via NOW FOR SOME SERIOUS, ELEGANT FASHIONS – A 1940’S CREPE DINNER DRESS FROM BUENOS AIRES
Author Archives: Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
NOW FOR SOME SERIOUS, ELEGANT FASHIONS – A 1940’S CREPE DINNER DRESS FROM BUENOS AIRES
The old stand-by fabric, black crepe has been the go-to for dressy frocks at least since Queen Victoria’s time. In this case, it’s all Forties with slim lines, midi length, padded shoulders and those funny pouches that they used to like on the hips. Not pockets – these are just style elements and rather surprising because they certainly are not figure-enhancing! Oh, well, every decade has it’s style faux pas. I love everything else about this time.
This is a hand-made garment, likely one of a kind. Sequins and beads let this dress go on to cocktails and any other semi-formal evening events. Our heroine would step out with a fur wrap – I saw many of those in that city – mostly new, but a few examples of the wealth that was present back in the day.
I doubt that this one belonged to Eva, but you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
FROM THE TIME AND PLACE OF EVITA, WONDERFUL 1940’S FROCKS
FROM THE TIME AND PLACE OF EVITA, WONDERFUL 1940’S FROCKS
Let’s start with the simplest little day dress from Buenos Aires, Argentina, home-sewn in a breezy floral print. A blended fabric of the day is easy-care, according to their standards of the time. Nothing could be easier to wear, either. What a great classic style!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
NEW FIND! 1930’S HOUSEDRESS FROM FRANCE
NEW FIND! 1930’S HOUSEDRESS FROM FRANCE
Mid-century Montevideans (yes, Montevideo, Uruguay!) from the upper classes had exquisite taste and deep pockets. This pretty rayon at-home fashion is the most wonderful find! Although I found a similar gown when in Paris, this one is more pristine and of a slightly different style.
LOVE the little built-in trains that the lingerie often had then. Pretty, pretty, pretty. Tiny red roses on a pink background. What could be sweeter? Someone loved this dress very well ! We’ve only just begun – more to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
DRESSY TRUE VINTAGE HAND-KNITTED OR CROCHETED SHAWLS FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES, COTILLIONS, THE OPERA . . . . . . . . .
DRESSY TRUE VINTAGE HAND-KNITTED OR CROCHETED SHAWLS FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES, COTILLIONS, THE OPERA . . . . . . . . .
Two beautiful hand-crocheted or knitted shawls for party-wear or any festive occasion. In neutral pastel shades with metallic yarn accents.
Items like this were especially popular in the years moving from the 1950’s to the 1960’s. Many women made these garments at home. Nothing dresses up a little black dress in such a feminine and beguiling way as a needlework accessory.
If you like doing handiwork, look for old pattern and instruction books from the ’50’s and ’60’s. Although many types of scarves and shawls are sold now, nothing compares to a handmade item in a soft, genuine wool yarn.
And, if you can find a true vintage shawl – go for it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
THE LAST (I THINK . . . AT LEAST, FOR NOW) OF MY BEAUTIFUL 1940’S – 1950’S BED JACKETS
THE LAST (I THINK . . . AT LEAST, FOR NOW) OF MY BEAUTIFUL 1940’S – 1950’S BED JACKETS
With this photo, I’ve shown most of my true vintage bed jacket collection. But, as always, you just never know . . . . . . . .
The one on the left is obviously the most unusual, and the oldest (probably 1940’s), but look at the gorgeous lace, ribbons and embroidery, the feminine styles, the soft and flattering blues of the 1950’s versions. And, even quilting, for a morning that’s colder. No wonder I love them and do a happy dance when I find another.
All of these were probably owned by women from middle-income families and were part of an average wardrobe – frequently used. Oh, the charm of it all . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
