Source: I’VE DISCOVERED SO MANY TRUE VINTAGE PARTY DRESSES AND GOWNS IN THE PAST FOUR WEEKS . . . . . . .
Author Archives: Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
I’VE DISCOVERED SO MANY TRUE VINTAGE PARTY DRESSES AND GOWNS IN THE PAST FOUR WEEKS . . . . . . .
Here’s Stella showing off a mid-century sweet-sixteen Prom dress with the traditional small-town high school look. Pretty bows and lace, with a 2 or 3-layer skirt, but no high-end fashion drama or expensive fabrics.
This is how most girls went to the dance in 1965 – 1975. Bye, bye Miss American Pie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
NEW FIND – A COUPLE OF HOME-SEWN PARTY FROCKS FROM THE 1940’S/EARLY 1950’S
NEW FIND – A COUPLE OF HOME-SEWN PARTY FROCKS FROM THE 1940’S/EARLY 1950’S
Both these dresses need a professional pressing before they go to the dance but, so what?! Such iconic styles!!!!! Read on . . . . . . . . . . . . .
#1 is of taffeta with a gored skirt and velveteen insert at the v-neckline, That was put in for modesty, because without it the dress has a decolletage and would sit wide on the shoulders. A very sexy style, and I’m convinced that the sewing pattern or the dress as originally made had the sexy neckline.
Of course, it’s got a tiny waist and the skirt is a fabulous style for dancing (or just walking in!) because of how it flips and moves. The most interesting and telling thing is the zipper in back. It’s about a foot long and sits in the middle of the back, with no connection at the neckline. Therefore, you REALLY have to wiggle into frocks made with these and this one is already quite tiny. Not even Stella could wear it!
#2 is very plain in style, but it’s got 3 layers of taffeta-like then organza-like fabric in the skirt. With proper finishing by a professional cleaner (or someone who just knows how to do it correctly) it would be a stunning and pretty dress. About a size or two larger than the other, it would have been made about a decade later.
Both in aqua blues. What each one needs is a corsage at the neckline or the waist. Both of them could have benefited with a bit of trim here or there to finish the look – maybe that was coming. Little bows, covered buttons or bits of lace/embroidery were commonly used as final touches to make a mid-century look more feminine and stylish.
Though they may not have both been made by or for the same woman, who knows? I found them in the same location, which adds possibilities to the story. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
THE FABULOUS BLACK & WHITE MID-CENTURY MOD DAY DRESS – STELLA MODELS
THE FABULOUS BLACK & WHITE MID-CENTURY MOD DAY DRESS – STELLA MODELS
Here’s the neatest view of that great Caron Chicago frock I recently found. With a black back-drop it creates wonderful negative space. I’m so impressed by the ingenuity of the designer.
Stella and Madge make everything look better – you just can’t do this frock justice when it’s on a hanger. This is one of the best-looking 1960’s op-art pieces I’ve ever seen – so unusual and unique.
I’m home from my weekend away, with 9 more true vintage finds to share with you!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
PHENOMENAL FIND – AN AUTHENTIC VINTAGE GUCCI HANDBAG!
PHENOMENAL FIND – AN AUTHENTIC VINTAGE GUCCI HANDBAG!
Can’t be sure how old this one is, but it doesn’t look anything like the more recent examples pictured online. The real-deal gold stamp and zipper pull confirm it’s identity. Another thing is the exceptional quality.
Very classic, in leather both inside and out. Stylish and well-made hardware. Enameled metal zipper in matching red. Great design – there are two additional compartments that are hidden in the styling and don’t add bulk.
All it needs is some leather conditioner and a little polish. Couldn’t pass this one up!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
TRUE VINTAGE PRAIRIE DRESS FIND – FROM THE U.S. SOUTHWEST
TRUE VINTAGE PRAIRIE DRESS FIND – FROM THE U.S. SOUTHWEST
Here’s a much better picture of the frilly Prairie-style gown that I found in Santa Fe. It’s from the Sixties or Seventies and might have been worn to a dance or some kind of historical event but, if that’s your style, it could look nice as a day dress.
The fabric is very sheer, but the dress is lined. The details are very pretty, and carefully applied. Though I’m not sure when/where I’ll wear it, picking up such a good example of an era is always worthwhile.
Come to think of it, it’s a piece that would make a good starting point for a great Halloween costume . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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