It’s Oh, so Jackie O! Everything about this pretty 2-piece dress is iconic. Wool boucle’ in pastel colors was very big during the early 1960’s. I have discovered at least 3 skirt suits made of this material. Usually it’s in Easter egg tones, but this pale mustard yellow is not out of sync. The collar and bow on the bodice alone give away its timeline, the skirt is straight but not pencil and has the modest below-the-knee length hem,, the blouse is gently-fitted .and the full-length metal zipper center in the back of the top is also common in this era.

This is a simple and elegant design which could have been home-sewn, as many were, but it has a maker’s label which I don’t recognize. It’s very well-made. Both pieces are fully-lined, the button on the skirt’s waistline in back is fabric-covered and there is a spare button attached inside! One clue is a little unusual in a commercially-made garment:: the skirt has a center back zipper of nylon instead of metal. Hmm . . . . . not likely this was original – probably the skirt zipper had been replaced. That wouldn’t be unusual because of the stress in the hip area that often causes zippers to break.

Not a top-of-the-line piece, but a very nice one and a perfect example of its era. I was thrilled to discover it! . I’ve got a few more new finds in this time-capsule to show before we step back on the LBD train. Put on your pillbox hat and gloves and stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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