This baby has a good pedigree – Saks Fifth Avenue. Made from, what else? – rayon crepe. The stand collar was super-popular at that time, with the expected fancy trim. This dress is, of course, fully-lined and well-cut. The style is nothing revolutionary, but you can’t beat this kind of quality.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
So, I dug out some more things to vett and chose 3 dresses to sell online. I’ve shown them all to you a few years ago, but I know that many haven’t seen them and some won’t remember! As always, hate to part with my beauties but I haven’t worn this one in a while. It’s a really sweet little number in rayon with that lovely sheer mesh bodice that was popular post-WWII.
And, of course, the velvet ribbon trim and little flowers with rhinestone centers. Boy, they sure loved to decorate frocks during that early mid-century time. No maker’s label, so it was probably a union-made piece, but the size tag tells me that it’s a Junior size aimed at the teen and young women’s markets. It’s LBD time in this series. Next I’ll show you a couple of cocktail frocks from the early Sixties . . . . . . . . . . .. . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I’ve had this one for a long time – really cute Swirl wrap dress from the early 1960’s. Had relegated it to the back of the closet because of a little minor damage and almost forgotten about it. The bandana ties on the shoulders are not original – I put them there to disguise a little color fade. Cute, no? Now that the hot weather is really upon us, I’ll be wearing it again. The wrap tie makes a good fit without fussy buttons or the need of a zipper. Just one button at the back of the neck. Swirl made nice casual dresses and I’ve got another one, plus a home-sewn version. These were very popular!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I was fortunate, another time, to find a true vintage dress in a large size. This time it’s also much older – dating from the 1960’s to early 1970’s, but the buttons are probably from the 1940’s or Fifties. Needless to say, it’s a home-sewn garment; very simply- but well-made. The good construction also speaks to its age because most women stopped sewing clothing after the Seventies and lost their skills. The fabric is pretty but not high-quality. If you can zoom in on the buttons, they are the best part of this dress, to me, aside from the true vintage heritage.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This was one of those once-in-a-lifetime finds. Although I’ve had many of them, each one is over-the-moon special! Frank Starr garments were highly prized in the 1950’s and still are, if you can find one. It’s got all the iconic features of a formal party gown from that time: wasp waist, net crinoline, sheer overskirt and spaghetti straps.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
The best thing about this piece is that it’s made in a large size. That’s hard to find! Not a high-end garment, but the stylistic details are nicely done.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Many, many women had dresses like these in their closets in the early 1960’s. Lace overlay was very popular. Women were still into practicality and these simply – tailored frocks could take them through the whole week, especially in the city. Jackie Kennedy championed this gently fitted shape; knee-length with short sleeves and elegant, feminine looks. She was greatly admired and became a style icon, as all fashionistas know.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I love this gorgeous hat SO much. Although I wish that the feathers had stayed on the birds, it’s OK to forgive the cluelessness of vintage fashion manufacturers and customers as we work to see that the retail markets for furs, feathers and skins are ended forever. We can still enjoy the beauty of these antique pieces while they last. Faux fashions that are almost identical are now available and getting better all the time.
For women who love hats, the 1940’s through 1960’s were a real heyday. Hats can be so flattering! I’ll have more to show as I select others which I can bear to part with. The biggest issue about a collection is that they require so much room to store them properly. This one’s a little bitty an too small for me, so that makes it easier to let it go. Still, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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