Tag Archives: summer

IN THE BACK OF MY CLOSET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’ve had this one for a long time – really cute Swirl wrap dress from the early 1960’s. Had relegated it to the back of the closet because of a little minor damage and almost forgotten about it. The bandana ties on the shoulders are not original – I put them there to disguise a little color fade. Cute, no? Now that the hot weather is really upon us, I’ll be wearing it again. The wrap tie makes a good fit without fussy buttons or the need of a zipper. Just one button at the back of the neck. Swirl made nice casual dresses and I’ve got another one, plus a home-sewn version. These were very popular!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1980’S -1990’S FLORAL SUMMER FROCK

In the same general category of yesterday’s dress but miles ahead stylistically, this frock is lightweight and comfortable. The lovely print is a common type from the Eighties and Nineties and looks as though it could be for an English country tea dress. This garment wasn’t made by any established fashion manufacturer but is a one-off custom construction. Pretty nice!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1960’S SUMMER SHEATH FOR THE COUNTRY CLUB SET

Here we have (ahem) a very conservative and pedigreed frock made by Flutterbye. It’s well-tailored and no one would say you’d put a foot wrong when wearing it. Perfect for the horsey set. What more is there to say? Therefore, it would make an outstanding disguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SEVENTIES STRIPED SUMMER SUNDRESS

This breezy little frock is probably from the early 1970’s, even though it’s not a mini-length. Hems were also looking back to midi-length at that time and there was a brief 1940’s retro fad happening. It’s a bargain store construction, but does have a white liner sewn in so going bra-less could work out.

I picked it up because it’s pretty and summery but also shows the fashion variety that was going on. Although we tend to identify different decades with certain fashion styles, there always seems to be a departure or two from that which doesn’t get as much publicity. Tomorrow we’ll see something that is DEFINITLY early – mid 1970’s. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER HOME-SEWN DAY DRESS FROM THE MID 1960’S – LOVE THIS FABRIC!

Nothing WAY special about this dress – it’s nicely made, fits flatteringly, etc., etc. but my very favorite thing about it is the fabric. It’s a substantial woven cotton or cotton blend but the best is the colors!! Several of my favorites all together, which is a rare combo. Jewel tones, but for summer!

The metal zip is in great shape so I’ll wear this one for years before having to do anything with it. The fitted cut is very nice and puts it a notch above plain shift dresses. Since my shoulders aren’t quite as broad as Stella’s, the sleeve opening forms a slight cap on me and is a nice touch. Easier to dress up or down, as the mood or occasion calls for. Thank you, Sally seamstress or whoever you were . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . And, a happy American Thanksgiving to you, whenever you see this. It’s always a good day to be grateful.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MOD BLACK AND WHITE SHOES FROM THE MID 1960’S – SPECTATOR STYLE

MOD BLACK AND WHITE SHOES FROM THE MID 1960'S - SPECTATOR STYLE

A pair of, low-heeled classic quasi-spectator-style Mod pumps.  Black and white is always “in”, and is always de la mode.  Very practical for any Sixties – era outfit.  You can also dance the night away in comfort.

This pair is by the famous maker Florsheim, a quality name for decades.  Looks great Spring, Summer or Fall.  Probably in Winter, too.  A classic’s a classic, right?

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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A BOX OF TRUE VINTAGE SHOES IN THE BASEMENT

A BOX OF TRUE VINTAGE SHOES IN THE BASEMENT

Another of those boxes in the basement which I hadn’t thought about in a while – finds of the last 10 years stored away. It’s always fun to see what’s inside!  Lots of variety from several different decades.

From the top row down, we’ll start with the DUDS, from the viewpoint of a true vintage hunter:

Pairs #1, #2 & #3 – nice to very nice classic styles in leather, 1980s at the earliest to 1990s.  Pretty shoes. Ho hum.  More retro than vintage, but reminiscent of the 1940’s and 1950’s.

Pair #4 – True vintage late 1950s – early 1960s gold-tone all – leather stiletto pumps.  For cocktails and dancing the cha-cha.

Pairs 5 & 6 – True vintage bowling shoes, 1950s – 1970s.  The two-tone ones are suede.

Pair #7 – Original true vintage Dr. Scholl’s leather exercise sandals from the very early 1970s.  They’ve made them in later years, but they aren’t the same.

Pair #8 – Low-heel leather pumps by Johannson from the mid-’60s.

Pair #9 – Leather pumps from the ’70s.  Nothing to lose your wallet over.

Pair #10 – Leather flats from the mid – late 1960s, with price tags still inside.

Well, that was interesting.  I remember finding all of these.  Probably I will sell them, since I run into the issue that all vintage collectors usually do – storage space!  Sometimes you have to (sigh), but as I get better and better at my craft, the non-keepers become fewer and fewer

Don’t forget that one of these pairs might be just what is needed to finish off a Halloween costume soon . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

1950’S – EARLY 1960’S RETRO FROCK – A MODERN EXCEPTION TO THE RULE (SORT OF – a little rant about tailoring and quality)

IMG_1271 IMG_1272Here’s a modern dress by Kim Rogers brand, made in Vietnam.  For several reasons, I must point it out as an example of a rare exception to the rule that true vintage clothing is always superior to recently-made fashions.  I was drawn to it immediately because of the nicely designed retro style and the almost-vintage look and feel of the fabric.  The construction is very good, too.

Note the photo of little keepers at the shoulders for bra or slip straps – it’s a wonderful feature that I treasure in my true vintage pieces.  These haven’t been common in dresses for decades!   Also, it’s fully lined.   Asian dressmakers have done superb couture for ages, so it doesn’t surprise me that the workmanship on this garment is excellent.

What might also be considered a plus by modern women is that the fabric is 100% polyester. ” Ick!”  you say, “sleazy and hot”;  but it can be washed in a machine, with care, and drip-dried. (preferably a modern machine that has a hand-wash cycle and doesn’t agitate back and forth).  It’s also amazing what sorts of finishes can be made with polyester – sometimes it’s a really good appearance mimic for real silk, rayon or  even linen.  But, of course, not in terms of their other qualities – looks aren’t everything . . . . .

So, that gets us down to the real nitty-gritty.  Do you really want to wear a summer sundress made of polyester, when you’re trying to stay cool and looking your very best at an event or on a date?  Do you want the zipper on your dress to very obviously announce to anyone who has any fashion savvy that  “No, this is NOT a true vintage dress – just a retro fake”.  And, horror of all horrors, do you want to walk into the party and see another woman dressed just like you?

Thus, a very respectful nod to this clothing company for their care and attention to detail and  style, at least where this dress is concerned.  When I’m traveling and wouldn’t want to subject any of my authentic vintage treasures to threats of loss or damage, I’ll certainly take it and wear it inside or when the weather is mild.  It’s nice to see a manufacturer that cares about some of the finer points of good quality any time – especially in this age of cheaper-is-better.

BUT, all things considered, give me a quality true vintage garment over a modern one no matter what . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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