Back to Mad Men times . . . . . .
Someone custom-tailored this dress in about 1965. I put the tie belt around it just for effect, but it is an A-line style, which can be worn belt-less, too.
Although it doesn’t show well in this photo, the neckline is a wide, high scoop with a collar. The material is unusual in that it is fairly heavy and is almost embroidered with the floral pattern – not printed. The style and flower design, plus the back metal zipper, are the clues to its age. Although many copycat styles and designs are on the market now, this one just looks different and you have to have a trained eye and know the details to spot it.
It’s always fun to suddenly see a dress like this, because it immediately transports me to the ’60’s and all the mod and English influence that was popular then. That’s what everybody wore, who was…
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One of my best favorites . . . . .
This style was everywhere from about 1945 to about 1965, I think. In house dress to day dress styles, the shirtwaist with full skirt was a classic fashion. I remember my mother wearing them.
Some had fabric-covered buckle belts and some, like this one, had tie belts. All kinds of prints or solids were seen.
I love this one, which is a semi-sheer material in a print with a French motif. Not a bit high-end; just the average do-what-the-day-requires outfit for a modern 1950’s housewife.
This one came my way from a relative, which makes it very special . . …
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Super Spring & Summer Shirts for the Guys . . .. ..
I LOVE these shirts! Of course, I can’t wear them (WAY too big), but I couldn’t resist anyway. The photo doesn’t show you the details well, so I’ll describe. Let’s start with the true vintage shirt on the right.
This one was made in Hawaii in the 1960’s or ’70’s. Beautiful heavy 100% cotton fabric that is so characteristic of true vintage garments made there before about 1975. Since that time, the fabric usually isn’t so nice, nor the construction. My apologies to Hawaiian clothing-makers if there are exceptions.
The prints on these materials are also superb – nice designs and astounding colors. The label and the buttons used are also good clues as to the age of the shirt.
The shirt on the left is retro – probably 1980’s – but it is such a nice reproduction of a 1950’s to early 1960’s men’s shirt that I decided to…
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Although it’s of a simple cut, the novelty sleeves, lovely fabric and excellent tailoring make this a special gown for a relaxed day at home or casual event. The sleeves are slit to the shoulder with purple lining.
I’m guessing that this dress was made in the early 1960’s and has a Hawaiian maker’s label inside. Certain details hint at it’s correct age.
I always admire how well women of the past looked after their clothing. Add that to the superior quality of the garments to begin with, and many are preserved today in wonderful condition for us to wear, study and enjoy. With apologies to a few designers who continue to believe in elegance and quality, I’m not sure that women 30 or 40 years from now will find much of anything made after 1990 that has lasted that long, and it won’t be much of a loss . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Doesn’t look like much on the hanger, but this dress will be stunning on Stella and is a knockout when it comes to quality tailoring. It may also have been custom-made. Little details tell the story.
The color, which does not show well in this photo, is a mid-range gold and the fabric is some kind of blend – probably rayon/acetate maybe with some polyester. The straps and skinny belt are crafted perfectly with clean lines and lie nice and flat, which really takes some sewing skill.
There is also a full lining of silky fabric in a matching color. Although the style is really plain, it is superbly elegant because of the quality and would look great shortened to knee length or mini length without violating the mid-60’s era that it is from. That would make it wearable as a casual-chic day dress, too.
Changing a hemline is a simple thing to do or have done, if your own skills are not good. Remembering little alterations like that can open all kinds of possibilities . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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