Tag Archives: prairie

ICONIC EARLY 1970’S PEASANT BLOUSE

This one IS my favorite. Although, as always, I’ve really missed having the modeling assistance of Stella, Madge and Giselle when I’m not at Headquarters, this blouse displays well on its own. Peasant blouses have had fad appeal at various times in the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s so it was no surprise that the fad surfaced again in the ‘Seventies. We’ve seen Mexican style, Prairie style and other knock-off ethnic designs over the years and the Mexican style seemed to be prominent in the early ’70’s. Usually these ethnic fads are linked to some historical or social event/trend such as a war, politics or increased leisure travel.

In the early 1970’s, we were between the Hippie/Vietnam war and Prairie/Back to the Land movements and people were also traveling a lot more. The style of the blouses was Mexican peasant or Prairie pioneer with some Asian and African prints thrown in. So, this one presents as mostly Mexican peasant in the cut, placement of the embroidery and heavy cotton muslin fabric. However, the floral design and colors are more traditional Prairie than Mexican and that tells me that the blouse was probably home-sewn rather than a commercial product or travel souvenir. But, with so much variation and many blouses produced by hand in Mexico without labels, this is just a guess based on my experience.

Anyway, I love it! Bell sleeves are always a hit with me, as well as hand-done embroidery. The brighter Mexican colors are preferred, but this one is more versatile with a Fall wardrobe. I’m not a prairie-style gal but hippie/traveler resonates. Another keeper!

The blouses found in hidden storage are all covered now. Since my first post at the beginning of this series, another jacket turned up – maybe older than the first. I’ll be showing and discussing them over the coming week but maybe not on a daily basis as a short road trip is on the schedule. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . .. . . … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS DISCOVERY! 1970’S GUNNE SAX PRAIRIE-STYLE FORMAL DRESS

What a great find! It’s always worth investigating; you just never know what evidence might be uncovered. A beautiful Gunne Sax gown, designed by Jessica San Francisco. Robin’s egg blue for Spring.

This frock was worn, probably once, to a formal event or, possibly, to a wedding. In the 1970’s, Prom and wedding-party dresses for young women often looked like this. Gunne Sax was a favorite label of the time and this prairie style was hugely popular. I wonder who cherished and stored her gown for 50 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

OKAY, LET’S GO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT (AGAIN) FOR ANOTHER 1960’S WEDDING(?)

Now we’re Prairie – Victorian, or some combination of the 1800s. Empire waistlines were in style earlier in that century and high necklines with tight sleeves mostly in the 1890’s. The late 1960’s and early 1970’s fell in love with the 1800’s fashion. Think early Gunne Sax. This was especially true for white cotton lingerie undergarments, sleepwear and casual clothing but also spilled over into some day dresses and formals. In this case, a white structured gown was likely meant for a wedding or, at the least, some kind of formal occasion

This one is all 20th century fad fashion, with a zip up the back and polyester fabric. But, it was fun while the trend lasted. Not the best disguise, however, unless you’re in the theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NOW, AS WE HEAD INTO THE LATE 1960’S, THE CHANGES IN WEDDING STYLE ARE WELL-ROOTED

This is where we step into Boho/Prairie/Victorian/Edwardian-style territory, which held on for almost 10 years. Although there are some general similarities between this dress and the one shown yesterday, they are completely different. Let’s compare – aside from the white color, lace and good tailoring (it’s got a full lining and a good cut), this cotton blend dress is perfectly casual. No real Princess deal going on here. But, it’s not full-on hippie style, either. It could easily be wedding/Prom/patio party of that time, when mainstream fashion was trying to be rebellious of the status quo but not always succeeding.

Although haute couture always tries, it was not an elegant era; However, a very successful way to blend into the crowd, which is a valuable asset to the sleuthing trade. A garment like this is quite useful to keep handy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1960’S – 1970’S PRAIRIE DRESS. HOME BY THE FIRE FOR CHRISTMAS.

Just right for a cold winter’s evening and perfect for the season in a red and green tattersall plaid. It’s just a heavy cotton, so no sleigh rides but cozy at home is good. Custom-tailored, as so many dresses of it’s vintage were. Love elbow-length sleeves, which are a rare design feature now.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER LATE 1960’S RETRO STYLE – VICTORIAN REVIVAL

Stella does true justice to this great find, which fits her perfectly. So late 1960’s but with an unusual 1940’s – 1950’s zipper, which tells me that it was custom-made.

Not my style, but I love finding such well-preserved dresses from iconic times like the hippie – prairie craze that went on from about 1967 – 1971. Wait till you see the next one . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FUN 1960’S PRAIRIE FARMER GIRL FROCK

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Fun find today!  A custom-made prairie-girl dress that can go all year round.  Just put a blouse, t-shirt or t-neck underneath and there you go.  The fabric is a woven synthetic of the late-mid-century time so it’s a Sixties take on a much older style.  There are Amish in the area where I discovered it, but I’m not sure this is their style.  May be some other groups who wear slightly less modest clothing and would be allowed to show their arms. ?  It’s got an old metal CC zipper and hardly any wear so, who knows.  The sash ties in back and there’s ric-rac all around.

Just fun, so true vintage and cute!  Another mystery, which I love. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM