In the early to mid-fifties there was a fad of putting Egyptian motifs on all kinds of fashion items, and I have several. This Egyptian style craze had also happened in the 1920’s – especially with furniture.
This is a costume set and it’s a lot of fun. Not really my colors, but it’s a family item and I enjoy it. Very unique.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, a lot of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers knitted dresses like these at home! So hard to imagine.
These photos from the Fifties and early Sixties come from McCall’s Needlework magazine – a popular and easy-to-find magazine that could be bought the way we might buy Vogue or Glamor now, on a newsstand somewhere. Of course, knitted dresses were made commercially, too, and I’ve found several. But, the custom-made one-of-a-kind is always the most special.
P.S. Please vote in the Presidential election if you are a U.S. citizen. Get registered if you need to or check your registration status. This is a very important one – not one to sit out. . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What fun! I haven’t discovered a fabulous true vintage hat in quite a while.
Very pretty turban-look that’s actually a large pillbox style. Sits nicely at any angle. The color is a mushroomy brown with hints of green and it’s from the 1940’s, 1950’s or early 1960’s. Velour/velvet fabric in great condition – so sophisticated, but versatile. I’ll wear it a lot.
So goes the day of . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’ve always loved the garments made by this company, SWIRL, and this one is no exception. It may not be as old as some of the ones I own, but still has the ’60’s – ’70’s applique’ and the great styling.
Like some other things (the dresses I just came up with . . . . .), you can never have too many . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here we have a Lanz Originals cotton flannel gown from the 1960’s. Yes, the hearts & flowers print is too sweet but for this kind of quality and warmth, I bit and bought. I always trust their true vintage clothing to be well-made and classic – in fact, they’re very traditional. Not my favorite, but on a blustery winter night by the fire . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Isn’t this pretty? It’s another iconic early to mid-Sixties style that I’ve seen before – a party/dance/special occasion frock made for junior sizes. Empire styling and cute bows. These are almost always manufactured by some smaller maker – sometimes they have a department store name.
That’s how some of the best middle-priced dresses were marketed – sold in small stores around the country or well-known department stores. More popularly-priced clothing was available through the Sears, Montgomery Ward and Penney’s stores and catalogs – catalog shopping was huge.
I think it’s so cool that our grandmothers could buy a moderately-priced dress like this and find hand-stitched details inside. That disappeared not long after this one was made . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Reminiscent of the 1920’s and ’30’s, on up through the Fifties, this metal mesh purse was made by an Australian company that was started by an emigrant couple in 1959. They closed shop in the mid-eighties, but children opened up again ten years or so ago. This is one of their original designs.
With a serpentine metal handle and enameled beige color, it’s very smart and perfectly Aussie!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
When it comes to making an impression, these pins and earrings may be the “blingiest” with their diamonds-and-platinum looks. All costume here, but with pedigrees. Some are signed.
Again, the pins are fairly heavy and, while not as big as the things shown over the past two days, not for wear with filmy materials unless suspended on a chain. Some of these pins have loops soldered on the back for just that purpose. The dangle and smaller earrings on the right can, of course, go with anything.
I’m always impressed with the creativity of true vintage designs – often with features that allow conversions or multi-purposing – always done elegantly. . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These beauties are quite large and they’re works of art. They’d be suitable (no pun intended) on a jacket a or coat like the one shown yesterday. Although they look like costume jewelry and are set with rhinestones or semi-precious stones, they are hand-made of sterling silver and could be classified as fine jewelry.
Back in the ’40’s – ’50’s there were “walking suits” made, which had jackets almost like small coats and substantial enough to be worn in cool or cold weather without an outerwear coat on top. A beautiful art piece like this on a lapel would be the perfect finish.
These are some of the most gorgeous statement pieces I own . … . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Not terribly “different” or “vintage-looking” until you examine the details. This is a typical dance party frock from the time when Barbie was Homecoming Queen . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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