I love these! They’re so typical of the day-dresses from the early to mid-Sixties that said “Fall is Here”, mostly for professional women. Anyone who wanted to look nicely tailored, but casual, wore styles like these.
So, I’ve seen lots of them on TV but not in person. It’s great fun to find this blast from the past that probably belonged to the same woman. Wonder what her everyday story was about . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
McCalls needlework magazine from 1961 has patterns and instructions for these neat tops. It was one of those times when the fashion gets really playful. My most recent finds on this trip are ’60’s!
Not quite so intimidating as trying to make some of the dresses and coats, but challenging enough! There’s no mistaking the styles from that time and I’ll be showing more . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s my main collection of true vintage white rhinestone collars. From simple and sweet to sassy and sophisticated. These were made between 1940 and 1960, I’d say. Some might be older, or slightly newer.
To be worn alone, or almost alone. Unless you’re doing a period costume from a time when overkill was the usual fashion and everything was worn as a set, these lovelies shine most brilliantly when standing alone.
Just my opinion, for what it’s worth . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Stella stuns in this slim sheath with a draped neckline in back. I know the woman who made this dress back while John F. Kennedy was president and it is exquisitely tailored in charcoal cotton velvet, with a fabric-covered belt.
The style is simple, but dramatic. The cowl neckline in back is what makes the dress. It’s perfect for a necklace that is long enough and simple enough to be draped front to back with a beautiful clasp at the neck, or hidden under a high neckline in front while making a statement on your bare shoulders behind.
But, it doesn’t need much adornment and best to keep it simple . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S FROCK FOR A HOLIDAY GALA IN VELVET & BROCADE
Isn’t this one a pretty thing? A perfect 10 – vintage size 10, that is. Of course, it’s got the classic styling of the early Sixties but with a fun touch of beaded fringe at the midriff. All the required tailoring touches make it a well-made garment – full lining, hanging loops, hooks and eyes and a deep hem, however . . . . . . .
the nicest thing, to me, is the beautiful fabric. Plush, sumptuous red velvet on top and a lovely brocaded material in the skirt. I can just imagine Jacqueline Kennedy hosting a Christmas party at the White House 55 years ago, dressed in a style like this. So glad that someone else loved it enough to keep it preserved in such wonderful condition for this sleuth to uncover today. The investigation continues – stay tuned .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
OMG – pure white true vintage shoes are so rare, and especially in such good condition. Miss Wonderful (and they are) made these lovely full leather pumps back in the Kennedy era, early 1960’s. I’m in heaven because I’ve looked for some for ages.
Nothing takes the place of perfectly white “dress” shoes with pretty vintage summer frocks. Vintage white sandals are not hard to find, but pumps are another matter. Leather soles, with metal toe taps and almost-new heel caps just seal the deal. I’ll enjoy these for decades.
Although I’ve been too busy to be looking much . . . . . well, you just never know . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s another mid-century at-home leisure outfit. This one is a sumptuous lipstick red velvet design that mimics 1930’s – 1940’s style – I have a true vintage 1930’s rayon robe with tasseled sash – but this one, while still true vintage, is probably from the 1950’s or 1960’s.
LOVE the glamorous look and luxurious feel. What a treat to make a RARE discovery like this one (of course, that happens to me a lot, and each one is a delight!).
With pinked seams, rolled cowl neckline, a long back zipper and the wonderful rayon tassels on the belt plus a lovely embroidered tag. I can just see “The” Marilyn wearing this backstage in her dressing room, can’t you?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’ll be showing highlights of my vintage jewelry collection, along with the shoes and dresses. Here are three pieces which were very characteristic of the Sixties decade.
Enameled pins were very popular – especially in flower shapes. Also, large pendants that hung to the chest were a big thing.
The pin is not marked, nor is the middle pendant but I think that the chain which came with it said it was by Trifari. The gold-color pendant with chain is by Sarah Coventry. Modernistic shapes were really popular.
Any one of these really sparks up an outfit and gives it a mod, mid-sixties flair.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These, again, are a favorite pair of shoes and look great with that little suit from yesterday. So classic, they can be worn any time of year. In fact, they look great with many of the dresses coming up . . . . . . .
They were made by Life Stride, with leather uppers and synthetic soles (but that very long-wearing stuff). This company also made purses to match, as did many of the other mid-priced shoemakers then.
Very flattering fit and the bows on the back straps are so sweet! I wear them a lot. Mid-heels make them super comfortable and practical for shopping to dancing, but sexy-looking, too. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Probably my favorite 3-season skirt suit (Spring, Summer, Fall)! It has a GREAT fit (very saucy) and neat 3/4 sleeves. It’s so light that you can ditch the jacket during really hot weather.
In this picture it looks like Madge’s dresser was having an “off” day, but I have left the blouse un-tucked in order to show it better – it is NOT true vintage, but was made by Trashy Diva in New Orleans. Her couture deserves special mention because she designs with vintage features and uses vintage fabrics. I have referenced her shop in my book.
This lightweight little suit is as versatile as a little black dress. It can be dressed up or down, with or without the jacket. Any variety of tops can be worn and changes the presentation completely, from work to shopping to cocktails, to dinner, etc., etc. It also shows off jewelry beautifully against the black fabric.
This garment was never a high-end item, but was worn by a very fashionable woman who I knew. I was so pleased to find it at her friend’s yard sale across the street one day! As always, it goes to show that you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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