What wonderful things I’m discovering! Just LOVE the old kitchy motifs here. Although there’s probably enough material to make a simple dress, the fabric is more the weight for upholstery so I’ll save it for sofa pillows or to cover a chair.
Such fun!!!!!!!!!!!! And, rare as can be . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a beautiful find! Because of the traditional styling I can’t date it exactly, but it’s old. Rayon satin with lovely floral embroidery. Like the silk Cheongsam dress I found last week, this garment is so gorgeous and timeless – I’ll love wearing it for decades.
There’s another similar one of red silk hanging in my closet. It looks wonderful with dressy black crepe pants, a skirt or dress for cocktails or a special dinner party.
It’s off to the cleaners after I check the lining for any messages Mata Hari might have left behind . … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
From a New York clothier, this frock with a shimmy-shake beaded bodice is classic 1960’s. The fully-lined black crepe dress with a knee-length hemline was a standard of 1950’s and early 1960’s cocktail party attire.
Fun elements of beading and flirty design were common in the Sixties. I love finding one of these – so wearable and always playful, while toeing the line with classic couture. You can wear it (almost) anywhere without raising eyebrows.
And, as always, quality and excellent condition for the past 45 – 50 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s the example I promised yesterday – by the iconic Paris designer, Henri Bendel, a summer frock of exceptional fit and construction. Although this dress may be no more than 8 years old since the company stopped selling clothing in 2009, it’s quality and pedigree made it worth picking up.
I also have a suit by Henri Bendel, made in the 1960’s. The design and tailoring of his garments are exquisite. Although this sundress does not look like anything special hanging here, it fits beautifully (my size!) and is very well-made.
If only for the legacy of this classic Parisian designer, I was happy to find it and will wear it with pleasure . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fabulous condition, too! It needs a button, but I can do that. I may even have a matching one in my stash. So fun to find one of these in great shape.
This type of sweater was such a common and vital part of a man’s wardrobe before 1965. After that, styles changed and these weren’t seen as often. The classic golf sweater carried on the design, but is of a completely different genre.
College boys, Dad and Grandpa used to sport around in these cardigans during Happy Days and Mad Men times. Sometimes they’d be worn with a casual shirt and tie. Great- and great-great granddads had their versions, too. I don’t find one very often but, when you’re sleuthing, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Oh, I LOVE this! Been looking for just the right one for a long time and here it is – in my favorite color (or one of them . . . . . . . . .).
This style dates from the 1920’s in Shanghai, China and the custom-tailoring is so classic and timeless that I can’t date this dress exactly. It could be true vintage or made recently – but – one rarely sees the pure classic style done so well in recent years. And, it is 100% embroidered silk, which is also a rarity. This may not be the case with garments made for Chinese women, but anything on sale for tourists or the larger market is usually of a lower quality, in my experience.
Anyway, I’m totally thrilled! So perfect for a cocktail party. I’ve had this frock in my sights for several years . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Brocade and crepe, with a little bow at the back waistline – this frock is so well-made and elegant. Formal dance, Prom, Special Occasion, perfect! It needs a pressing, but is in great shape. Remember what I said yesterday about the repeating design elements? Read on . . . . . . . . .
So beautifully tailored with closures and stitching in all the right places, this gown has a feature that I have never seen. The sleeves are part of a bolero bodice that is attached and worn inside the dress and supports the sleeves. That makes it possible to wear this gown as a sleeveless sheath or as pictured here. The sleeves, as on the dress yesterday, have fabric flowers sewn on.
Wow! What a gorgeous and surprise design!! You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Dig the hairstyles, too. Now that Christmas and New Year’s celebrations were over, women in 1961 turned their attention to Spring and travel styles, as well as Prom & Easter.
With the crazy weather, we’re also thinking of flowers and sunny colors. Although our grandmothers and great-grandmothers thought about new needlework projects in their spare time, it’s still FASHION, and we continue to think about it now, but in different ways (what’s on my favorite Internet site?).
in 1961, the subscribers to McCall’s Needlework and Crafts magazine looked forward to these styles.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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So rare! A blouse from sixty years back, in exceptional condition. I just love these mid-century blouses that are basically proper, but show just a little bit of waistline when you bend or reach up. With a sporty skirt, cigarette pants, capri’s or shorts it’s a classic sexy look for summer.
Hard to see in the photo, but there’s a V cut in the front neckline which is a great little design feature. Buttons up the back. Clothing from California makers has always been trend-setting and attractive in a sporty way. Such a thrill to find it – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Sticking with up-scale day frocks and moving forward a couple of decades, look at this fabulous late Sixties frock! These were iconic color combinations from that time.
This size 10 dress on x-small Stella is a good clue to it’s era. The fabric is a glossy rayon & linen blend – a bit dressy, with a nice drape. A pretty day-time sheath with a bit of attitude.
No matter the time of year, the hunt continues and you just never know. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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