Nothing special about this dress, excepting that this maker is a respected label when it comes to more recently-made Hawaiian vintage. However, the fabric is really nice – a rayon with a good hand, lovely colors and a great print. Since it’s too big for me, I think I’ll be making some curtains for my bathroom with it!
There are lots of reasons to love true vintage clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Cute, cute, cute and so exactly of that time! Almost every schoolgirl, college coed and the occasional hip mama was wearing little day-dresses like this one. I’m no certified clothing historian, but if you look back in the old magazines and vintage TV and movies, you’ll see that this is true.
This example may even have been sewn at home. The shirt-dress pattern is very simple and well within the skills of a girl or woman who had learned to sew in Home Economics class (yes, they used to teach that to all the girls) or was taught by her mother. Almost every girl/woman did some sewing of at least a dress or two, and many, many made almost their whole wardrobes that way. If you weren’t a tailor, then coats and most jackets would have been above your skills, but most other garments were possible with a pattern, buttons, etc., and some fabric from a store downtown.
So, I’m all over the map with the things turning up lately and that is one of the best parts of the fun! Wonder what will show up next – I haven’t even shown you everything “new” yet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Since I’ve started getting out the patio frock, here we go – – – – – – Nothing rivals the beautiful workmanship and fabulous fabric found in true vintage Hawaiian fashions from the early Seventies and before. The colors are incomparable. The cottons and rayons are practically indescribable. Men’s shirts are also incredible.
Since at least the 1940’s, dresses made in Hawaii were very desirable for their quality and fit. Some are exceptionally comfy and relaxed. Others are high-volume sexy or very chic.
Think Mata Hari of the islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A standard mod-look vintage plus-size day dress from the early-mid Sixties, but, this one is rare to find today because the fabric is Arnel Triacetate – not many of them around now! It got pushed out of the marketplace by good old polyester, which had some easier-care qualities.
However, triacetate feels really good and not exactly like any of the many polyester incarnations that are possible. That’s the beauty of true vintage fabrics – the qualities of most have not/cannot be duplicated by more modern materials. There’s just nothing like them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A Mod knit shift dress from the 1960’s or early ’70’s by Mynette – a company which, I think, always specialized in larger size “Plus” clothing for women. The original owner safety-pinned in some little strips that were sold as strap-holders back in the day. Lots of women put them in dresses that didn’t already have them – very useful, like detachable dress shields. Very frequently used during the mid-century.
I’ve put a belt on, but it’s cute just straight, too. It’s the second time I’ve run into this familiar label recently. Fun!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
We’re working our way from the Fifties into the Sixties here, starting with a beautiful nylon shorty nightgown with embroidered bodice. This was standard nightwear back in the day.
Second, a lightweight cotton smock, with embroidered pocket. It is even older, and was very common as a morning house-dress. Delicate and sheer, they are quite feminine and usually in pastel colors.
The brown checked house-dress, which can even be belted and worn to town, is early Sixties leisure wear, with the big flower applique’ detail that was popular then.
This was the kind of thing women wore at home early in the morning or between changes of clothing. You often see examples in old movies. They’re fun to have for those hang-around-the-house times. I always pick up good examples when I find them . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A MOD PRINT IN RARE ARNEL FABRIC!
Moving forward in time 20 years or so, this iconic ’60’s dress is an unusual discovery. In virtually perfect condition, what a find!
The fabric, Arnel triacetate, was a biggie for a few years but soon gave way to acrylic and polyester. Granted, there are a few care issues that would have made the change more convenient but we’ve always lost something when those older fabrics were replaced with the “new and improved”. The sheen and the feel of this material has never been duplicated, as far as I can tell.
Of course, the rarity and special qualities of these old pieces are what give me the biggest kick when I find one! It would be boring if things made today looked and felt the same. Some day we’ll be able to see this only in museums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
SENSATIONAL SIXTIES SHEATH STYLE FROCK – TRUE VINTAGE FOR FALL
This pretty dress is in an unusual shade of blue that echoes the hue of yesterday’s shirt. A combo that I always love and don’t come across often enough – blue and brown. It was custom – made, with hand-done crewel embroidery on the front.
The easy sheath style is always perfect, and the short sleeves make it less summery. I love their fluttery cut and the brown lining peeking out. The main material is a sort of hop-sacking weave, which was very popular in the late ’60’s. Just the right weight for going into Fall.
Back metal zipper and fully lined in a lightweight cotton blend material. Flattering but simple. Madge fills it out beautifully, no?
Looks just right for a teacher, or, or, or . . . . . . . . .
I wonder who . . . . . . . . . . . …
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