Though sometimes referred to as an accessory, beautiful lingerie slips used to be a primary part of a woman’s wardrobe worn almost every day. They used to be frequent finds during my investigations. In the recent years, that’s become less and less true but my radar is always tuned. On a rack containing several slips which looked very much the same I spotted one which was different.

With closer examination, I found that the hardware on the straps was metal rather than plastic. The lace trim was applique’ed on top of the fabric rather than being stitched into seams. The sheer panels at the neckline are absolutely different from any seen on newer pieces. When I felt the nylon material, although it looked almost exactly like the others, the feel was completely different – heavier, smoother. These clues told me that I had found a slip from the 1950’s or very early 1960’s. The length is also a reliable clue – below the knee on tall Stella is almost midi-length on a woman of average height. Unfortunately, all the tags had been removed but the quality is the proof. Finding a black slip is a plus, too, because the majority were white or occasionally beige. Finding a pretty pastel or a bright color is also wonderful and, now, rare. The decoration on these pieces is always superior and absolutely beautiful. (The photos could be better, but I’ve always found it difficult to capture details on black garments).

So, naturally, I was over the moon and it rounded out my successful sleuthing investigation very nicely. There is one more discovery from this episode to show you but I will return to the Cocktail circuit to finish the 1960’s first. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM