This dress is at least 30 years old, and I can’t tell much more about it than that right now. The colors are VERY mid-sixties Mod and I LOVE what the designer has done with the black and white trim.
It’s also a nice kind of older rayon blend that hangs so well and shows off with a little sheen. And, it has a flattering cut and nice tailoring, too.
A bit of a mystery, but a choice garment . .. . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This time it’s Seventies Does Forties, in 100% cotton. No matter what decade you’re in, navy and white, polka dots and nautical themes are always part of the shoulder season style line-up.
The designer, Robin Gayle, has the collar and waistline down – those huge collars were really popular for a while in the Forties and on into the early Fifties. I’ll show some more later.
With a nice midi hem, too. Get your pert little hat and let’s go! . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What’s special about this find? Aside from being about 40 years old, it is made in Hawaii – which used to mean beautiful, quality cottons and rayons and lovely workmanship. This one doesn’t disappoint. It has a back zipper with a small bow trim there. The neckline has piping around it and the heavy cotton material drapes nicely. As usual, the print and color saturation are wonderful in these fabrics.
A straight, mu-mu style is very versatile and flattering to most figures.
Are you planning to attend or host some casual event this weekend, or just a laid-back day at home? In keeping with the green spirit of this St. Patrick’s holiday, I suggest a dress like this one. As long as it’s warm enough where you are, a dress like this can be worn almost anywhere, to do anything. It’s even possible to dress it up with jewelry, shoes and bag.
Vintage made in Hawaii has always been so distinctive – it’s a special look all its own. It does tend to follow style trends a bit, but some of the classic looks don’t change. I’ll be showing others that are older, too. These have been so popular over the years that they sometimes turn up in my searches and I’m always thrilled to find them. Just putting one on takes me to an exotic time in my mind and then, well you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just right for summer “formal-ish” events and dances, and what could be better for St. Patrick’s Day? This one is pretty dressy, but I could just as easily see someone wearing it as a hostess ensemble for an elegant at-home event. It’s very well made and fully lined, but has a casual feel about it, too. Must be the color.
The tag says Tee-ca New York. Never heard of them, but the dress is lovely in a heavy knit with beads embellishing the neckline. That color was very popular in the late ’60’s, too. It’s kind of MOD, James Bond and all of that.
Like yesterday when I discovered the 1940’s dresses (and they all fit me!), it’s just such a thrill to run across an item that immediately transports you to another time and place. That’s half the fun of it all – where you’ll be “going” tomorrow. You just never know . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
To wear at least three seasons of the year, a wool felt classic hat will last for decades and complete almost any sportswear outfit. This men’s cowboy style from the 1970s or before is uni-sex now.
The best quality hats of this type have a leather inside hatband. A liner (often satin) is another sign that it is of high quality. Look for the maker’s name stamped inside and, often, the name of the store where it was sold.
These will turn up in lots of places if you’re savvy about where to look. You just never know . . . .
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Although I always love hats, the beginning of Fall always gets me thinking about them more. And, there couldn’t be an easier style to wear than this one.
The average woman before 1970 understood the allure and the impact of hats. They used to be a central part of any outfit and occupied a center-stage position in the wardrobe of any woman or man.
This one is a simple but very effective style from the late ’60s or ’70s, it has a chain and ribbon band and is made of wool felt. Carley Simon wears a similar one on the jacket of her famous debut album in 1972.
A wide brim is flattering to most faces and the key, as always, is to try it on before you buy and to learn what flatters your particular face and body. A great hat can be the most important thing you wear.
They’re also very effective if you’re wanting to be a bit mysterious or difficult to recognize . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These types of sweaters/capes/ponchos were popular in the ’60’s and a lot of women knitted them themselves. This one is made by the Banff company, which produced a lot of really nice knits. I have a beaded sweater, knit dresses and suits by them, too.
The greatest feature, to me, is the armholes that allow you to have hands free. Any cape with this design is wonderful because it raises the convenience level big time!
Another nice thing is the button front. Also convenient. The fringe is lovely and the acrylic yarn also great because it washes so nicely and gives warmth but doesn’t have the weight and care issues of most wool items.
Sweet little sweater things, whether cardigans, pull-overs, jackets & coats, dresses and skirts,etc. were really popular in the ’60’s and early ’70’s and are very different from the things made now.
I love finding these beautiful vintage garments that are so unique, stylish and of exceptional quality. This one is an open-weave, so perfect for late Spring, early Fall and cool Summer nights.
True vintage sweater knits are not common finds (are any really common?) but definitely worth the treasure hunt . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE jackets like this. It’s beautifully hand-tailored in the softest suede, with horn buttons. They used to make such gorgeous outerwear coats and jackets.
This one is like new!!! Oh, I am so blessed (not to mention pretty darn good at this!) . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This beauty that I just found would look great on any Grace Kelly wannabe. It is very flattering on, and it has a swing-style back. The Kashmiracle faux cashmere fabric is made of polyester, so doesn’t need quite the storage care of a wool coat, though insects can attack other fabrics, too, and (as can be seen here) crowded storage can cause wrinkles. Love the dyed-to-match sculpted buttons. It is a beautiful mauve color (and I found a few days later a gorgeous silk scarf in the same tones to wear with it!) Goes to show that you just never know . . . .
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
magicvintagespy@facebook.com
Also on Twitter and Pinterest
Magicvintagespy 