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

GORGEOUS 1950’S SANDALS FOR SUMMER – IN CLASSIC TAN AND WHITE

GORGEOUS 1950'S SANDALS FOR SUMMER – IN CLASSIC TAN AND WHITE.

GORGEOUS 1950’S SANDALS FOR SUMMER – IN CLASSIC TAN AND WHITE

GORGEOUS 1950'S SANDALS FOR SUMMER - IN CLASSIC TAN AND WHITE

Imagine the thrill when I spotted these! What a fabulous pair of shoes for summer.

This color, with the unusual white accents, is so classic and versatile. Looks good with almost everything but stands out on its own.

100% leather, of course. 1950’s quality all the way. Doesn’t get any better!

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

ICONIC TRUE VINTAGE MID-FIFTIES SUMMER SKIRT AND BLOUSE

ICONIC TRUE VINTAGE MID-FIFTIES SUMMER SKIRT AND BLOUSE.

ICONIC TRUE VINTAGE MID-FIFTIES SUMMER SKIRT AND BLOUSE

ICONIC TRUE VINTAGE MID-FIFTIES SUMMER SKIRT AND BLOUSE

A full skirt (the original owner might have worn a crinoline underneath!) and a peasant blouse were popular outfits in both the 1940’s and 1950’s. I have most often seen them in old movies and TV programs.

The most special thing about this skirt is the Egyptian theme decoration printed all around. The colors are great, the cotton is soft and heavy. Should be worn with a wide belt.

The blouse is pretty, too, with the lacy ruffle. Off-the-shoulder necklines (it’s got elastic around the top) are super-flattering to almost every figure.

This would make a cute hostess outfit. It just says “get out and play” to me!

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

TRUE VINTAGE 100% LEATHER DELISO SLINGBACK SANDALS

TRUE VINTAGE 100% LEATHER DELISO SLINGBACK SANDALS.

TRUE VINTAGE 100% LEATHER DELISO SLINGBACK SANDALS

TRUE VINTAGE 100% LEATHER DELISO SLINGBACK SANDALS

Almost every pair of my true vintage shoes has been a surprise find and this was one of the most delicious! Beautiful Delisos from the 1960’s.

I’m always thrilled when I find 100% leather shoes, because that tells me that the craftsmanship is wonderful and, also, that they will be easy to have repaired. Full leather shoes can last a lifetime, with good care.

Sling-backs are one of my favorite styles. That’s the only style you’ll see here for a while, as I work my way through the collection. They’re fabulous for summer, so now’s the time!

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

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.

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

SOME OF MY CUTEST LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE FLATS – AND A VERY RARE FIND!

SOME OF MY CUTEST LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE FLATS – AND A VERY RARE FIND!.