Tag Archives: Sixties

FUN, FUN, FUN! EDWARDIAN-STYLE FLOWER POWER VINTAGE PROM DRESS FROM THE 1960’S

So innocent and sweet!  Fashions from the late Sixties and early Seventies were really into retro styles, from Edwardian, Victorian, Prairie to 1940’s.  They’re fun and pretty, but sometimes too many buttons on long cuffs or front and back closures.  Just like the real women of those times had to contend with.

Anyway, for a blast from the past it’s worth it when I find an example from that time that’s so perfect.  This one was maybe worn once and then was treasured and preserved for decades.  How could I resist?

Possibly this was custom-made though, if so, someone spent a lot of time on the ruffles, extra lining and putting in the little loops for each cuff button.  However, at that time there were still lots of women and girls who did that kind of needlework happily and had the skills to create something as nice as would come from a store (even nicer than the things that come from stores today, sadly).

But, regardless, this is a HAPPY DRESS and maybe someone will enjoy it for Prom again. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LOVELY SPRING HALF-SLIPS FROM THE 1950’S

MORE LOVELY HALF-SLIPS FROM THE 1950'S

Conjures thoughts of Spring, in spite of the winter storms – this, too, shall pass . . . . . . . ..

Spring IS just around the corner. Especially once we get past March, it’s the time that Spring and Summer fashion traditionally is brought out in force and warm weather clothing appears on the store racks. The way the weather has been changing, it can be different tomorrow!

Before the weather does get hot, beautiful lingerie is a must under Spring clothing when the colors get lighter and the fabrics do, too.  Nothing modern compares well to the heavy nylon and artistic, high-quality decoration of slips made before the early 1960’s.

So, whether you’re into pastel dresses or not, wearing one of these can make you think of sunny skies and keep a secret smile in your heart. . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEWLY DISCOVERED ACCESSORIES AND SHOES – HERE WE GO . . . . . . .

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True vintage late 1960’s 100% leather hand-made stiletto heels.  What shoes should be!!! Black patent leather with fabric bow decoration.

These were originally sold at a well-known mid-western department store.  They were made to last, and they have.  Small metal taps at the toes to prevent wear.  The soles have not been repaired, but they can be forever as needed.  That’s the beauty of these beautiful vintage items.

More on the way – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ANOTHER FABULOUS FIND – NYLON STOCKINGS WITH SEAMS!

ANOTHER FABULOUS FIND - NYLON STOCKINGS WITH SEAMS!

For some woman, before the popularity of pantyhose, these nylons would have paired nicely with the panty-girdle I showed a couple of days ago.  They could be from a few years earlier, too.

These beige beauties are a real keepsake.  I love the look of stockings with seams, but will probably never wear this pair.  They’re too precious!

Imagine when keeping your seams straight throughout the day was another thing to have on your mind!  Well, you wouldn’t have had to check email . .. . . . . . . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – 1960’S PANTYGIRDLE WITH GARTERS

A TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S - 1960'S PANTYGIRDLE WITH GARTERS

So, here you go – with the bullet bra shown yesterday, this is what you need beneath your sweater and pencil skirt.  Because, ladies, a firm foundation is mandatory.

Without it you’d look just, well, . . . . . . . . sloppy, to put it nicely.  Of course, I say this with a smile but that was very much the standard of the time.

Watch old movies from about 1960 to see how it’s supposed to look.  And, after all, you do need a garment to support your stockings. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET FROM THE 1960’S

TRUE VINTAGE LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET FROM THE 1960'S

As it gets warmer, I may be showing some light jackets.  This one is from the ’60’s in a kind of fantasy floral print – not psychedelic, but a little abstract.  Flower Power ruled!  I love the colors in this and the nice, easy but chic fit.

The poly/rayon/whatever fabric that was often used then shouldn’t automatically be thrown in the washer like we tend to do with everything now.  The label on this jacket says that it also needs the care of spot-cleaning or dry-cleaning, but I’ve still found it easy-wear.  Just a little extra care does the trick.

Don’t panic!  There are simple ways to deal with this.  I have lots of items that can’t be machine washed, but I hardly EVER have to go to a dry-cleaner (can’t remember the last time). Not dissing them – they are a god-send when you really need a good one.

This is a perfect jacket over capris, little skirts and sheath dresses.  It’s fun to try finding pieces in coordinating colors for the kind of funky, vintage hues.  But, there is always ivory or black which can work.

Not a go-to, every-day jacket but it’s right for a day of fun – can’t have too much . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

A VERY SWEET TRUE VINTAGE NIGHTGOWN & ROBE SET FROM THE 1960’S

A VERY SWEET TRUE VINTAGE NIGHTGOWN & ROBE SET FROM THE 1960'S

This is a really nice little nightwear combo.  The early ’60’s is just about the last time we’ll find the truly beautiful things.  With the exception of some exclusive designer or handmade item, the trims are not nearly as lovely as during the ’50’s and before and the quality of the nylon or silk is noticeably inferior when you get into the mid ’60s and ’70’s.

As I’ve said before, in my opinion you can’t improve much on 1930’s, 1940’s and 1950’s lingerie/sleepwear when it comes to overall quality and luxurious beauty.  The fabrics from that time and the craftsmanship of the trimming detail is the best!

This is not a va-va-va-voom ensemble, but it is lovely and, if you wish it to be, very sexy in its own way.  The embroidery trim is done well and the buttons are the nice, sturdy and well-formed little pearlized ones that I always love on true vintage nightwear and sweaters.

Sorry I can’t tell you the maker as I write this, that is, if the tag is still in – since many of the similar items I find no longer have theirs.  Sometimes it’s easy to trace their identity despite that – when you’ve been in this racket for a while you know ’em by sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE FIND – MOD GEOMETRIC PRINT SIXTIES KNIT TUNIC

A FABULOUS FIND - MOD GEOMETRIC PRINT SIXTIES KNIT TUNIC

I’ll soon be on an investigation again, so a little patience may be needed, please, with my time-table!  Here’s another wonderful find – a mod tunic blouse in a heavy synthetic knit. Similar to the fabric in yesterday’s dress from the Forties, but grown up a generation.

I love the style and the printed design, with long sleeves.  Looks great with long pants, short skirts . . . . . . An excellent choice for cool Spring-ish weather.

This design has a little short zipper at the back neckline and falls mostly straight, with a little shaping in the torso.  As you can see on Madge, the fit is very flattering.

Vintage knits are almost always wonderful, regardless of the type of fabric.  Usually they are heavy and drape well.  That’s what makes them fit so beautifully.  And, of course, the design is on the back, too.  No cutting corners on the best true vintage!

I always love finding unusual pieces like this one. Makes my day . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE TWO-PIECE KNIT DRESS FROM THE LATE ’50’S/EARLY ’60’S – MOD MEETS MAD MEN

TWO-PIECE KNIT MAD MEN DRESS FROM THE LATE '50'S/EARLY '60'S

For dinner or after-work cocktails, this little number would fill the bill.  Pair it with some matching blue pumps and you’d really be swank.

Simple as can be, but with the neckline decoration and the little vents at the waist, it’s very stylish.  And, like a sheath dress, the fit is classic and really flattering.

If you are a DIYer, this style is very simple to sew.  I have another very similar in lightweight soft green wool – made by the grandmother of a friend in mid-century, as a 3-season dressy day dress.

Just the thing to have in your closet for that unexpected invitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

MOD MAD MEN TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S DRESS WITH MATCHING JACKET

MOD 1960'S DRESS WITH MATCHING JACKET

This outfit was custom tailored in the mid-1960’s.  Bell sleeves and easy fit. The fabric is a swirly paisley print in aqua tones and it includes the  addition of a matching jacket to create an ensemble.

So many dresses in the ’50’s and ’60’s were made with matching jackets and even matching accessories.  Though this is a fairly casual dress, it follows that lady-like trend and seems to teeter on the edge of the fashion divide between the rather prissy Fifties and early Sixties and the Mod and wild times just after.  Looks like the dressmaker originally intended to make a sleeveless frock, then changed her mind.   As it is, we’ve got a day dress that Twiggy would look just fab in, photographed on some 1965 magazine cover.

What a luxury to have your own dressmaker to custom-tailor your wardrobe! So many women did.  Most neighborhoods in the city had a tailor’s shop where this kind of work was done.  In towns and villages there was usually a woman nearby who did dressmaking in her  own home.  And, of course, many women were still doing their own home sewing then.

Maybe I’ll take the sleeves off some time and wear this dress with the jacket – but, no . . . . love the dress just as it is.  I’ll check out the jacket with my selection of skirts  . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM