Too amazing. This time, it’s a Kennedy era cocktail sweater. After 60 years, who would think?
You’ll see it tomorrow, and then come wonderful frocks, etc. for St. Valentine’s Day. Stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
At first, I thought that the green/brown blouse on top was a camouflage pattern – but it’s not. It is a 1950’s art print fabric that is so fun! It was commercially-made, with a care tag at the neckline. I love cap sleeve blouses and yesterday’s finds were a real bonanza!
The two on the bottom are identical, excepting for the colors, and undoubtedly were custom-made by the same person, from interesting rayon or rayon-blend fabrics. I’ve shown the back view on the right so that you can see the back buttoning and the interesting seaming.
Like so many mid-century garments, these are sporty and dressy at the same time. I can wear them with shorts or Capri pants, like the ones I found last week, or with a skirt or under a suit jacket. Always smart and elegant, no matter what the occasion. That’s the beauty of true vintage fashion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here are 3 of my finds from yesterday. Remember the blouse from a few days ago and how I was talking about the traditional popularity of nautical colors for Spring? Well, here they are again!
The navy and white items were commercially-made and the red polka dot blouse was custom-tailored. Vintage zipper and buttons are fun. The fit is always superior.
Fortunately, I can wear them all and, though they need to be cleaned, that’s no big deal. At the prices I pay in the odd places I find these treasures, any laundering or repair costs are nothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is a modern retro-style dress that I wouldn’t usually buy or show, but I’m impressed with how well it has been made so it is worth a nod. Many vintage tailoring details like extra closures and seam tape on a 1 1/2″ hem allowance are a couple. There are also special lining features that distinguish it from most retro styles made recently.
So, this maker deserves some respect compared to the majority of modern brands. Of course, it doesn’t rival a similar dress really made in the 1960’s, but I can’t be a total snob – just most of the time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Nothing way special about this shirt, but the mid-century cut and fit are very nice. I picked it up because of that, and the true navy/white stripes – perfect for Spring! I love separates with a nautical feel for February – April and nothing could be more classic. That style and color combo shows up decade after decade.
With a pair of sailor pants or a pleated skirt, it’s a very cute look. Lots of versatility for this elegant style, with nice tailoring.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
There are already at least a couple of dressing gowns in my collection that date from the 1930’s – 1940’s and are made in a similar style. So, although this was was made 30 to 40 years later and the fabric isn’t as nice, it’s pretty true to the design.
I’ll sometimes pick up retro items made by famous vintage makers because they do a pretty good job. This one still qualifies as “true vintage” because of being at least 30 years old, but the real 1940’s would always be my favorite!
Anyway, a pretty find and worth adding to my treasures.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What wonderful things I’m discovering! Just LOVE the old kitchy motifs here. Although there’s probably enough material to make a simple dress, the fabric is more the weight for upholstery so I’ll save it for sofa pillows or to cover a chair.
Such fun!!!!!!!!!!!! And, rare as can be . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a beautiful find! Because of the traditional styling I can’t date it exactly, but it’s old. Rayon satin with lovely floral embroidery. Like the silk Cheongsam dress I found last week, this garment is so gorgeous and timeless – I’ll love wearing it for decades.
There’s another similar one of red silk hanging in my closet. It looks wonderful with dressy black crepe pants, a skirt or dress for cocktails or a special dinner party.
It’s off to the cleaners after I check the lining for any messages Mata Hari might have left behind . … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
From a New York clothier, this frock with a shimmy-shake beaded bodice is classic 1960’s. The fully-lined black crepe dress with a knee-length hemline was a standard of 1950’s and early 1960’s cocktail party attire.
Fun elements of beading and flirty design were common in the Sixties. I love finding one of these – so wearable and always playful, while toeing the line with classic couture. You can wear it (almost) anywhere without raising eyebrows.
And, as always, quality and excellent condition for the past 45 – 50 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fabulous condition, too! It needs a button, but I can do that. I may even have a matching one in my stash. So fun to find one of these in great shape.
This type of sweater was such a common and vital part of a man’s wardrobe before 1965. After that, styles changed and these weren’t seen as often. The classic golf sweater carried on the design, but is of a completely different genre.
College boys, Dad and Grandpa used to sport around in these cardigans during Happy Days and Mad Men times. Sometimes they’d be worn with a casual shirt and tie. Great- and great-great granddads had their versions, too. I don’t find one very often but, when you’re sleuthing, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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