Just found a trove of custom-tailored summer fashions, plus some accessory goodies. Wow, posts are going to be up to mid-December now so, stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Tag Archives: Sixties
ANOTHER “NEW” – 1960’S HOUSECOAT WRAPPER
I always pick up these old cotton or cotton blend housecoats when I find them. Although there are similar ones being made now, the older ones tend to have the best quality and most interesting styling and decoration.
Such fun to know these little differences that make a big impact on your satisfaction when you wear them!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
MADE IN JAPAN – LOOK AT THIS FAB COTTON KIMONO!
Although the phrase “made in Japan” used to connote (in Western countries) some cheap trinket back in the WWI, WWII and Post-war days before their technological revolution, Japan is also the country that is known for gorgeous kimonos and traditional garments of the most elaborate embroidered silk.
Another unusual and surprising find. I’m not sure exactly how to date this 100% cotton robe, but it’s beautiful and well-styled in it’s elegant simplicity. The fan motifs are very wonderful and I love the colors (as does Stella – with that auburn hair it’s dynamite on her!).
Definitely a keeper. More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
SO UNUSUAL – 1960’S VELVETEEN MINI MATERNITY DRESS!
What a surprise to come across this custom-tailored frock. It’s got many clues that told me of it’s age and how it came to be, but the styling was the real delight. SO unusual to discover a maternity dress or a “tent dress” from the mid-1960’s.
Tent dresses were all the rage for a while during the Mad Mod Sixties. Fortunately, the style didn’t hang around too long. But, what could be more perfect as a maternity design? This one is meant for fall and winter partying in heavy velveteen. I have to say, it is cute on Stella.
After discovering a treasure like this, I wondered what could be next and it didn’t take long to find out. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
FABULOUS UNUSUAL FIND! MID-1960’S VELVETEEN MATERNITY TENT DRESS
Wowee! Someone custom-tailored this cute mini-dress that falls from above the bust-line and is a really flattering shape for someone whose waistline has temporarily disappeared. It also could have been a “tent” style, which was all the rage about that time. In any case, it’s perfect for Fall no matter how or why she wore it!
All kinds of “new” stuff, including a wonderful hairdo for Stella. She’s psyched! So am I. We’ll be spreading a lot of rockabilly vibes and more. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
NEXT FIND – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S/EARLY 1960’S HAND-MADE HOUSE DRESS
Gingham again – it’s always classic and often found in lots of casual clothing from mid-century. 
In this example, we have a custom-tailored design – sort of Western-wear, but just CUTE! Simple shift style, but when I wear it I’ll probably add a belt and cinch the waist. The ruffle at the hem, cross-stitch decoration and interesting elbow-length sleeves all make it unique and would even be a good Halloween costume.
Dresses with these features were popular in mid-century in the United States, when there was a big Western/cowboy craze going on. Ever hear of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans? I’ve learned so much by being interested in true vintage fashion! Happy trails to you, until we meet again. Have fun tonight – arroooooooooooooooooo . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE GINGHAM HOUSE – DRESS FROM 1961, WITH PRETTY VINTAGE LACE
True vintage house-dresses are some of my favorite finds because they are always so cute, easy to wear all year long and each one has different details to discover. Gingham fabric is always top of the list. It’s fun to find so many different colors besides the wonderful, classic red/white and blue/white combos!
The most outstanding feature of this dress is the lace around the collar – it’s just different from anything that is made now.
I really love 100% cotton fabric in blouses and dresses like this, but often find that even the older ones are a cotton-poly blend. Clothing makers were creative with blended and synthetic fabrics in the Forties when some of the usual materials were diverted for use in making things for the WWII effort. In the Fifties they began concentrating on making fabrics easy-care – less or no ironing needed and easier to wash – but I still find wonderful 100% cottons, too.
So, we’ve benefited and lost from these changes in the marketplace over the past few decades. There’s nothing like the true vintage fabrics, no matter what type they are, but I love the innovations that made improvements in them, too. Each decade has it’s own wonderful fabrics!
It’s been so much fun to learn all these things from my experience in the field – always looking forward to the next investigation . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
JUST FOUND!! A BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE LOUNGE DRESS FOR SUMMER – PATIO PARTY, HERE I COME . . . . .
Despite the gradually-cooling temps, I’m ready for the BBQ – maybe not the volleyball or badminton game. This gown was custom-tailored of a beautiful fabric (look at those colors to die for!) Though synthetics are often not the most desirable material, that’s one thing that most have going for them – the way they take and hang on to colors.
Probably polyester, but it’s got an uncommon finish that feels almost like moleskin and a nice drape. This is a perfect outfit for the iconic American entertaining genre – the Patio Party, inaugurated in the early 1960’s along with the basement party room with built-in bar. Pretty soon, the days of the chic living-room cocktail party were over – replaced by the Cha-Cha party downstairs and the Patio Party & cook-out in the back yard.
Save those LBD’s for dinner dates. It’s easier to do the Twist and the Limbo in shorts, capris or a long, loose skirt, not to mention a bikini – but I’m not exactly sure where the Pool Party got started. Probably Hollywood, or Miami, or . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S LBD FROM AUSTRALIA – ALWAYS A FAVORITE FIND!
Originally sold from a department store, as so many lovely garments were back in the day, this cocktail dress has beautiful hand-done tailoring details. The cowl neckline is all hand-stitched, as is the fabric rosette at the waist.
The neckline in back dips to mid-back and closes with a metal zipper and hook and eye. Attention to detail is one aspect that makes true vintage clothing SO special!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – 1970’S SUMMER DRESS FIND
An improved photo of a previous year’s discovery in Canada – LOVE this one so much. A little big on me, so I probably won’t keep it, although altering things to fit is often very much worthwhile.
Just a very cute dress and a neat way that the pattern on the skirt has been arranged – much more interesting and flattering than if the the stripes went straight across all the way down the dress.
This was just a very ordinary, mid – lower priced garment back then. Wonderful and smart design touches like that are something I don’t often see in modern clothing, even at the higher end. Vive la Vintage!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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