Tag Archives: seventies

AN INTERESTING VINTAGE/VINTAGE-STYLE WEDDING/DANCE DRESS

AN INTERESTING VINTAGE/VINTAGE-STYLE WEDDING/DANCE DRESS

This ’20’s – style dress was made in the 1970’s and was probably intended to be a wedding gown.  The design is actually a hybrid ’20’s/’40’s in some ways. As marginal as the 1970’s were with regard to quality fashion (in my opinion), I have found some vintage-inspired garments made during that decade that were pretty cool.

This dress has never been worn – still has a paper inventory tag fastened inside the left sleeve. Also, there are care and content tags, but no maker’s label.

It seems fairly well-made and is an interesting design.  I find it intriguing as a curiosity, mostly, and would put it in the category of the Gunne Sax dresses of that time, many of which were styled after antique fashions.

Was this the remnant of a wedding that never happened, or just dead stock?  I wonder.. . . .  you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – ’70’S BOX BAG WITH LUGGAGE – STYLE HARDWARE

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S - '70'S BOX BAG WITH LUGGAGE - STYLE HARDWARE

Box bags were quite popular during the mid-century.  Here’s an example from the 1960’s or 1970’s.

This one was made in Italy, where many beautiful handbags were, and still are, made.  It doesn’t have a smidge of leather on it, which Italy is usually famous for, but it is still very well constructed.

After all these years, the hardware remains shiny and unblemished.  The woven exterior looks almost new, as does the interior.  Although it helps that this purse was used little if at all, age and storage can wreak havoc on many items – especially if they are not of good quality.

So, if you haven’t stored your treasures with care, they can deteriorate simply from sitting still while they wait for you to enjoy them.  Keeping them dust-free and clean, inside and out, is important.  Don’t store them in places where the temperature or humidity are too high or too low.  If the item is made of natural materials, using a quality conditioning lotion made for the material once in a while will make a big difference in their appearance and durability.  Lotions and sprays made for leather, skins and wicker are available.  Even vinyl can be conditioned with products made for car interiors.  That’s my wisdom for the day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE AUSTRALIAN HANDBAGS – IN BLACK AND WHITE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERALook!  I found another woven metal mesh Glomesh bag – this time a black one.  Photographed on two different backgrounds to enhance the details.  So nice to have two colors.  Also, love this wonderful macrame’ bag in a similar style.

The Glomesh purses were very popular here – a real Australian company. The white bag doesn’t have a brand name inside.  Sixties or early Seventies, both of these purses have survived in great condition.  I will really enjoy using them!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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

BEAUTIFULLY TOOLED LEATHER BAGS FROM MEXICO – CIRCA 1960’S – 1980’S

BEAUTIFULLY TOOLED LEATHER BAGS FROM MEXICO - CIRCA 1960'S - 1980'S

Soft, supple leather inside and out – these bags were made in Mexico and probably picked up by vacationers who used them very little, if at all, after their trip.  Both have vintage hardware, but the designs – especially on the left-hand purse – are more modern.

On the right, we see a traditional floral/cactus pattern similar to those made in the western United States while the left-hand one has a farm worker pictured and, on the back, the Mayan calendar.

What I like best about these handbags, whether made in the ’40’s or the ’80’s is that they are 100% hand-made and usually the workmanship and quality of the leather are excellent.  Plus, they are SO distinctive and unusual . . . . . . . . . . always a priority for me.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1960’S SUMMER HANDBAG BY ANDE’

IMG_1061  IMG_1062 Finding true vintage handbags in almost-new condition is always a treat.  When summer’s almost over this year, the old-fashioned rule of “Don’t Wear White Wardrobe Items After Labor Day” is also dead and gone!

Ande’ was another company that made popularly-priced purses in the mid-century era. Usually small, and more often made of vinyl, but always cute, sturdy and stylish.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

RARE 1970’S HOME-CREATED MACRAME’ HANDBAG

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What a great find!  Original macrame’ pieces from the Sixties and Seventies haven’t tended to survive well – no surprise.  This one is so intricately and tightly knotted, of heavy household twine.  Simple style with no liner, but required great skill to make and it’s not small.  Can you imagine the time put into this project?!

And, so beautifully preserved.  A wonderful blast from the past.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PRETTY SUMMER PURSE FROM THE 1960’S OR 1970’S – MADE IN THE PHILLIPINES

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This little handbag shows the best of the trademarks of it’s time.  Crocheted cover and full lining.  Handmade.  The natural bamboo frame is lovely and the medium size with inside pocket makes it very practical.

Although I have others similar, this example was special enough to make me snap it up.  One this clean and undamaged, especially with a needlework cover, is a super-rare find!  But, doesn’t surprise me – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER MID-CENTURY HANDBAG FIND, BUT SO DIFFERENT!

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Handmade by someone in the 1960’s – 1970’s era, this was a popular tote-style purse during that time.  Many were handcrafted and decorated.  It’s fun to see where she ran out of one green thread and switched to another – true vintage fashions always have a story to tell.

Back in the day many women made these bags from scratch or from kits.  Macrame’ was common.  Unless a home wood shop was handy, the handles would be purchased and then she’d go from there in whatever fabric or weaving she chose.  Some would even be lined, but usually the handcrafted bags were not.  Designs were as original as the people who made them.  I like the pretty Spring feeling on this one, and the lavender color.

Hadn’t come across one of these in a while but, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1970’S ELEGANT DINNER-DANCE-DATE DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1970S ELEGANT DINNER-DANCE-DATE DRESS

It seems to me that nothing from the 1970’s could be as wonderful as a beautifully made dress from the 1920’s, 1930’s, 1940’s or 1950’s, but I still like some of the ones made during the Seventies.  These crystal pleats in the skirt started in the 1940’s, I think, and are always great.

For a more relaxed time while you still want to look well-dressed, elegant but comfortable this is a good choice.  It’s still cool enough in many parts of the world to wear this dress.  It would be very nice for a dinner date and, like some others I’ve shown, excellent for dancing because of the ease of movement.

Although it’s made of the ever-present 1970’s polyester, the fabric is lightweight and hangs well.  I love the pleats in the skirt for that reason.  That’s one nice thing about polyester, no matter what decade it’s from – it holds its shape and travels really well.

The colors in this dress are fresh for Spring, but would carry you through any time of year if the weather permits.  Very versatile and also figure – enhancing because of the cut.  It’s another of those vintage styles which intrigues by draping over and moving with your shape, but not too much.  Bateau necklines are always a favorite of mine, too.

With a skinny belt and very simple jewelry, this one is a winner and worth the investment.  I always like getting big dividends from small investments. . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES – 1970’S EMPIRE WAIST SEMI-FORMAL LONG DRESS IN NAVY, WITH MATCHING JACKET

IMG_0981 IMG_0982     So typical between the mid-Sixties and mid-Seventies.  In spite of all the frou-frou Edwardian/Prairie/Hippie stuff that was popular, plain knit dresses with clean lines were also a staple – more elegant and timeless, but still very fashionable.

This ensemble is a polyester or poly blend with an empire seam that rises from waist level up under the bust-line in front, fold-over neckline, back zip and a princess cut.  The long-sleeve bolero jacket echos the military trend that was also popular then with it’s metal buttons.

Otherwise, the design is  plain and undecorated.  The fabric has a slight ribbed texture to add interest.  It’s hard to call this dress “semi-formal” because it is so tailored, but at that time the style would not have been a day-dress.

Especially good for Spring or Fall.  What a treat!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM