What fun to find this!! Love true vintage men’s and boys’ shirts and tops. Since men usually tend to be much harder on their clothing than women do, it’s unusual to encounter garments that have survived, especially in wonderful condition like this one.
Just an everyday casual shirt, it’s still got a great fit, fun collar and wonderful lightly-brushed cotton fabric. Happy Days all over again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This one is an interesting find. Might have been part of a work uniform back in the day, but it’s a shirt made like a jacket with hip pockets and that funky stripe. Today it would be fun as a sports shirt with jeans. The maker was Catalina – that iconic California maker of sportswear, so who knows . . . . . . . . . . . .
I’m sure that it was intended to be a man’s top when it was made, but today it’s very unisex. To me, it’s got a Grease vibe. Could also go over a tank top or muscle shirt. If it were smaller, I’d keep it myself if not for the orange color. No can do.
So, this was for fun and will go into the archives for the time being. That’s OK. It’s the hunt and the quest that are the real reward!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These fun and beautiful frocks are what EVERYBODY was wearing as everyday-wear between about 1935 and 1965. The cottons are sturdy but wash and wear to a fabulous softness. The colors are bright and the motif’s go from traditional floral or medallion prints (like the one here) to atomic geometrics and cartoon novelty images.
I absolutely cannot get enough of these! The typical fit and flare styling is very forgiving, allowing me a reasonable fit across about 3 sizes. A belt can work wonders with almost any garment. If shoulder pads are appropriate to the era, that makes a big difference, too.
With the exception of the Sixties shift style, this basic shirt-waist design is just about the most comfortable, practical and versatile for day-wear ever; still, it allows for elegance and the irreplaceable look of true vintage fashion. I’ll keep showing more of these wonderful everyday styles, and whatever turns up. Stay tuned . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Dark blue with a bit of smoke in it. The front placket, cuffs and decorative bow are a dusty mauve satin. Very elegant and mysterious – she still had the tag on, but no clue where she’s from or where she’s been . . . . . . . .. . . . . ..
This is a really pretty dress. Suitable for any dressy occasion – dinner, dance, party,wedding. Probably from a specialty area in some higher-end department store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
from sometime in the mid-century. I’ve never seen anything quite like this one and can’t precisely place it, either. Oh, well – no worries. Would you?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This nice shirt isn’t quite 20 years old, but I picked it up because of the styling and construction. It’s by a reputable company, has a really nice print, quality rayon fabric, cap sleeves and covered buttons down the front with toggle closures. Made to wear un-tucked.
Most modern Hawaiian shirts are not made so well these days, so I was happy to find one that is. Once in a while it’s worth it, as I will show you again later . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A similar style, but going from day to evening and from pretty to dressy. This dress is also sexy, however, with deep decolletage and sleeves that can be worn off the shoulder. Fabric flower ornamentation on each sleeve. I think this one was custom-tailored, also.
Just made for parties and dancing with a big, sweeping skirt. Probably would have been worn with a crinoline underneath. I found another dance dress a year or two ago with similar tailoring. It’s always fun to see how these features repeat. Tomorrow there’s another with something the same . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The most interesting fabric, fun buttons and near-perfect condition. This is a great example of an everyday dress for a woman after WWII.
Very nicely tailored, despite it’s modest category. Grandma was happy to have better clothing to wear again after all the wartime deprivations. We’re just getting started – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Sticking with up-scale day frocks and moving forward a couple of decades, look at this fabulous late Sixties frock! These were iconic color combinations from that time.
This size 10 dress on x-small Stella is a good clue to it’s era. The fabric is a glossy rayon & linen blend – a bit dressy, with a nice drape. A pretty day-time sheath with a bit of attitude.
No matter the time of year, the hunt continues and you just never know. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Thrilled, thrilled, thrilled! One of my favorite finds, from a favorite decade. And, in beautiful condition.
Very popular post-war shirtwaist day dress with pretty, carved rhinestone buttons. This was a day-to-day item for women in the late Forties and early Fifties when nice clothing was becoming available again. The prints were so interestng.
This one was hiding in a big way, but not from the Magicvintagespy. What will show up next? You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I just LOVE classic mid-century blouses with roll-up sleeves and wing collars! It’s so unusual to find one in good condition. This one even has pretty sculpted buttons with a star in the center. Although it’s barely visible in the photo, there’s even a line of fine embroidery in a contrasting green on the seams in the front placket.
The fabric is also do die for – not sure whether it’s a cotton or rayon because the hand is very smooth. This shirt is very finely tailored, with all kinds of extra-quality touches on a simple, everyday garment. Well, that’s just how it goes with true vintage clothing – there’s nothing better.
Almost missed it – but when you’ve got the eye for the subtleties, things turn up. What will be next? – you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG; MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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