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LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S DAY DRESS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

A very pretty example of mid-century style and tailoring.

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960'S DAY DRESS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

From shopping, to work, to date – meeting or picnic, this dress is very simple, but stylish and feminine, too. In pale blue, there are two layers of fabric. The outer layer is somewhat sheer with embroidery all over.

The bodice has an interesting shape, with deep pleats along each side that give it some fullness and a cap sleeve effect. This frock definitely has style and could be dressed up or down – very versatile.

Many of the dresses from late ’50’s to early ’60s have elegant details like this. The form-fitting cut of that era seen in sheath dresses is so flattering! True vintage garments are rarely run-of-the-mill and often show these style surprises and very pleasing lines.

That’s one reason why they’re so much fun to find. Each one is a surprise and you just never know . . . . . . . . . …

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ARE YOU READY FOR THESE? TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S SUNDRESSES

Summer, here we come – Yes?

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S - EARLY 1960'S SUNDRESSES

Here we have two beautiful sundresses, in similar colors. Not really my colors – I’m a Summer skin-tone, rather than Spring or Fall, but who’s going to quibble when faced with these!

The one on the right has more detail on the bodice and even has bows fixed to the shoulder straps in back. It has a covered belt, whereas the other dress just has piping at the waist.

They’re both lovely, in a beautiful cotton. Madge wears it very well, don’t you think? Such exceptional fit and tailoring.

Either of them could go from simple daytime activities to work (probably with a sweater or jacket), dinner, dancing, a party or date.

I often see dresses like this in movies from that era. Wear them and step into a time warp . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE BLUE FEATHER ’50’S/’60’S “SUNDAY” HAT WITH VEIL

TRUE VINTAGE BLUE FEATHER ’50’S/’60’S “SUNDAY” HAT WITH VEIL.

TRUE VINTAGE BLUE FEATHER ’50’S/’60’S “SUNDAY” HAT WITH VEIL

A SPECIAL HOLIDAY HAT – HAPPY EASTER!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

Celia loves this one – it’s a little demure/dressy accessory that takes its mood from the occasion, the ensemble and the wearer. LOVE feather hats and veils . . . . . . . . . .

Back in the Fifties or early Sixties, a hat like this was not off the radar, but it was a statement. Every woman adored hats and looked for just the right ones to accent her dresses, suits and stunning good looks.

Another of my favorites . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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VERY INTENSE ST. VALENTINE’S DAY SCARLET SHEATH FROM THE 1950’S++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Can’t wait to put this on Stella some day, now that I’ve got a model who can wear it!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

VERY INTENSE ST. VALENTINE'S DAY SCARLET SHEATH FROM THE 1950'S

Now we’re getting REALLY serious – this velveteen sheath with a cowl neckline and fabulous shoulder tails is the ultimate chic. Dark red with a rayon lining – it’s one of a kind.

Imagine an entrance in THIS! Aside from the color, it’s not in-your-face, but would initiate and hold stares of wonder and disbelief.

You must be prepared to wear a dress like this, and it’s not for anyone without PRESENCE. Your date had better have some, too. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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AUSTRALIAN CONTACTS IN THE TRUE VINTAGE WORLD

file0001209214386 ebook cover #1 (1)Two days ago I had the privilege of talking with two of the owners of vintage clothing stores in Melbourne who have been doing business for years there.  Both of these stores were included in my book’s reference section two years ago, but I hadn’t had the opportunity of meeting these women in person until now.

Nicole Jenkins, owner of CIRCA, is a true ‘grande dame’ of the vintage trade and has written several books.  One was awarded a bronze medal by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.  Trained as a costume designer, she really knows her stuff down to the most technical details.  I certainly learned new things during our short visit and her passion for the care and conservation of true vintage fashion items plus her wealth of knowledge earn my respect.  She has lovely items for sale, plus a huge inventory behind the scenes – ranging from 1820’s to the present day.  Well worth a visit.

“Annie” and her husband have operated RetroStar for eleven years and are real veterans among vintage-hunters.  They have a delightful collection of remodeled true vintage and original true vintage, plus a smattering of new merchandise.  Jewelry, accessories and clothing of all types – dresses galore.  I especially enjoyed their relatively new “Forties/Fifties Room” that is filled with gems from those decades, in beautiful condition.  No matter what you’re seeking, there’s sure to be something of interest.  They bring in large numbers of “new” items every month.  Don’t miss it – lots of fun.

So there – what a treat!  Just another of the “perks” of my sleuthing investigations . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE SWIMSUIT WITH SKIRT – LATE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S

TRUE VINTAGE SWIMSUIT WITH SKIRT – LATE 1950'S – EARLY 1960'S.

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE TANK BATHING SUIT – 1940’S – 1950’S

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE TANK BATHING SUIT – 1940'S – 1950'S.

TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES MOD GRAPHIC CLASSIC DESIGN SLEEVELESS DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES MOD GRAPHIC CLASSIC DESIGN SLEEVELESS DRESS

Simple, slightly-fitted day-dress – casual or business-ready. You choose. Any style this classic and well-made can stand on its own in a variety of settings.

I have seen a lot of this color combo from the mid-1960’s and it always looks smashing with brown or black leather accessories. Bone will do nicely, too.

Jackie-O or classic Ray-Ban shades and a chunky coordinated necklace or scarf and there you go. Too cliche’? Cinch the waist and go Fifties, wear it with thigh-high boots and a biker jacket or, if you must, throw it over a pair of black leggings. Looks nicer on Madge, but she wasn’t with me when I took the photo.

When it comes to fashion, I tend to be a purist but when it comes to disguise . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1960’S – 1970’S LEATHER SHOES – CUTE & BUSINESS-LIKE, TOO

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S - 1970'S LEATHER SHOES - CUTE & BUSINESS-LIKE, TOO

These pumps are a perfect cross between cute and stylish shoes and sensible footwear for an office or on-your-feet job.  They’d go great with the slacks, skirts or dresses of that mid-century time.

By Air Step, one of the earlier makers of mid-priced shoes and purses that were sold all over the U.S. – almost like chain stores do now, but with a bit more personal feel.  There was a whole basket of them then, some with a little more prestige than others.

I just love finding items that are hardly worn – it tells me such a story about the former owner, who cared for her wardrobe and used it lightly.  Of course, there could be other explanations, but I’ve seen so many examples of this with older items that it seems like the most plausible explanation.  The attitude toward clothing before 1970 was very different than what it is today.

This pair reminds me of the Mod British influence in the late ’60’s, with the short tie vamp and no tongue – it’s just decorative – they slip on.  I also like the combination of smooth and suede leather and always love dark brown.

It’s a good work shoe, too.  Comfortable to stand and walk in. Just right to wear with that pleated skirt or secretary dress . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM