Source: PRETTY IN THE BLUES: A TRUE VINTAGE COTTON HOUSE-DRESS FROM THE FIFTIES, WITH MORE TAILORING TRICKS
Author Archives: Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
PRETTY IN THE BLUES: A TRUE VINTAGE COTTON HOUSE-DRESS FROM THE FIFTIES, WITH MORE TAILORING TRICKS
Another beautifully-soft cotton print day-time house dress with fun, plastic sculptured buttons. This one wasn’t made with a belt, but I think I’ll add one. The most interesting thing about this frock is that, like yesterday’s, it tells another story. . . . . . . . .
I don’t know if the seamstress ran out of fabric when cutting her last piece, or whether this was a repair or alteration made later to widen the shoulders in back but these extra pieces of another material were put in very expertly. When I see the patching and stitching and creative add-ons that mid-century seamstresses used to do at home, it really amazes me!
Little details like this make a find even better, as far as I’m concerned. And, it’s in an unusual color palette – this kind of all-blue print is not common, so it’s a good addition to my wardrobe and more fun to wear. Wow, I’m on a roll – love these!!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
OUT-OF-SEASON TRUE VINTAGE FINDS – I’VE GOT SEVERAL!
OUT-OF-SEASON TRUE VINTAGE FINDS – I’VE GOT SEVERAL!
Yes, I’ve recently uncovered about half a dozen Spring and Summer items that didn’t slow me down a bit just because they are out-of-season right now, and I’ll be showing them to you over the next few days. Who knows where I’ll be when it’s actually the time to be wearing them!
FINDER’S TIP: DO YOU IGNORE OUT-OF-SEASON ITEMS WHEN YOU’RE ON THE HUNT? TSK,TSK AND SHAME-SHAME! YOU’LL NEVER BE A SUCCESSFUL SLEUTH IF YOU THINK THAT WAY. “WHENEVER”, “WHEREVER”, “WHATEVER” AND “HOWEVER” ARE SOME OF THE BEST GUIDING PRINCIPLES WHEN YOU’RE SCOUTING FOR CLUES . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
HOME-SEWN VINTAGE SUNDRESS WITH SURPRISING “MYSTERY” TAILORING
HOME-SEWN VINTAGE SUNDRESS WITH SURPRISING “MYSTERY” TAILORING
This frock just looked like a plain, old cotton sundress – rather inexpertly made – and I almost passed it by. The fabric felt kind of stretchy. OK, right – lots of today’s fabric feels kind of stretchy because it has Spandex built in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
But, the fabric also told me that it wasn’t recently made. When I looked more closely, it became apparent that the entire dress had been cut on the bias!
Take that, Spandex!! The tailoring trick for adding some give, drape and a fabulous, molded fit that was so popular in the 1930’s was used by this seamstress to make her summer frock unique. And, it will probably look killer on! Can’t wait to try that . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
YESTERDAY! TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MINK PILLBOX HAT
YESTERDAY! TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MINK PILLBOX HAT
Although it’s never, to me, the right thing to support a market for fur, I will continue to cherish these old vintage (50 – 60+ years) pieces of past-time high fashion. When humanity didn’t know any better, a touch of mink was the ultimate in luxury and chic for a middle-class gal.
This pillbox style is awfully cute with the topknot. It’s fun to find a true vintage fur that is still in good condition and, since it was so well-made and looked-after, will last for many more years. I’ll show you two more recent finds in a few days.
However, the faux furs made now are so authentic and affordable that there is no justification for buying any kind of modern animal fur. As beautiful as furs can be, they’re more beautiful on the animals and the fur trade should be just as dead as the poor creatures that it has killed.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
A REALLY NEAT CLASSIC 1950’S HOUSE DRESS FIND!
A REALLY NEAT CLASSIC 1950’S HOUSE DRESS FIND!
I just love the fun cotton prints on so many mid-century house dresses. The sleeve cuffs are fun, too. Can’t wait for warmer weather!
Although the original belt is missing, it will look nice with a black one or, maybe, there’ll be extra fabric in a hem or side seam to make a matching replacement. This is a great find, in such good condition.
Mid-century women wore these so much, every day, that it’s always a treat to find one that didn’t wear out! Back to the future again . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
