I was gifted with a collection of needlework and handicrafts magazines from the 1950’s – mid 1960’s. Thanks, Rosalie! Although I’ve never been big on the idea of knitting, I was astounded by many of these fashions and how women were encouraged to make them at home.
These styles were designed to follow the current fashions in the mainstream magazines. Some of them are really beautiful and they give a good window on “average” American women’s lives back then in the way that they are photographed and staged. Some of the ads in these mags are amazing, too. So sweet and naive – women’s “place” was certainly apparent!
How do you like this gorgeous 2-piece dress? I’d LOVE to have that! So perfectly crafted – it’s amazing what skilled knitters could/can do. I even saw ads from yarn suppliers who offered little contests that gave awards for skill to their customers.
This outfit was supposed to echo trends in Paris at the time. I love the soft colors, the way the skirt drapes and that cross-over top. Makes me wish I had a great-grandma who loved doing it!
I’ll post a photo and commentary from these mags in among my own wardrobe items once a week or so. . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
This sweater just looks plain-old normal, right? This is a back view and take a close look at the neckline for the short back zipper.
That’s one good clue that you’ve found a true vintage piece. There are others, too, of course. You have to be careful of the modern copy-cats.
You’ll find that the fit and construction of these garments is likely better than what you’d buy at retail now. And, of course, it has the unmistakable true vintage “look” that makes it different. I’ll put up another related post in a minute . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Say what?! That thing looks pretty ordinary to me . . . . .. but, it’s extraordinary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Yes, it has very subtle, inconspicuous looks. “Who, me? I’m just a nice, well-made sweater like a million others . . . . . ..” But, this guy is one in a million!
If just being from the 1960’s, superbly made and like new is not enough, this is Mr. PURITAN AQUAknit himself!
100% lambswool that can be machine washed and dried – says so on the label!!
Well, if this Mr. P. A.q. has gone through the wash even once, then I’d say Bully Idea! But, we don’t know for sure if he has – I kind of think not. Could be why we don’t tend to see a lot of these – OR maybe they were just so good that they eventually wore out from so much use, OR they are still lurking in closets . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. you really just never know . . . . . .
Anyway, this one is prime and was such fun to discover, with all his secrets . . . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Someone was tempted to remember their mid-century trip-of-a-lifetime to Las Vegas with a splashy embroidered sweater, before the time of T-shirts being worn every day and taking over as souvenirs of our vacations. Same idea, different era. What happened in Vegas didn’t always stay there.
The most fun fashions have usually fallen somewhere along the spectrum of bad taste, and this one is no exception – how could you not love it?! Like almost all souvenir items, it’s not of exceptional quality – but it still has lasted 50 years in good condition. You won’t find anything exactly like it now.
Knit of acrylic yarn, for purely casual wear – our adventurous gambler maybe wore it to her weekly card games or just to advertise her trip to an “exotic” destination. Going to Vegas used to be a much bigger deal than it is today. After all, it was Mafia territory, full of high rollers and shady ladies. Some things never change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Sticking with men’s fashion, we’re still in the ’50’s/’60’s era when cardigan sweaters were a big thing for both sexes. This one’s a very nice, heavy button-front knit for cold weather, with sculpted metal buttons, little pockets at the hips and smart-looking trim.
A favorite for Dad or Grandpa while they watched sports on TV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
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