Marlene and Celia love these! So do I – so mysterious and alluring. In the right place, nothing looks better with your LBD and veils flatter like no make-up can do.
Hats from the 1940’s – 1950’s, especially, are such favorites of mine. The little black hat goes year-round . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A BIG change from yesterday’s styles – we’re leaping ahead to Easter with these statement hats, which had a real heyday in the early-mid Sixties. Each one is completely covered in feathers of one principle color, with accent tones sprinkled in. Marlene and Celia are oh, so chic and smart.
Very flattering, eh? Hats were always popular in the mid-century, but Spring hats had a special place after a long, cold winter and heavy, dark clothing. Feather hats are especially dramatic and these two are no exception to that rule! I may be showing some more later on . .. . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Gorgeous little Spring hats from the Fifties, or maybe a little earlier – these definitely remind me of April showers and Easter egg hunts. Nothing more classic than navy and white any time of year.
These styles that perch on top of your coiffure are easy to wear and very flattering and can be worn over almost any hairstyle. I’m always thrilled to discover one, as they’re a rare find.
Specimens like this sometimes lurk in dark areas, in hidden containers. Sometimes they come out at special events. Occasionally they can be coaxed into view . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Ain’t no flowers upon these babies! They’re just about as Mod as they come, with stripes of color (although they are floral pastels) and leopard spots.
The topper that Celia likes was made by a very famous designer of the time – perhaps Calvin Klein (I’ll have to look again). Even though the Calvin label is still producing today, his clothing and accessories from the ’70’s and before were quite different.
Marlene prefers a more dramatic statement, in timeless animal print faux fur plush with just enough OP ART character to make it unmistakably ’60’s. Of course, both hats are very well-constructed.
So, no need for traveling incognito today. Go forth and make a splash!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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These are such fun and add a happy, bright touch to any outfit. Raffia/cellophane hats from the 1960’s are almost always seen in pastel colors, in my experience, though neutrals like black and white were made, too. Love the grosgrain ribbon trim.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Since, at that time, a hat was a must-add to your outfit almost every day, being able to make your own saved women a lot of money. At the beginning of every season, women would hustle to up-date their accessories. Of course, a new hat from a milliner or a dress shop would be the first choice, but those could be pricey, even then. And, like shoes, a variety of different hats was the best thing!
These DIY styles are so cute. Like the dresses and sweaters I’ve shown from these vintages magazines, they range from casual to very dressy and can be surprising in how professional they look.
Up through the Fifties, at least, being able to construct and maintain the family’s clothing was an essential part of most housewives’ duties, along with cooking and cleaning. Although I’m told it could be fun, it was not a hobby . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Although I always love hats, the beginning of Fall always gets me thinking about them more. And, there couldn’t be an easier style to wear than this one.
The average woman before 1970 understood the allure and the impact of hats. They used to be a central part of any outfit and occupied a center-stage position in the wardrobe of any woman or man.
This one is a simple but very effective style from the late ’60s or ’70s, it has a chain and ribbon band and is made of wool felt. Carley Simon wears a similar one on the jacket of her famous debut album in 1972.
A wide brim is flattering to most faces and the key, as always, is to try it on before you buy and to learn what flatters your particular face and body. A great hat can be the most important thing you wear.
They’re also very effective if you’re wanting to be a bit mysterious or difficult to recognize . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Although hats are no longer an essential part of our daily wardrobes, excepting in cold weathr, they’re one of the most wonderful accessories to an outfit or ensemble. Now, of course, is a perfect time to be showing off your collection. Starting tomorrow we’ll run through mine, whether they’re appropriate for this particular time of year or not.
Be prepared for first plaintext early a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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While admittedly this housedress is not among my most stellar finds, first impression was that it was too good to leave behind. When I had a closer look at home, I could really see why. The quality features are far beyond what I first noticed.
OK. We’re going to talk about QUALITY only here, because the design is not exceptionally different from many other garments of its type. One of the best things about this particular cotton/polyester blend fabric is that it is opaque enough that I could go to the door in it without being indecent. That’s a huge plus when it comes to most housecoats of this genre.
Going on to the most important questions about the quality standards of clothing, let’s talk about the construction. We like the fabric – next is the notions. In this case, that includes the buttons and the lace trim. Both are very good – lace is the nicest I’ve felt or seen in a long time, on items of this type. The buttons are little stemmed pearlized plastic buttons which are very classic. The machine embroidery on the yoke is very nice, too, but nothing to write home about when it comes to what I expect on a vintage garment.
Finally comes construction. I took a separate photo of the yoke because the design is outstanding. It raises the bar when compared to the things that are usually seen and this design is echoed on the back yoke, too. Also, the seams are really tight and neatly done – very important on an at-home garment which will be worn a lot and won’t get special care. Finally, the hem has a 1″ allowance and has been finished BY HAND!!
That is probably the sweetest thing about this piece. Makes me nostalgic for my mother’s and grandmothers’ times when these features and touches were standard on almost everything they bought. Maybe, with all the disruption and change we’re experiencing in the world today our priorities and lifestyles will change and these kinds of production standards will return. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to count on things you buy to last at least a decade or two (or three or four) instead of just a few months?
In the meantime, there’s nothing like true vintage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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These types of sweaters/capes/ponchos were popular in the ’60’s and a lot of women knitted them themselves. This one is made by the Banff company, which produced a lot of really nice knits. I have a beaded sweater, knit dresses and suits by them, too.
The greatest feature, to me, is the armholes that allow you to have hands free. Any cape with this design is wonderful because it raises the convenience level big time!
Another nice thing is the button front. Also convenient. The fringe is lovely and the acrylic yarn also great because it washes so nicely and gives warmth but doesn’t have the weight and care issues of most wool items.
Sweet little sweater things, whether cardigans, pull-overs, jackets & coats, dresses and skirts,etc. were really popular in the ’60’s and early ’70’s and are very different from the things made now.
I love finding these beautiful vintage garments that are so unique, stylish and of exceptional quality. This one is an open-weave, so perfect for late Spring, early Fall and cool Summer nights.
True vintage sweater knits are not common finds (are any really common?) but definitely worth the treasure hunt . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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