The first midi blouse appeared around 1910, according to fashion archives, and was styled after sailors’ uniforms. Over the years the style stayed with us but the design was modified. This version looks reminiscent of the 1940’s or 1950’s but was made in the 1980’s by Esprit. The classic blue and white nautical colors are iconic and always seen in Spring. I also love polka dots – another favorite vintage print.
I like this particular style and have a pair of white pants, styled after those that sailors wore, with wide legs and buttons at the hips. So, perfect! Maybe I’ll add some modest shoulder pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A beautiful retro post-war shirtwaist day dress by Lady Carol, women’s dress label from the 1950’s until being sold in the 1990’s. Styling and tailoring details are excellent and we’ve got shoulder pads again. The atomic-style print is fun and I like the blue. This dress is great to have in the closet for days when I want an easy-care 1940’s style with some pedigree. The only regret I have is the missing belt, but seasoned vintage fashion collectors know how to cope.
Tomorrow we move on to the 1950’s. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This frock is big on Stella, but I thought her height would show it off better than Madge’s. Most clues point to a dress made in the post-war era – late ’40’s to early ’50’s. The fabric and styling are all true to that time BUT it looks like the seamstress may have used iron-on (also known as fuseable) facing in the collar in order to give it some stiffening, which would date this lovely to the late 1960’s. Since the facing is enclosed within two layers of fabric, I cannot examine it directly so am just guessing.
However, either way it’s quite an acceptable addition to the collection if only for the fabric. It’s a poly-type, semi-sheer with colorful little dabs of atomic debris all over and I love the RED. Whether it was made in 1948 or 1968 doesn’t matter.
One more 1940’s – style frock. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Remember that true-life wartime spy who became famous for her espionage during World War 2? A woman after my own heart and a mentor, for sure. Asian and Asian-inspired fashions became really popular back in the day because of her. I have another dress almost like this one, but I think I’ll keep both. Rayon, again, and oh, so flattering.
The makers also got something else right – the sleeves are made of sheer fabric. This style feature was quite popular in the Forties on bodices, sleeves, shoulders and inserts near the waist. And, of course, there’s nothing like a black and scarlet combo. Perfect for a little intrigue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 