AIRY 1960’s TRUE VINTAGE STILETTO PUMPS COVERED IN LACE

AIRY 1960's TRUE VINTAGE STILETTO PUMPS COVERED IN LACE

What could be prettier and more cool-looking over the next few weeks as the temperatures begin to rise?   These were made by Life Stride, the long-time shoe company that, I think, is still in business. They are fabric-covered all over with a peek-a-boo lace upper.

Fortunately, these were made during the time when quality materials and workmanship were still the standard.  I love it that the heels and toes are reinforced and that they are constructed to last!  What could be prettier for spring and summer wear . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

MY TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S THAI SILK DRESSES

MY 1960'S THAI SILK DRESSES

Yes, you did see the one on the left a few days ago, but here’s my photo with both. The vibrant-colored fabric with such a rich hand makes these garments radiant and unique.

Thai silk is like no other. The fabric is so lustrous and with a hand-made texture. The colors are gorgeous, in beautiful combinations.

On top of that, the hand-tailoring of these garments makes them so beautifully detailed and fitted. Both of these dresses would have been custom-made for someone who was vacationing or living in Thailand or China.

And, of course, in classic styles that are as wearable now as they were in the 1960’s . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SILK BUTTON-FRONT FROCK

UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S SILK BUTTON-FRONT FROCK

Although the basic style of this dress is unremarkable, it is so unique!  100% lined silk in a beautiful paisley print. And, very well-tailored.

Cool and breezy, yet quite sophisticated. This is not a run-of-the-mill item.
I’ve never seen another like it.

Aside from its vintage, it doesn’t leave many clues. But, of course I love a mystery . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON  AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE SHOES OF THE 1960’S – IMMORTALIZED AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

SHOES OF THE 1960'S - IMMORTALIZED AT THE SHOE MUSEUM

 

Examples from the decade, preserved and displayed beautifully. Stilettos and little strappy things. Cute, chic and sexy.  In alligator, suede, satin, patent leather – such a fabulous collection!

These are mostly dressier styles on this side of the display case.  You can catch a glimpse of some more everyday heels on the other side.

From Carnaby Street to The Man from Uncle to early James Bond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES SHEATH DRESS WITH BEADED NECKLINE

TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES SHEATH DRESS WITH BEADED NECKLINE

Here’s a mod version of the little black dress – classic knee-length sheath styling in black crepe, with a sassy stand collar in bugle beads.   LOVE this neckline!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

PRETTY SPRING ACCESSORIES – FINE TRUE VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY BROOCHES FOR COAT AND JACKET LAPELS

FINE TRUE VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY BROOCHES FOR COAT AND JACKET LAPELS

There’s nothing more eye-catching on a plain tailored dress, coat or jacket lapel than an outstanding piece of jewelry. These costume brooches are each signed, by different designers.  Whimsical and elegant, women hardly felt dressed without one on back in the day.

From the 1950’s – 1960’s, they are either glamorous or fun. I love the turtle!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SPRING FROCK FOR AN EASTER PARTY

PRETTY SPRING SIXTIES FROCK FOR AN EASTER PARTY

Spring flowers abound on this breezy semi-formal dress from the 1960’s. It is lined, but I think that originally a stiff a-line petticoat would have been worn underneath – probably with a crinoline to hold its shape.

However, the print is casual, so the petticoat could no doubt be omitted for an informal party. So up-beat for Easter doings, though a little jacket or warm shawl would also look pretty if it’s cool.

Empire waistline styling with a simple back zip. Although I adore the elegance of the Fifties and before, sometimes the extra simplicity of fashions that took over in the Sixties is refreshing – certainly easier for a quick costume change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

MORE FINDS! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S FROCK

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Another treasure from the 1960’s.  Sorry my camera/laptop is playing tricks on me again – can’t edit the photo.

This pretty Spring dress was custom-tailored with lots of nice features.  Love the Mod bell sleeves – I’ve run across several of these in the past 2 years, all of a sudden.  It’s fully lined, with raglan sleeves and an invisible zipper center back.

The seamstress knew her stuff and did a very good job. Although it’s plain, it’s very well-made.  The first thing she did right was selecting the fabric – a good quality polyester and/or acetate.  The print and colors are gorgeous – SO SIXTIES!!!

Sorry that this isn’t my color palette (makes me look jaundiced) but I’m sleuthing for true vintage fashion – not only things I can wear.  So, that didn’t stop me.  Never does . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

 

NEW FIND! CUTE LITTLE MOD 1960’S JACKET

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

In the midst of my series of mid-century finds, lets take a little break for the latest discovery.   I was out sleuthing the other day when I spied this.  Although it’s not the type of thing I usually get excited about, because so many cheap imitations have been made over the past 10 years or so, I liked the quality of the knit fabric and the fact that it was home-sewn.  So, I picked it up . . . . .

Thinking it would be too small for me and I’d just have to end up selling it or giving it away, I slipped it on and – WHOA! – it fits me perfectly and it’s really cute!  Maybe some teenager made this in Home Economics class back in the 1960’s (when they were still offering that in schools).  Kind of a cross between  a bomber and a bolero style – it’s a simple-sew item that would have been an intermediate pattern for someone learning how to set in sleeves.

Originally, it would have had a matching print skirt or slacks – or maybe a sheath dress in one of the solid colors in the print.  Alas, those pieces are long gone, but I’ll enjoy wearing it with my turquoise jeans or my regular jeans until an alternative comes up.  Won’t be one of my prized true vintage possessions, but it may be a go-to super casual jacket on cool-weather days when I’m just out and about.

A little variety is always the spice . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN KITCHEN FUN

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWow again.  Tons of fun!  This one didn’t cause the mystery and the “a-ha” moments that the  dress did, but it was just an immediate Back to the Future experience!!

The moment I spied these crazy cats, I was transported to the early 1960’s.  There is a cartoon show from that time called The Jetsons, still available to watch online.  I can see Mrs. Jetson wearing this in the kitchen or, maybe, their pet cat looked like this.  It just made me laugh.  And, guess what else I found – the elusive but ever-present safety pin inside.  Seems like no mid-century homemaker wanted to be caught without one at hand.

Lots of clues here – no mystery about getting it right. . . . . . . . I take back what I said yesterday – it is just as fun to get knocked over the head with all the information as it is to solve a mystery, just not the same fun.  But, hey – fun is fun, right?  Sounds like a silly argument to me . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM