Tag Archives: travel

ANOTHER SLEEK AND ELEGANT VINTAGE COCKTAIL PARTY LBD – IN 1970’S ISLAND PATIO STYLE

A not-quite-as-little LBD from the 1970’s with casual vibes. I wasn’t going to show this frock until I got into the Snowbird vacation designs, but it’s such a great comparison to the dressier version from yesterday that it was time. Just as sleek, simple and elegant, but of Hawaiian origin with their wonderful cotton fabric. It’s up to the job in the afternoon as well as the evening.

This dress is a perfect example of functional true vintage wardrobe selection for traveling. One dress can do double or triple duty – from casual to sophisticated, even without accessories.

Semi-formal and Formal season are just starting, so back to those archives again next – stay tuned . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PART OF MODERN ’50’s – ’60’s LIFE IS TRAVEL – A NEW SENSE OF FREEDOM FOR MIDDLE-CLASS WOMEN

In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s needlework magazines embraced this exciting adventure and symbol of the Good Life and modern prosperity. Women were still mostly “at home”, but were REALLY getting out of the kitchen sometimes. Styles shifted right along with them.

Nothing portrays a life of leisure, well-being and financial freedom better than the ability to travel. This was a revelation for many women and international journeys were truly “another world” for most of them. New activities, of course, require new products and definitely a new wardrobe. The clothing industry, including handicrafts, got right into it and has continued to heavily market wardrobe items for travel ever since.

So, was there anything more thrilling than making an outfit for an upcoming trip across the country or the planet? The dream machine was in high gear and wardrobe, including all accessories, has led the movement. Only, perhaps, cars have had an equally compelling attraction and ability to follow and create culture. But, that’s another blog . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SUCH FUN! TRUE VINTAGE SOUVENIR KITCHEN LINENS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

From the West and Down East – a vacationer’s mid-century mementos of a fun holiday!

Fun cotton linens for the kitchen and dining table were big favorites during the 1950’s and 1960’s.  Many a traveler picked them up as souvenirs, too.  I just love the funky and funny prints!

As always, these items tell a story.  You could have practically driven through California without a map after buying this muslin tablecloth. Although the apron doesn’t have any words, the cute illustrations of pilgrims/immigrants in their native dress and the border designs contain a lot of information about the communities or cultures that they came from.

Also, if you can do a close-up look, you’ll see a small vintage safety pin stuck in the waistband.  I always like to leave things like this in place because that’s just how the cook or housekeeper wore it during her daily routine.

These linens will last forever if they’re looked after well – remove stains quickly and wash gently.  I’ll bet that I can channel some very interesting vibrations with these in my kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

 

A TRUE VINTAGE HAND-KNITTED WARDROBE FOR YOUR NEXT SEA CRUISE?

IMG_1476 IMG_1477     Can you imagine making your own travel wardrobe for that ocean voyage overseas?  Well, that’s what some ladies were doing in the early 1960’s!

Springtime, beginning in February, was traditionally the season for international travel – after the Christmas season was all tied up, and before Easter.  Although some North Americans jetted off for ski or beach vacations, the true “Jet-Set” or those planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip headed for Paris & London, East Asia, South America or the Caribbean.

Our grandmothers thought that an ocean cruise was one of the most glamorous ways to travel – and it was, then.  What more elegant attire than a wardrobe of custom-made clothing.  If you weren’t in a position to visit a couturier and had good do-it-yourself skills, a McCall’s Magazine needlework pattern would have been just the thing!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

A TRUE VINTAGE DO-IT-YOURSELF WARDROBE PLAN FOR YOUR 1956 OCEAN CRUISE

A TRUE VINTAGE DO-IT-YOURSELF WARDROBE PLAN FOR YOUR 1956 OCEAN CRUISE.