1960’s mod styling in a classic sheath with back zip. Fully lined. Notice the white bands at the neckline and armholes.
Elegance and cool comfort – doesn’t get better than this!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Tag Archives: ladies’
TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY OFF-WHITE SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS – AND A SHOE SUGGESTION
A very pretty frock from the late 1950’s – early 1960’s. I found this several years ago at an out-of-the-way sale.
Basically, it is a sheath with added tailoring details. Metal zipper up the back and an attached bolero jacket, with big buttons in back. The cummerbund waistband closes in back with hooks and eyes.
Very, very refined and elegant. The mid-heel leather pumps are of the same era and make a perfect complement.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE. MAGICVINTAGESPY
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HAND-MADE SWEATERS FROM THE 1950’S
Beautiful sweaters to make yourself – I’d love to have lots of things like this in my wardrobe (I do have some cardigans that are hand-done). Pictured in the McCall’s Needlework Fall-Winter edition of 1956 – 1957. This year it’s been so cool that we could sometimes wear them now!
Nothing beats hand-made clothing, done by an expert. At one time, even middle-income women had this luxury because so many of them were very skilled seamstresses and tailors. It was economical to make your own wardrobe and even hiring someone to custom-tailor for you was not out of the question, at least once or twice a year.
The beauty of finding true vintage clothing is that much of it is hand done. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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BEAUTIFUL, ELEGANT AND CHIC TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SUMMER DRESS
Gorgeous, gorgeous easy dress that is so sophisticated and well-tailored. This mid – century frock would get you on the best-dressed list in a heartbeat! It’s been in my wardrobe for a while and it’s gonna stay there!
I uncovered some fabulous finds this past weekend and have seen some wonderful true vintage items in the shops that I’ve visited. As I get myself together after the trip, I’ll be cluing you in . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A DELIGHTFULLY PRETTY LITTLE YELLOW SUNDRESS – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S
This gorgeous little number says summer all over. It is the brightest yellow, with little embroidered flowers all over the bodice, each with a pearl center.
If that isn’t enough, around the hem are larger flowers, all embroidered in the same bright yellow thread. fit, as you can see, speaks for itself . . .
The label is long gone, but I am sure that it was commercially-made. There are too many professional details. Fully lined, of a really nice woven fabric with a bit of texture – metal zip up the back.
Although this is not a formal dress, it is quite refined and could go into the evening very confidently. In the heat of the summer, it could go shopping, lunching, to dinner and dancing without missing a beat.
Natalie Wood would have loved it. “I feel pretty, oh so pretty . . . .”. Almost as if it found its way from her closet into mine . . . . . . .. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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WOWEE! A FUN AND RARE FIND – 1960’S WAITRESS UNIFORM
It was really fun to come across this find! A poly-nylon women’s uniform – probably from a diner waitress or other food worker in the 1960’s. Could even be from the 1950’s – must research the maker’s label.
The blue is really nice, and the fact that it is in such perfect condition! Also love the cute scalloping on the collar.
Really makes me wonder where this was worn and about all the stories it must have to tell. If only she’d carried a secret tape recorder . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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WOVEN SUMMER – WEIGHT VERSION OF THE CLASSIC COWBOY HAT – MADE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA BY SMITHBILT
Just as classic as the wool felt version, this beautiful Smithbilt hat is also of the highest quality. Not sure when it was made – these enduring styles and handmade constructions are almost ageless.
Contrasting two-tone woven-in design & leather bands inside and out. The weaving is tight and even. This hat will also last forever (almost) if it’s taken care of.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S STILETTO PUMPS
Here’s a pair of shoes that I might wear with the dresses I’ve shown recently. These needle-toe patent leather pumps are characteristic of late ’50’s to early ’60’s styles. The placement and shape of the heel is also characteristic.
I love the little cut-outs on the vamp. Many shoes of that era had great details.
One of the things I like best are the company names stamped on the insoles. The script is usually so interesting. Although these are cracked inside, the outers are in great shape.
I’ve had new heel caps put on, but otherwise they will last for decades more. The color is funky but fun, too!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I TURNED MY TRUE VINTAGE DRESS INTO A SLEEVELESS STYLE!
Sometimes I love short sleeves and sometimes I think that they look dowdy on me. It all depends on the cut and style of the dress, and how it fits my body.
In this case, I decided to remove the sleeves. It’s very simple to do by carefully taking out the stitching in the seam that attaches the sleeve to the bodice. Don’t cut into the material – just save the sleeves as they are. Then you can re-attach them later or include them with the item if you ever decide to sell it.
Finishing off the seam is an easy thing to do, or to have someone else do! Voila! A sleeveless style, which are favorites of mine.
I’m sure that some of you seamstresses and tailors out there will have comments to make about this. Please do!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A PRETTY LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE DAY DRESS FROM THE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S
I see Sophia Loren wearing this dress and running down a street in Naples, Italy (in black stilettos) – chasing Marccello Mostriani in their latest film. Someone custom-tailored this little beauty in a style that falls low on the shoulders if you are petite.
It’s a sunny, breezy style with the 1950’s wasp waist and full skirt, in cotton print material, made for whatever casual activity is on the agenda. However, like most dresses of the era, a little jewelry and a hat (and, maybe, gloves) made it suitable for a slightly more formal event such as a luncheon date.
I prefer to let fantasy take my imagination away with this one – a bottle of local wine, a loaf of bread, cheese and fruit on a balcony overlooking the Adriatic Sea – with a very good friend . . .. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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