What a fabulous discovery! I was able to get the history of this frock directly from her daughter. Mom was married in 1940 and this was her gown. The only addition on that day, as far as I know, was a ribbon belt. Not sure if she ever wanted to let this dress do double duty in the summer, but it certainly could have.

Although women got married in satin and lace in the 1940’s, so many women of that era were much more practical and, if necessary, frugal. The wartime restrictions and rationing made that almost inevitable for everyone but the wealthy. However, lots of women – even before the war – were opting for a more “modern” solution, wearing suits and daily-wear to be married. The Depression, which had just wound down, was surely a big influence. My own grandmother, also in 1940 and from “by your bootstraps” parents, opted for a suit that had an ocelot jacket (horrors!). I can only guess that this was to show that Mother and Daddy were making it (in a relatively modest way) after all.

What an interesting time that was. In the Sixties and Seventies there was a return to simplicity and budget-wise trends. Then we saw the Dynasty decade where glitz and glamor went over-the-top again. Now we’re just opting for big is better and planning on a wedding that costs several thousand dollars but, fortunately, like with fashion today, it’s OK to do whatever you want. I opted for a retired judge and one witness.

So, this is just one of the new additions and archived finds that are making their way onto the blog. Most, though not all, are going on eBay, too. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM