Tag Archives: Sixties

ICONIC KENNEDY ERA MID-CENTURY LBD: TIMELESS ELEGANCE . . . . . . .

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Fabulous Stella – she’s a pro. Here she is looking stunning in a black crepe cocktail dress from about 1960.  Simple lines and expert draping, this frock is absolutely beautiful. Though it might be just a little bit hot to wear during a summer heat wave, as we’ve still been having, it’s a perfect transitional frock and can be worn year-round if the temperatures allow.

What could be more flattering than one of these fitted sheath dresses?  Though it looks very plain and does need one fabulous accessory piece to set it off, it has one design element that makes it super-special . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’ll publish the back view next – wait till you see that!

Stay tuned . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE FROCK AND MATCHING JACKET FROM THE EARLY 1960’S

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Found yesterday!  A beautiful cotton sundress with matching bolero jacket.  These lady-like dresses were popular in the early 1960’s for everyday wear.  Perfect for a day at the county fair.

Another reason for the good condition is the quality of the fabric and the workmanship.  A maker’s tag is still at the neckline and indicates that it was from an upscale mid-priced clothing line.

It’s another rare find.  I’m always so thrilled with the lovely tailoring details on these older dresses.  As usual, someone cherished this one and took excellent care – there’s hardly a bit of wear.  Just another day in the life of . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S ITALIAN KIDSUEDE PUMPS

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1960’S KENNEDY ERA HEELS

Well, as of yesterday I’ve gone back to Europe again, but only in terms of the origin of some of my most recent finds.  Nothing (much) is better than Italian leather and these early 1960’s shoes are no exception.  Kid-suede and reptile with leather soles – ummmm. . . .

Excepting for the need for new heel caps (a minor detail), they are in beautiful condition.  100% leather construction is a major plus and means, that with good care, these mid-heel pumps can last a lifetime.

Nothing more classic, nothing more high-quality and nothing more iconic early – Sixties than these . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HEADING BACK IN TIME AGAIN – ANOTHER RARE FIND IN EUROPE. MID-CENTURY LEATHER HIGH-HEEL PUMPS

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TRUE VINTAGE LEATHER SHOES

If you look closely, you’ll see that these pumps were Made In America.  When was the last time we saw that printed on something?  It’s always the U.S.A. now, and has been since the 1970’s, I think.

These beauties are from way before that time – 1940’s – 1960’s – and have wonderful leather construction.  Although you can’t see it in the photo, the heels are 3″ high and sturdy.

Though found in Ireland (Dublin, to be exact), it goes to show that trade for some goods was going on even back then.  Maybe this pair are from the early mid-century era when Europe suffered more than North America from the effects of war and had to import many goods that otherwise would have been made there.

We’ll never know the exact story of how these slippers danced their way across the Atlantic, but someone loved them well and they found their way to – guess who . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY VICTORIAN-STYLE BOHO FINDS IN EUROPE!

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Talk about fussy and pretty .. . . . .!  Although they’re similar in some ways to the blouses shown yesterday, I like these so much better.  In spite of the high neckline on the left, they’re less prim and will look great with jeans and peasant skirts.

These styles go way back, from the 1890’s (with long gloves or a jacket, of course.  Can’t show those arms!) to the 1940’s and 1950’s when peasant-style was all the rage.  As always, the fashion came back in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s and was just as iconic then.

As I’ve said, it’s rare to find blouses and shirts this old in fabulous condition.  The things that  make this possible are the high-quality construction and fabric plus the fact that people used to care for their clothing much better than we do now.  For modern vintage sleuths, our gain!

So, never give up – just learn how to sneak smarter . .. . . . . . . . . . .. ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FEMININE TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S BLOUSES – FOUND IN DUBLIN!

Here we have Victorian meets 1940’s in these girly, secretary-style blouses that were really popular 40 to 50 years ago.  Paired with a straight skirt and mid-heel stiletto pumps, they were office-worthy attire or might have been seen on your favorite teacher.

The polyester used at that time was not as weird-looking and feeling as a lot of it has been since about 1975.  In this case, it’s much more refined-looking and might even be blended with rayon or acetate, which were very popular fabrics in the decades before then.

I’m certainly not professionally trained in costume design, but have learned a lot.  Average off-the-rack blouses from mid-century have many stories to tell.  These probably got a lot of wear, too, but it’s amazing how well they have held up.  Blouses of this style and quality are another rare find – more tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S MOD ARNEL SHEATH FROM PARIS

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A MOD PRINT IN RARE ARNEL FABRIC!

Moving forward in time 20 years or so, this iconic ’60’s dress is an unusual discovery.  In virtually perfect condition, what a find!

The fabric, Arnel triacetate, was a biggie for a few years but soon gave way to acrylic and polyester.  Granted, there are a few care issues that would have made the change more convenient but we’ve always lost something when those older fabrics were replaced with the “new and improved”.  The sheen and the feel of this material has never been duplicated, as far as I can tell.

Of course, the rarity and special qualities of these old pieces are what give me the biggest kick when I find one!  It would be boring if things made today looked and felt the same. Some day we’ll be able to see this only in museums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S/1960’S TANK SWIMSUIT FROM STOCKHOLM

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MID-CENTURY PRIMITIVE ART PRINT BATHING SUIT

Before leaving the Baltic, I couldn’t believe it! (Oh, yes, I could) . . . . A rare find of this mid-century swimsuit in near-perfect condition.  It’s got that pretty-but-sporty look that was so popular then, in a classic sleek tank style with a mini-skirt effect right at the hips.

Adjustable button straps. molded bra cups and a back metal zipper. Just perfect for one of those tropical island movies of the 1950’s.  And, of course, I carried it away for a mere song.  You just never know  . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MY FIRST EUROPEAN FIND – BEAUTIFUL MID-CENTURY COSTUME JEWELRY

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BEAUTIFUL TOPAZ(?) LAVALIER AND FILIGREE RHINESTONE BRACELET

These are the two items which I found in England, during our first week. The necklace is from the 1950’s or before, and the bracelet 1960’s.  Use a detail examination of the metalwork – it’s gorgeous.  Yes, they show some wear, but that’s often a plus and no problem on a bargain like this.

It’s possible that the stone in the necklace is a real topaz – I’ll need to have that checked. The bracelet is unquestionably totally faux, but very pretty and has a safety chain.  That’s a feature I LOVE on bracelets and is almost impossible to find on any modern piece.  Such a sensible and elegant-looking addition . . . . .

Although these pieces are not a set, I will wear them together and was so happy to find a pair that coordinate so nicely.  The elegant jewelry finds continue tomorrow, in a new country . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CLASSIC, ULTRA-FLATTERING TRUE VINTAGE LESLIE FAY DAY- DRESS – 1960’S

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This is one of my favorite LBD’s for day. The cut and quality are SO good and it is ultra-flattering.

The fabric is lovely and the hardware on the belt is, too. It’s a basic style, but so chic and elegant. These features make all the difference between looking ordinary or sophisticated and well off.

So many true vintage pieces have these advantages. What’s not to love?!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM