Well, probably – it would certainly have a huge chance of winning the contest! Don’t you love the collar? And the bright red wool. It’s party time!
There’s no label – I suspect the dress was custom-tailored. And, for a woman a lot shorter than Stella – the hem should at least be at the knee and the sleeves a tiny bit longer because I’d date it about 1960.
It’s finds like this that make my day – but there’s lots more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
FALL FUN IN TRUE VINTAGE FORTIES/FIFTIES STYLE
This very casual mid-century jacket has great features such as big shell buttons in front and at the cuffs, a lining around the neck and upper back for comfort, modest shoulder pads and front patch pockets. Built for practicality, but stylish in true vintage fashion! The label says: Wonder Fabric virgin wool Vagabond by Chippewa.
I love to imagine who wore this and where it was worn. Feels to me like jeans and saddle shoes or Keds would be just right – for a picnic or raking a few leaves. So much fun to find this one! When you’re being a vintage sleuth, it’s one great surprise after another and you just never know . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This is one of the dresses which I recently found out West and it deserves a better photo so that you can see what a great find this was and why I’m so excited by it. Look at that iconic Fifties fit! In “real life”, the color is a bit warmer but still a light beige and it feels like a linen/rayon blend. Who knows for sure? Mid-century synthetics were so beautiful but they remain very mysterious . . . .
There are such beautiful tailoring details. The bodice is tucked and fitted, there are gussets under the arms to improve the fit and the satin ribbon trim is very artfully applied, with no visible seams. Pleats and faux slash pockets at the hip seams add style and enhance the fit, too. These faux pockets are interesting – they’re about 1″ deep – too shallow to use, but they look real and add a bit of fullness to the hipline. Vintage tailoring tricks were very creative and added incredibly to the style of garments that would otherwise seem ordinary.
In this picture, I have included a belt which would have been close to the original. I’m convinced that the original belt was covered with the same fabric as the dress, so I plan to do that. Some extra fabric can be taken when the hem is finished, without making the dress too short. It’s a tiny size – about a 0 – 2 in modern numbers – and really would fit better someone without Stella’s 5’8″ stature. The proper length should be below the knee.
So, you see why I gasped with delight when this one showed up. My investigations are always peppered with moments like this that keep life in the shadows very interesting . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
ONE OF THE MOST FUN FALL ACCESSORIES, . . . . . . .
“Styled by Cinderella New York” – a classic wool brimmed hat with a sophisticated schoolgirl look. The crown is stamped “Berkshire – Mohn Brothers Co. 100% Wool”. Love the plaid ribbon band that forms a bow with streamers in the back. There is also a little elastic chin strap attached!
Picture this with a little suit, skirt and blouse, dress, or whatever you like. Hats were SUCH a big thing in the ’40s with imaginative and flattering styles. Some of them were way over-the-top, but this one is understated and just too cute. Look carefully for gems like this one.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
JUST RIGHT FOR FALL – OR SPRING . . . . . . . . . . . .
This one is a beauty – look at that fit! It’s just been washed in the photo, so a steamer press or quick trip to the dry cleaners for a really professional job is in order. Sorry that I can’t post the photo of the back, too. Go to my site at Morgana Martin – Google+ to see it, in the archives.
It’s a lined jacket with covered buttons and lovely detail. There is a welt on the back. Another nipped waist – heaven! It had some fade when I found it, but with my know-how I was able to rehab it easily and inexpensively.
I usually wear this with a swingy print skirt (a pencil skirt or even a dress would work well, too. Depends on what suits your mood and the occasion.)
Didn’t really look like much when I found it, but you just never know . . …
View original post 20 more words
Magicvintagespy 