This one is so elegant and well-made that I can’t tell without getting it out and examining it again whether it’s from the 1940’s, 1950’s or early 1960’s. That’s the way that all our wardrobe fundamentals should be!
Even looking at the photo, I believe that this suit comes from the earlier end of the time spectrum than the end of it. It’s all in the fabric.
Next time I want to channel Esther Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here are two more beauties from Hawaii. The same fabulous construction and fabric, but slightly more modern art prints. Don’t you love those colors? Whenever I find one, I grab it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
Love this dress! The hippie-dippie sleeves, tiny polka dot, empire waistline and sexy fit. Maybe what I like best is the easy-wear of it for hot weather – cool and breezy but gives good sun coverage, too. No, what I like best is its absolute uniqueness and style. SO Stevie Nicks, So Sixties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Come on, Sunshine!!!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
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
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
Unusual 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
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
If you’ve ever seen a good dancer wearing one of these, you’ll know what I mean. The fringe around the hem just doesn’t know when to quit!
Some dresses have fringe all over, and that’s just WILD. But, a fringe at the bottom lets you remain demure and sophisticated (why is everyone staring at me?) while your dress gets all the attention.
This one is a sexy black crepe sheath, with a fitted waist. Stay VERY cool, and it could be a great costume for hiding in plain sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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