Tag Archives: traditional

JUST LOVE MID-CENTURY “TRADITIONAL” CLOTHING FROM MEXICO – PARA LOS TURISTAS

IMG_1483 I picked up this little beauty in lovely, soft cotton.  It could be from any time after the 1960’s – hard to tell since they’re continuing to sell them in Mexico and some stores in the U.S.

But, doesn’t matter.  It’s hand-embroidered in traditional designs and beautiful colors. Authentic hippie attire.  Nothing could be more comfortable and boho for summer.

If you’re shopping for a blouse or dress like this one, be observant.  I’ve got several dresses and skirts from the 1940’s – 1970’s.  Many are not as nice as they used to be . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

3 TRUE VINTAGE NATIVE AMERICAN/HAWAIIAN COSTUMES FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S

It is always appropriate to show my great Native American and Hawaiian dresses in Summertime, even though they are not always the most cool garments to wear.  Ocean breezes and high mountain altitudes can help with that!  The two on the right are from Arizona, sold by a company called Thunderbird Fashions which made lots of Western-wear dresses, blouses and skirts back in the day.  The dress on the left was made in Hawaii.  In most cases, women bought these outfits while on vacation in the American West or Hawaiian islands but sometimes a woman living there would include these in her day-to-day wardrobe.

Like a couple of the other items I’ve shown before, they are of heavy cotton with loads of braid trim, ric-rac and color! The Western-wear blouses have a side zipper at the waist.

The Hawaiian outfit on the left was made about the same time as those from Arizona.  It is interesting that there are so many similarities in the style although no zipper in this blouse, and the contrast is in the fabric panel on the bodice.

Both styles have a flattering fit, with a wasp waist and free hips.  I love wearing them on cooler days in the Summer and Fall and sometimes wear the skirts with another top.  Each of these ensembles is different and they are from a time when  Western and Hawaiian fashion were all the rage – probably in the 1950’s.  Women loved wearing them and vacationers loved bringing them home.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ANOTHER CLASSIC MID-CENTURY HANDBAG FIND!

I already have many tooled leather handbags in my collection, but it’s always open to another unique and high-quality item.  These purses are SO special, because they are hand-made, one-of-a-kind and often tell a story.  This one is beautifully-done, has older traditional motifs and a DOG(!), which always captures my heart.  It was probably a tribute to a beloved pet and is signed by the maker – no relation to me, but what a coincidence!

And, in beautiful condition – I’ll enjoy this one for a long time.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC MANTILLA SCARVES – A CULTURE OF SPIRIT, TRADITION, MYSTERY AND ALLURE

TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC MANTILLA SCARVES - A CULTURE OF SPIRIT, TRADITION, MYSTERY AND ALLURE

Marlene and Celia are back and . . .. .. introducing Daphne, far right.  She’s stuck in the ’60’s and ’70’s and is kind of a California casual gal so doesn’t care much for most of my elegant looks.   However, she is wearing the less traditional, graphic patterned lace today.   I suspect that these are from the 1960’s.

These are a totally different look and sometimes double as a shawl.  In the U.S., many women of the Catholic faith used to keep lace head coverings around to wear to church and they’ve always been popular souvenirs of a trip to Mexico or Spain where they were called mantillas (roughly pronounced mon-tee-ya).  Over the centuries women and girls have worn them not only in strictly religious ceremonies, including weddings and funerals, but at traditional social events, too.  It seems that many cultures have their own version of the lace scarf and how to wear it.

So, there are many interpretations of the lace “mantle” and how/where to wear one.  Make up your own . . . . whenever a touch of elegance, allure and the unexpected is desirable . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960S – ’70s GREEN FLORAL PRINT HAWAIIAN DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1960S - '70s GREEN FLORAL PRINT HAWAIIAN DRESS

What’s special about this find?  Aside from being about 40 years old, it is made in Hawaii – which used to mean beautiful, quality cottons and rayons and lovely workmanship.  This one doesn’t disappoint.  It has a back zipper with a small bow trim there. The neckline has piping around it and the heavy cotton material drapes nicely.  As usual, the print and color saturation are wonderful in these fabrics.

A straight, mu-mu style is very versatile and flattering to most figures.

Are you planning to attend or host some casual event this weekend, or just a laid-back day at home?  In keeping with the green spirit of this St. Patrick’s holiday, I suggest a dress like this one.  As long as it’s warm enough where you are, a dress like this can be worn almost anywhere, to do anything.  It’s even possible to dress it up with jewelry, shoes and bag.

Vintage made in Hawaii has always been so distinctive – it’s a special look all its own.  It does tend to follow style trends a bit, but some of the classic looks don’t change. I’ll be showing others that are older, too.  These have been so popular over the years that they sometimes turn up in my searches and I’m always thrilled to find them.  Just putting one on takes me to an exotic time in my mind and then, well you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL MID-CENTURY SHERBET GREEN LINGERIE SLIP

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Woops, I DID find a green one!  It will look best on Stella, but you can see the beautiful detail here, as well.  I know, I know, I know – I’ve collected so many gorgeous true vintage slips during my escapades, but  just can’t help myself!  When this wonderful Spring color and pretty lace showed up, that was it – cannot resist the pastel colors from the 1950’s and early 1960’s.

Beautifully-made by Vassarette.  What more can I say?  It’s undoubtedly a little bit different from other similar ones I own and will go perfectly with some particular dress – maybe for St. Patrick’s Day . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Classic True Vintage Western-wear Hat

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To wear at least three seasons of the year, a wool felt classic hat will last for decades and complete almost any sportswear outfit. This men’s cowboy style from the 1970s or before is uni-sex now.

The best quality hats of this type have a leather inside hatband. A liner (often satin) is another sign that it is of high quality. Look for the maker’s name stamped inside and, often, the name of the store where it was sold.

These will turn up in lots of places if you’re savvy about where to look.   You just never know . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

Book:  How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

TRUE VINTAGE BLUE FEATHER 50’S/60’S “SUNDAY” HAT WITH VEIL

Celia loves this one – it’s a little demure/dressy accessory that takes its mood from the occasion, the ensemble and the wearer.  Perfect for Easter, church or any holiday.  LOVE feather hats and veils . . . . . . . . . .

Back in the Fifties or early Sixties, a hat like this was not unusually wild, but it was a statement.  Every woman adored hats and looked for just the right ones to accent her dresses, suits and stunning good looks.

Another of my favorites . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

3 TRUE VINTAGE 1960’s MEN’S HATS – STETSON, FELT OR LEATHER

3 TRUE VINTAGE 1960's MEN'S HATS - STETSON, FELT OR LEATHER

While we’re acknowledging some accessories that were popular for mid-century, how about the ever-present men’s hat?  Men’s vintage clothing is not my specialty, but sometimes I can’t resist. These can look just as cute or smart on women as they look handsome on men.

I still love seeing a man in a hat and, if you watch old movies 1965 and back, men wore hats almost ALWAYS when they were away from home.  There were few exceptions to that rule. Men’s hat styles were almost as important as the trends in women’s frocks.

However, the design of classic accessories seems to morph more slowly than garment designs do and the style changes in men’s hats have been subtler over the decades, though still very important.  Most dress hats are still made of wool felt and will last forever if protected from moths and properly stored.  All it takes is a little brushing once in a while and making sure that it doesn’t get crushed.

This classic brimmed style can go with lots of things, from boho to casual to smart casual to elegant. Remind you of anyone? Come fly with me, come fly away . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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