As “usual” as it was in its time, here’s another leisure-wear garment that I couldn’t resist. Every woman owned at least one, and the pretty fashion touches aimed at making at-home time a “glamorous interlude”, even for the most average gal.
Women have always been the primary target of advertisers because we do the majority of buying. This was never more true than in the Fifties – especially when creating a home and the lifestyle to go with it was front-and-center for everyone. And, the “feminine mystique” was almost every woman’s drug of choice. What more could a happy homemaker want?
Quilting for warmth, patch pockets for convenience (ho hum) but, then she sees that fabulous raspberry pink in the mirror – the pretty neckline outlining her un-made-up face that needs a little help at this time of the morning – the stylish 3/4 sleeves – the sparkle of rhinestone buttons and, suddenly, it’s possible to be a famous beauty relaxing in the seclusion of her private apartment . .. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I love it when I can date a true vintage find to the exact year! Although this frock is not hugely distinctive, it’s a great example of a specific vintage genre. I’ve got another to show in a couple of days.
. This lightweight knit dress (yes, ladies, you’ll need a slip!!) is breezy and practical, with an all-over apple print. Despite the long sleeves, it’s sheer enough to comfortable in a cool office and would be perfect in a couple of months for the first day of school. Very professional.
The style is so classic that it’s almost invisible; that is also a basis of elegance. Skinny self-tie belts were really popular in the early sixties, and I’ve seen them mostly on styles that are classic and streamlined. Day-wear from that time seems to have verged away from some of the fussy, though beautiful, detailed tailoring of the Forties & Fifties.
So, think old re-runs of popular sit-coms of that year and what the female leads were wearing though, at that time, they’d be mostly housewives . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This shirt was very ordinary in its day and not too stylish but, for Yours Truly Magicvintagespy, it was a plum to be picked because of its perfect parking spot in the mid-1950’s era. A garment like this has lots to say about its history.
It was home-sewn, of cheap synthetic knit material in a print that was designed with the Atomic and coming Computer Ages in mind. Much less elaborate and artistic than the boats at harbor on yesterday’s blouse, but more characteristic of the time when it was made.
The buttons, too, are interesting (take a close-up look) and are good examples of the stemmed plastic ones that were commonly made in the mid-century. Lots of them had novelty shapes and fun designs, even if they were very cheap. Many buttons of that era are gorgeous works of art, but that’s another story . . . . . . . . . .
Some time maybe I’ll do a post of my true vintage button collection.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I just LOVE this shirt with sailboats at anchor in a novelty abstract print. When I spied it, I just said WOW! Rather unusual – it looks like some of the artwork that was hanging in homes early in the 1960’s.
But, it may be from even earlier. The collar and fabric are a bit of a mystery and the tag is gone. It appears to be a man’s shirt at first glance, but was styled for a woman.
Made to wear over pants or shorts, with little slits in the sides, this blouse is pure casual sports-wear but not as tidy or girly as most women’s things were 50 years ago.
Although I’m tops at closing cases, I do love a mystery . . .. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Magicvintagespy 