Tag Archives: Mod

RARE, RARE, RARE NEW FIND! 1960’S MOD PLAY-SUIT – JUMPSUIT

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This is really something!  Mid-century play-suits are rare as hens teeth, so I’m thrilled to discover another one.  So cute – flower-power mod print in cotton, with a long metal zip up the back.

So much fun!  Fashion used to be both and either restricting and full of novelty.  Now we can wear everything and anything we want but you’ve gotta go Indie designer, independent artist or true vintage to be unique.  I guess there always has to be both sides of the coin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MOD FLOWER-POWER 1960’S 2-PC. DRESS – “NEW” TO ME TODAY!

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Too cute to pass up – I couldn’t believe a knit dress from the  mid – Sixties in such perfect condition.  it’s a real blast from the past.  Pictured here on size 4 Giselle, it’s a vintage size 8 with no room to spare!

Cut for the more conservative set – no mini-skirt here.  But, that’s how fashion always goes – everybody has to follow the trends one way or another.  Such a thrill to find a style that’s been made over so many times in the last decade in it’s original form – back when it was really hot on the streets everywhere.  I can almost see the fashionable housewife who wore it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEWLY DISCOVERED ACCESSORIES AND SHOES – HERE WE GO . . . . . . .

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True vintage late 1960’s 100% leather hand-made stiletto heels.  What shoes should be!!! Black patent leather with fabric bow decoration.

These were originally sold at a well-known mid-western department store.  They were made to last, and they have.  Small metal taps at the toes to prevent wear.  The soles have not been repaired, but they can be forever as needed.  That’s the beauty of these beautiful vintage items.

More on the way – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET FROM THE 1960’S

TRUE VINTAGE LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET FROM THE 1960'S

As it gets warmer, I may be showing some light jackets.  This one is from the ’60’s in a kind of fantasy floral print – not psychedelic, but a little abstract.  Flower Power ruled!  I love the colors in this and the nice, easy but chic fit.

The poly/rayon/whatever fabric that was often used then shouldn’t automatically be thrown in the washer like we tend to do with everything now.  The label on this jacket says that it also needs the care of spot-cleaning or dry-cleaning, but I’ve still found it easy-wear.  Just a little extra care does the trick.

Don’t panic!  There are simple ways to deal with this.  I have lots of items that can’t be machine washed, but I hardly EVER have to go to a dry-cleaner (can’t remember the last time). Not dissing them – they are a god-send when you really need a good one.

This is a perfect jacket over capris, little skirts and sheath dresses.  It’s fun to try finding pieces in coordinating colors for the kind of funky, vintage hues.  But, there is always ivory or black which can work.

Not a go-to, every-day jacket but it’s right for a day of fun – can’t have too much . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

A FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE FIND – MOD GEOMETRIC PRINT SIXTIES KNIT TUNIC

A FABULOUS FIND - MOD GEOMETRIC PRINT SIXTIES KNIT TUNIC

I’ll soon be on an investigation again, so a little patience may be needed, please, with my time-table!  Here’s another wonderful find – a mod tunic blouse in a heavy synthetic knit. Similar to the fabric in yesterday’s dress from the Forties, but grown up a generation.

I love the style and the printed design, with long sleeves.  Looks great with long pants, short skirts . . . . . . An excellent choice for cool Spring-ish weather.

This design has a little short zipper at the back neckline and falls mostly straight, with a little shaping in the torso.  As you can see on Madge, the fit is very flattering.

Vintage knits are almost always wonderful, regardless of the type of fabric.  Usually they are heavy and drape well.  That’s what makes them fit so beautifully.  And, of course, the design is on the back, too.  No cutting corners on the best true vintage!

I always love finding unusual pieces like this one. Makes my day . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE TWO-PIECE KNIT DRESS FROM THE LATE ’50’S/EARLY ’60’S – MOD MEETS MAD MEN

TWO-PIECE KNIT MAD MEN DRESS FROM THE LATE '50'S/EARLY '60'S

For dinner or after-work cocktails, this little number would fill the bill.  Pair it with some matching blue pumps and you’d really be swank.

Simple as can be, but with the neckline decoration and the little vents at the waist, it’s very stylish.  And, like a sheath dress, the fit is classic and really flattering.

If you are a DIYer, this style is very simple to sew.  I have another very similar in lightweight soft green wool – made by the grandmother of a friend in mid-century, as a 3-season dressy day dress.

Just the thing to have in your closet for that unexpected invitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

MOD MAD MEN TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S DRESS WITH MATCHING JACKET

MOD 1960'S DRESS WITH MATCHING JACKET

This outfit was custom tailored in the mid-1960’s.  Bell sleeves and easy fit. The fabric is a swirly paisley print in aqua tones and it includes the  addition of a matching jacket to create an ensemble.

So many dresses in the ’50’s and ’60’s were made with matching jackets and even matching accessories.  Though this is a fairly casual dress, it follows that lady-like trend and seems to teeter on the edge of the fashion divide between the rather prissy Fifties and early Sixties and the Mod and wild times just after.  Looks like the dressmaker originally intended to make a sleeveless frock, then changed her mind.   As it is, we’ve got a day dress that Twiggy would look just fab in, photographed on some 1965 magazine cover.

What a luxury to have your own dressmaker to custom-tailor your wardrobe! So many women did.  Most neighborhoods in the city had a tailor’s shop where this kind of work was done.  In towns and villages there was usually a woman nearby who did dressmaking in her  own home.  And, of course, many women were still doing their own home sewing then.

Maybe I’ll take the sleeves off some time and wear this dress with the jacket – but, no . . . . love the dress just as it is.  I’ll check out the jacket with my selection of skirts  . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

JUST FOUND – MORE WELL-MADE TRUE VINTAGE BLOUSES

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It’s always a treat when these turn up – looks like 1960’s in both cases, but they’re a bit of a mystery.  The best thing about them is the quality and construction.  Of course, this type of photo doesn’t do them justice.

The blouse on the left is very casual and basic, but the fabric is really nice.  It’s some kind of a blend of cotton and rayon.  Feels smooth to touch and has a gloss, and I love the colors and the plaid, too.  Both have rounded wing collars, though the style on the right is much more sophisticated.

The blouse on the right is a star.  Not only is it made from a REALLY nice rayon fabric, but the tailoring is wonderful!  The buttons are all fabric-covered.  The retro-1940’s style is pretty with light shoulder padding and puffed sleeves.  What I like best is that it is FITTED!!!!!!!!!  Can’t believe it – it’s so rare to find a nicely fitted blouse or shirt because they just don’t make them now.  Spandex added to fabric molds to the body pretty well, but is a cheaper-looking alternative and can’t compare to a blouse with fitted seaming that is done properly.  The look is completely different, and much more elegant.

So . . . . . . . . . . . . . what’s next? . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BACK TO TRUE VINTAGE – 1960’S BLACK CREPE COCKTAIL DRESS

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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

MOD TRUE VINTAGE SHEATH DRESS IN TRAFFIC – SIGN COLORS

IMG_1052     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