these – can never have too much of that . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WHILE WE’RE INTO UNDERWEAR – JUST FOUND: PERFECT SPECIAL-DUTY MID-CENTURY LINGERIE!

I have never had a long-line bra, and lusted after the perfect one for years.  It’s one of those things that has to fit just right or it’s a mess.  Well, not only is this one in my size, but it does just that (fit perfectly)!  Now I’ll be free to debauche in God-only-knows what shameless costumes.

No, probably not.  But, a strapless dress or that plunging neckline . . . . . .YES!!  and, feeling like a ’50’s vixen all the while.

Next, the slip that is not a slip.  It is a “skirt liner” that’s worn like a slip, but is tailored like a skirt with a back zipper and kick pleat and is made of more substantial fabric. Great example of another garment that will come in handy under just the right skirt-cumstances.  Forgive me.

Finally, a peachy split slip to be worn under gaucho pants or any kind of split skirt.  I have a long pair of slacks liners, but sometimes they just won’t do.  So, there!  In one fell swoop, I discovered these ’50’s to ’70’s pieces that will sometimes be indispensable and just right with clothing from those decades.  It pays.  You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S SUMMER SLIPS IN LEMON & TANGERINE

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S SUMMER SLIPS IN LEMON & TANGERINE

Pretty citrus – color lingerie in luscious ’50’s nylon, with exquisite decoration.  Rare colors!  Believe it or not, I just found a similar one in pale yellow the other day . . . . . . . . . .

The temperatures keep going up and down, but how can we doubt that Summer is coming if we wear these?

As always, luscious fabric and gorgeous trimmings.  The seaming on the bodices is unusual on the two yellow examples and probably deserves a Special Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S DANCE PARTY / PROM POUF DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S EASTER DANCE PARTY / PROM POUF DRESS

Imagine my shock and awe when I was confronted by this frock – an original by Max Starr, a famous designer of the time, with a pouf crinoline and layers of sheer floral fabric.  I MUST get it onto Stella soon – she’s the only one of the girls who can wear it, but it’s just her size!

The belt is covered in velvet and the colors sing Spring!  It looks like a beautiful flower garden.  This is really a prize.  Happy hunting!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEW ACQUISITION – CLASSIC TRUE VINTAGE RETRO 1940’S SHIRT DRESS FROM THE 1980’S

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Made in the U.S. by The American Shirt Dress company, this is not an unusual find – I come across these dresses now and again.   They are faithfully-made to the basic design of true vintage shirt dresses from the wartime and post-war days, so they are not a bad buy, but the tailoring is not anything to write home about.  The reason I picked this one up is because of the fabric.

Although it’s a cotton/poly blend, the finish is marled and glossy like many fabrics in the Forties and early Fifties were.  It’s fun to see what can be done with standard materials when a specialized weave or finish is applied.  This gives it an extra ‘elan which most retro fashions don’t have.

So, I’ll enjoy running around in this one on an everyday basis – just like my female relatives from generations back used to do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

DISCOVERY! SUMMER WHITE MID-CENTURY HANDBAGS

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Beaded and beautiful – one even had a pretty hankie tucked inside!  (also found some old pennies)  Vintage 1950’s – 1960’s, made in Hong Kong (of course!), made in U.S.A., too.  All so clean and well-loved.

The beading is hand-done.  The 1930’s – style on the bottom right has the brand name stamped onto the satin lining.  The purse made in Hong Kong (bottom left) has, naturally, a silk lining.  The larger handbag on top has fun plastic beads crocheted into raffia and Lucite trim.  Big enough to hold all your daily needs.

I’m always so impressed by how well mid-century women cared for their clothing and accessories.  Yes, it was sometimes an issue of economy – if you can only afford to have one “good” dress, preserving it becomes very important.  However, way beyond that was a personal value placed on items of quality that were lovely to look at and wear and the wish to treat them with respect.  I try to fill my closets with garments and their complements that inspire the same sentiment.

So, no careless coffee spills, scattered crumbs or dogs in my lap with these . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM