TRUE VINTAGE AMERICAN WOOL JUMPER DRESS FROM THE LATE ’50’S OR EARLY ’60’S

TRUE VINTAGE AMERICAN WOOL JUMPER DRESS FROM THE LATE '50'S OR EARLY '60'S

Here’s a very special woven wool jumper dress with big shell buttons.   I have it pinned since it’s a little too teeny for Madge, you see how much difference a little change in one’s figure could make in the fit!

It’s really cut for a petite woman, maybe slightly under average height.  But, a couple more inches here and there and VAVOOM!  Unfortunately, a shade too much on the petite side for me and no Vavoom, so I sold it before Stella joined me and it would have fitted her well!

Dresses like this were super popular right around 1960 and might have been worn with a turtleneck, but a blouse would have been more likely.  I show it with this sweater just because the color matches so well.

The most outstanding feature of this design is the big abalone shell buttons asymmetrically closing the front.  And, the hem-line is fairly long, especially on a shorter person.  A sign of the times.

Definitely a sophisticated back-to-school or a career dress for some aspiring young woman!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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1960’S CLASSIC MEN’S CARDIGAN FROM SCOTLAND

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Here’s the other suede-trimmed sweater I mentioned a few days ago.  Traditional design and construction in this handsome, high-quality cardigan have let it last for 50+ years with very little sign of wear.  Nice, soft virgin wool and buttery suede, plus knotted leather buttons made this a favorite, iconic style for decades.

I’m always so glad to find garments like this one in such wonderful condition.  Big for me, but I know someone who might find it to be just the thing .. . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY

BEST EVER PANTS FIND – 1960’S BELL-BOTTOMS

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I always have my eye out for great slacks like these, but they’re SO rare.  Love these late Sixties flares that are reminiscent of 1940’s women’s styles and sailors’ pants.  Such a treat to find slacks that fit like a glove.

The cut velour fabric is comfy but not too plush.  Good for wear in any cool weather (I like them most in Fall, of course) and also in a great neutral color; much more versatile than some of the wild prints from that time that are really Mod-cute but wearable with only one or two tops in the closet.

They’ll look great with that cheetah-print blouse from a few days ago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEW FIND FOR THE GUYS – 1950’S LAKELAND WISCONSIN SWEATER & SUEDE JACKET!

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I’m over-the-moon with this one!!  Last year I found a wonderful sweater made like this, with soft, fine suede – but this one is a full jacket WITH A ZIP-OUT PILE LINING! – and braided leather buttons.  Just LOVE the quality and style of jackets made between 1940 and 1960.  What a fabulous mid-century vibe.

It was another magic moment for the Magicvintagespy because this coat is in virtually perfect condition.  Just like stepping into a Happy Days episode or going Back to the Future. What fun!  More to come . . . . . . . stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A TRUE VINTAGE HEAVY KNIT 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S AUTUMN SWEATER-JACKET

A TRUE VINTAGE HEAVY KNIT 1950'S - EARLY 1960'S SWEATER-JACKET

A find from out West last time I went, this is my second jacket of this type.  It’s made of a very heavy synthetic fiber – probably an acrylic, and has a real Happy Days feel to me – and unisex appeal.  I love the abstract geometric designs on these and the bright Fall colors on this one.  Warm and attention-getting.  Wear them with slacks, jeans, leggings or they can even go over a skirt or sheath dress.  . . . . . .

As I write this, there are four garments in my wardrobe which are made of this textile.  It’s a very heavy, glossy yarn and is a mystery to me.  Even my sister, with an MFA in costume design, couldn’t help me with more information!  I do suspect that it’s from the 1940’s or 1930’s, when natural fabrics such as wool, silk and cotton, were sidelined to produce uniforms, parachutes and other supplies for the war effort.  So many great synthetics were developed about that time in history, to produce clothing for the civilian population.  If anyone can shed light on this investigation, please send the intelligence.  Although it may be Top Secret, it’s time to declassify it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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2 MOD KNIT DRESSES FROM THE SIXTIES – EARLY SEVENTIES FEEL A LOT DIFFERENT FROM YESTERDAY’S!

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Still  modest, but a lot more casual and friendly-looking.  Fun everyday wear for when I want a warmer dress (like now!)  My, my – the chilly winds they are a-blowin’.  That’s one good thing about the older acrylic knits.  They’re not as heavy as a sweater but they are warm.

Good color combos – just right for Autumn and I’m happy with the long sleeves and the original belts – not so easy to find.  I’ll be wearing them soon with opaque tights and boots, in a late Sixties Carnaby Street mood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S DRESS & COAT ENSEMBLE – PERFECTLY TAILORED

IMG_1728 IMG_1729Can you imagine – the FIRST thing I discovered was this gorgeous set!!  And, it all got better from here:

Pretty rayon blend sheath dress with a matching coat.  Look at the collar on that coat!  The trim and lining are of printed silk.  Both dress and coat are completely lined.  There is no label remaining, so this set might have been custom-tailored by an expert.

On top of that, it’s in perfect condition.  A special frock ensemble, well cared for.  Made for Spring or early Autumn – cool summers, too.

Well, full-moon periods are like this.  Phenomenal things materialize.  This one hit my eye like a big pizza pie – and I was off and running . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE FORTIES/FIFTIES LITTLE FLORAL DRESS IN A DARKER BACKGROUND HUE

This frock has been with me for a little while.  It’s a pink and blue floral on a charcoal background, with a little bow on the bodice.  I have added a cloth-covered belt in charcoal.  Unusual shades to take us into autumn, still with a light and outdoor feel.  Would look nice with darker leather shoes and handbags, for a change, and maybe a coat or jacket as the weather changes.

 

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MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A TRUE VINTAGE FALL DAY DRESS FROM THE LATE 1960’S

A TRUE VINTAGE FALL DAY DRESS FROM THE LATE 1960'S

Fall weight fabric in a ’60’s paisley print, with bell sleeves. Easy lines with a tie belt. What could be more characteristic of the shift style from mid to late ’60’s?  It was a time when British fashion was tops. Carnaby Street, Mary Quant and Twiggy reigned.

Love these colors – perfect for the Autumn time of year. In the case of this particular frock, a Texas designer refined the design for her specialty label. Casual, but lady – like, something they did so well in the southern U.S.

This one, no doubt, had an interesting social life .. . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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A PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE SHORT-SLEEVED SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960’S – CUSTOM TAILORED

A PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE SHORT-SLEEVED SHEATH DRESS FROM THE 1960'S - CUSTOM TAILORED

This pretty dress is in an unusual shade of blue, kind of between a Wedgewood and French blue.  A combo that I always love and don’t come across often enough – blue and brown.  It was custom – made, with hand-done crewel embroidery on the front.

The easy sheath style is always perfect, and the short sleeves make it less obviously Summery or better for a cooler location.  I love their fluttery cut and the brown lining peeking out.  The main material is a sort of hop-sacking weave, which was very popular in the late ’60’s.  Just the right weight for going into Fall.

Back metal zipper and fully lined in a lightweight cotton blend material. Flattering but simple.  Madge fills it out beautifully, no?

Looks just right for a teacher, or, or, or . . . . . . . . .
I wonder who . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . … . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM