Tag Archives: novelty print

THREE OF MY OLDEST TRUE VINTAGE HAWAIIAN GOWNS

THREE OF MY MOST VINTAGE HAWAIIAN GOWNS

From the 1960’s back to, maybe the 1920’s, these three are my oldest vintage examples of Hawaiian gowns.  From the farthest left, to right –

Psychedelic hues and patterns on the far left – not hard to see the late Sixties here.  The center dress is from the 1950’s and is fashioned in the traditional Hawaiian style, with a panel on the back that is almost like a train, without the dragging hem.

On the far right is a mystery dress with a metal side zipper. It has images in the print that are not your standard Hawaiian shirt variety and the fabric is very different –

instead of being the heavy cotton that I’d usually expect, it is a fluid material that I’d guess is rayon. If the label did not indicate that it was made in Hawaii, I’d say it had come from Japan.  The toggle closure at the neck is also something often seen on Chinese and Japanese garments. It’s also got a very 1930’s cut – close to the body.

Hmmm . . . . . . . . . this is REALLY Mata Hari undercover espionage stuff.  I wonder how she wound her way to the place where I discovered her . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE LATE ’60’S – EARLY ’70’S CALIFORNIA NOUVEAUX HIPPIE DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE '60'S - EARLY '70'S CALIFORNIA NOUVEAUX HIPPIE DRESS

Mod, psychedelic, polyester knit dress – was made just a little past the time of the hey-day of the hippie/back-to-the-land movement.  About the time that popular fashions were beginning to turn back toward mainstream, but still liking the counter-culture vibe in a more modest way.

Prairie-style was also becoming a big thing around this time – leaning more toward Jessica (McLintock) designs than Janice Joplin’s Salvation Army finds.  Also,  polyester was beginning to replace cotton in a big way.

Not quite your pure Love-In roll-a-joint party outfit, but you could still get by with it . . . . . try doing it at a patio party  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND – A COUPLE MORE PRETTY CLASSIC VINTAGE HANDBAGS

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All right – I know that a lot of you, my followers, are not too excited about some of these accessories, but I love them!  Aside from being practical, they can really “make” an outfit that would otherwise be kind of blase’.

The black ’40’s – ’50’s evening handbag is so similar to other I have, yet distinctive.  It’s got a lovely and high-quality metal frame that puts many to shame.  Matte rayon on the outside and black satin inside.  Clean and elegant.

The ’60’s purse on right is very plain inside with no brand-name label and was probably sold at a shoe store or department store.  The cover is fabric but the construction is nothing special in terms of the quality.  However, it’s very clean and pretty.  With just the right dress, skirt & blouse or suit, it would really be an eye-catcher!

So, more fun fashion dreams and, of course, always in reverse-time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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

 

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS NEW FIND! COTTON PRINT MID-CENTURY SKIRT

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This is SO fabulous!  I love this sportswear skirt from the 1950’s with Grecian urns in pretty colors  printed all around.  In fact, that’s the name of the fabric design, printed on the selvage edge.

Can’t wait to wear it this Spring and Summer!  It was beautifully taken care of, with hardly a flaw.  Thank you to the woman who did that!

As I make my way here and there, to various shops, sales and stores in many different countries, the only thing I regret is that I usually don’t know the names of the original owners of the treasures I discover.  It’s always a big plus when I do, because the specific history adds so much to the story.

Oh, well.  As it is, I can imagine that Audrey, or Jean, or Margaret or Lois bought this skirt to wear on her first Roman holiday – and had a wonderful time!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

I’VE DUG UP TREASURE AGAIN -FABULOUS, FANTASTIC FIFTIES FABRIC!

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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

ANTIQUE QUILT TO TRUE VINTAGE RETRO CLOTHING: LET’S START WITH FABULOUS COTTON FABRICS FROM THE EARLY 1900’S

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JUST A SAMPLING –  NO MATTER HOW IT LOOKS, THERE’S NOTHING LIKE IT TODAY!

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These wonderful cotton prints may have come from clothing that had worn out and had to be re-purposed.  Love the pink check that’s in the apron!  The quilt has many blocks that are not damaged at all, though some show wear.  For being about 100 years old, it was well-looked-after and still holds together.

What I love most about a find like this is the rare materials that all have a story.  The prints are so great – little anchors, fleur des lis, vines and flowers, paisley and plaid, checks and stripes.  There are more, but I can only show so many photographs at once.

So, I know it’s not a piece of clothing (excepting for the apron accessory) but it’s such a wonderful trip back to fabrics and garments from the early 1900’s.  This quilt was probably made between 1920 and 1950.  It’s not often that we get to see these, so I jump at the opportunity!  It’s one that I only come across now and then and, you just never know . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S MOD ARNEL SHEATH FROM PARIS

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A MOD PRINT IN RARE ARNEL FABRIC!

Moving forward in time 20 years or so, this iconic ’60’s dress is an unusual discovery.  In virtually perfect condition, what a find!

The fabric, Arnel triacetate, was a biggie for a few years but soon gave way to acrylic and polyester.  Granted, there are a few care issues that would have made the change more convenient but we’ve always lost something when those older fabrics were replaced with the “new and improved”.  The sheen and the feel of this material has never been duplicated, as far as I can tell.

Of course, the rarity and special qualities of these old pieces are what give me the biggest kick when I find one!  It would be boring if things made today looked and felt the same. Some day we’ll be able to see this only in museums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM