Another one-of-a-kind mid-century cocktail frock. De rigeuer black crepe-ish fabric with a full lining. Unusual 3/4 kimono-ish sleeves with maribou trim. Elegant and easy body-skimming style. Made by a company called Dresstown which seems to have straddled the U.S./Canada border about 50 years ago. Not high-end, but distinguished. Again, never will find another like it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Pants, skirts and culottes! Very avant garde for the U.S. But, ladies with knitting needles were not timid and the pattern magazines spurred them on. No one can say that “American” women didn’t avidly follow European high fashion. Investigators have long known that, wherever we are, successful sleuthing depends on being able to blend in. (Must be cautious about calling people from the U.S. Americans, as if we’re the only ones. People from Mexico, Central and South America also identify themselves as American).
The photos I publish are all from vintage McCall’s Needlework and Crafts magazines, an offshoot of the well-known and popular McCall’s women’s magazine that published monthly from 1873 to 2002.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although full skirts were still seen on wedding gowns in the early 1960’s (and probably always will be), narrower skirts and differently-styled bodices began to show up more often. Society was beginning the overthrow of traditional ways of doing things. Especially after Americans’ and the world’s hearts were shattered by the murder of our King Arthur in 1963, all bets were off and the Mod fashion revolution began.
I somehow doubt that the Kelly Arden mini-dress on right was intended as a wedding frock, but it could have been – even with the contrasting buttons and sash. Grandma would have been scandalized and all but the most fashionista of mom’s wouldn’t have liked it, either. That would have been a powerful clue to the identity of the mystery bride . . . . . . .a closet revolutionary. Not surprisingly, the anti-establishment trend continued as the files further reveal. Stay tuned. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A pair of, low-heeled classic quasi-spectator-style Mod pumps. Black and white is always “in”, and is always de la mode. Very practical for any Sixties – era outfit. You can also dance the night away in comfort.
This pair is by the famous maker Florsheim, a quality name for decades. Looks great Spring, Summer or Fall. Probably in Winter, too. A classic’s a classic, right?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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I always have my eye out for great slacks like these, but they’re SO rare. Love these late Sixties flares that are reminiscent of 1940’s women’s styles and sailors’ pants. Such a treat to find slacks that fit like a glove.
The cut velour fabric is comfy but not too plush. Good for wear in any cool weather (I like them most in Fall, of course) and also in a great neutral color; much more versatile than some of the wild prints from that time that are really Mod-cute but wearable with only one or two tops in the closet.
They’ll look great with that cheetah-print blouse from a few days ago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Still modest, but a lot more casual and friendly-looking. Fun everyday wear for when I want a warmer dress (like now!) My, my – the chilly winds they are a-blowin’. That’s one good thing about the older acrylic knits. They’re not as heavy as a sweater but they are warm.
Good color combos – just right for Autumn and I’m happy with the long sleeves and the original belts – not so easy to find. I’ll be wearing them soon with opaque tights and boots, in a late Sixties Carnaby Street mood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fall weight fabric in a ’60’s paisley print, with bell sleeves. Easy lines with a tie belt. What could be more characteristic of the shift style from mid to late ’60’s? It was a time when British fashion was tops. Carnaby Street, Mary Quant and Twiggy reigned.
Love these colors – perfect for the Autumn time of year. In the case of this particular frock, a Texas designer refined the design for her specialty label. Casual, but lady – like, something they did so well in the southern U.S.
This one, no doubt, had an interesting social life .. . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
How cute is this – and, in wonderful condition?! Nice two-tone probably cotton fabric, with a flippy pleated skirt and button tab decoration at the hip-line. It was fashioned at home by a seamstress with confidence who made exactly what she wanted, with a perfect fit for her. It’s a little big on me, but the style makes it super-easy to alter the size.
I can just imagine Ann-Margret in a frock like this one, riding on the back of a scooter in a mid-century movie. What a treat!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Gotta have for summer! Original vintage low-heeled pumps found in the Miami area. From the late Sixties – early Seventies. One pair more casual, one pair a bit dressy.
Both a little bit mod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is also a true vintage brand that I already own – so fun to find things by names that I know. It’s a vintage 16, which was a plus size at that time, but still looks pretty cute on Stella.
Plain and everyday, but still worth picking up, to me. All part of the vintage sleuthing craft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 