Category Archives: ’70’s

MID-CENTURY HOME-SEWN FLORAL FORMAL DRESS —PROM, ANYONE?

    Empire A-line styling with flutter sleeves and a floral print – couldn’t get more ’60’s early ’70’s than that. But, there are so many retro versions made recently – why would I decide to collect this one?

    Frocks that I might otherwise pass on if they were commercially – made, I will collect if custom-tailored. Hand-sewing always tells it’s own story, with special touches and unique designs or fabrics.

    So, this dress is especially pretty and versatile. It only needs a few TLC interventions and will be ready to go. I might lose the sleeves, as I like sleeveless styles so much, but will decide later.

    More finds from this general era, but very different. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    1970’s CUSTOM-TAILORED EVENING GOWN

    At first glance, this frock looks like something modern but the tailoring details and fabric tell it’s true age. It’s hard to be sure of the true color in this photo, but it is another beautiful velvet, in aubergine with iridescent flocking in a floral design. Again, sorry for the poor focus.

    This dress could go from being a swanky hostess outfit at home to a night on the town. Long sleeves are so practical in the evening and the deep slit in front adds the drama that is lacking in this otherwise conservative style.

    Very well-made and fits like a dream. I’ll get a lot of use out of it, when the occasion calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    FOUND YESTERDAY – A “TRUE BLUE” VINTAGE LITTLE HOME-SEWN SUMMER DRESS

    From about 1965 – 1970, this ordinary-looking little frock is an exciting find to me. Why? It’s rare to find a dress from this era in perfect condition and with all the hallmarks of a true vintage piece. And, it’s very cute!

    In traffic – sign yellow, which was a very popular color for clothing at that time, it’s an eye-grabber. It’s a slightly – fitted A – line style that is very flattering on the body. Although there are many dresses on the market in recent years that may look identical from a distance, this one stands out on closer examination with authentic construction and styling from back in the day. Always thrills me!

    Although some modern companies have tried to mimic these features and fool shoppers into thinking they’re buying a vintage garment, they’re not successful if you know your stuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG; MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    A CACHE OF TRUE VINTAGE LINGERIE FINDS: TREASURE WORTH SAFE-KEEPING

    I came across a whole bunch of classic nylon sleepwear pieces that are ALWAYS worth adding to your collection – even if you already have several.  My rationale? :

    1. if you’ve never slept in mid-century nylon pj’s or gowns (just about 1950’s to very early 1970’s), you don’t know what you’re missing!  There is nothing (including silk) that is more comfortable as well as practical in bed and for lounging.  They add warmth and are also cool, plus luxuriously smooth and soft.  The fit is forgiving.  2.  well-made and classically stylish, you won’t find anything equal in modern garments.  3.  often you may find single pieces – these are great for matching later, with an identical or similar mate, or as an accessory, such as the black sleeveless cape pictured above.  I plan to wear it over a black nightgown.

    Not to forget, photo 3 is of a satin storage bag I discovered.  These have been staple pieces in women’s undie drawers and storage chests for decades.  Not sure if they are still being made to the same standard, but this one is great.  Pretty peachy pink and brown in the classic style with inner pocket and fold-over styling, plus ribbon closure ties.  Nothing is better for keeping hosiery and delicate garments safe from snags and dust.  Grab these, too, whenever you see one.  A girl can never have too many . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

     

    A VERY UNUSUAL TRUE VINTAGE STATEMENT DRESS!

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    I have dresses and a couple of coats trimmed with fur on the sleeves and a a couple of coats with fur around the hems but this is my first find of a dressy dress with this kind of trim.  Made in a 1950’s style, but I think it is from the 1970’s (maybe the 1960’s).  How unusual!

    Very much of-the-season in perfect plush velvet for all the holiday party activities that about to crowd our calendars.  What an entrance I’d make to an evening Thanksgiving dinner.   Hmmm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    TRUE VINTAGE 1970 HOMECOMING DRESS

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    Two “new” finds today – I’m on a roll.  This little frock caught my eye because of the fabric – real, plush, beautiful VELVET.  We just don’t see that anymore.  The lace trim is also very nice.  Stiff and Elizabethan.

    Aside from the fabric, it’s just as cute as can be and oh, so of that time.  Mini, slightly Mod but also demure.  I love it and it was worth snapping up even if it isn’t quite my size, just for the fabric.

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    MID-CENTURY SWING DRESS FIND

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    Fun find – a custom-tailored frock made sometime between 1960 and 1985.  It’s got overall a great day dress style, harking back to the 1940’s.  The best thing about the styling, I think, is the flared skirt design which will flip and twirl with every movement.  A perfect dress for dancing!

    Another neat thing is that the seamstress put in a LONG side zipper so that it’s really easy to put on and take off – no need for contortion or someone to help you zip, as sometimes happens with back zippers.

    This is a relatively simple dress, but little clues tell me that the maker put special thought into the styling and construction, which make it special.  Love it!

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE FIND! A ’60’S TO ’70’S LONG SUMMER GOWN

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    This is absolutely the prettiest apricot-color floral print dress!  It’s got an old Talon zipper in back and is in fabulous condition (and my size, if not my best color – maybe a little summer tan will help).

    Don’t know whether this was Prom or whatever in it’s first life, but now I’d wear it almost anywhere.  Could even be worn as part of a wedding party.  The cut and skirt treatment are very well done, making this a super-flattering frock.

    Let’s see what’s next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    FUN FIND TODAY! 2 MID-CENTURY HOUSE-DRESSES

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    I always love finding dresses like this from back in the day.  Many women wore these at home on a daily basis, and didn’t worry too much if they had to run out for an errand – a little freshening-up:  a combing and touch of hairspray, powder & lipstick and off they went to the supermarket.

    Other women, who worked in the garment unions, made these dresses in large quantities.  Most of them found their way to the rubbish bin after being worn for years of cooking and housecleaning, but a few of them made it out alive.  Love the lines of the slightly older style on the right.

    So, here we have two of those gals who were well looked-after and might have lived a more leisurely life.  They were half-sizes (plus) in their time but now would be lucky to qualify as large size.  However, their styles are forgiving and may serve me very well just as they did their first owners.  Fun!

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

    HERE’S THE TRUE VINTAGE SOPHISTICATED SISTER – A LITTLE BLACK DRESS FROM THE 1970’S

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    Ditch the mini-length, add a bit of va-voom and some frills et voila! – dinner or cotillion dance-worthy.  Although the comfortable style and flexible double-knit would probably permit it, this is no frock for the bar scene or Stayin’ Alive dance party.

    Yes, it was still possible to find garments of quality construction and elegant design in the 1970’s.  Sadly, most of them are gone now because the knit fabrics didn’t make it till today or simply because women had begun to stop taking the care of their clothing which was common in the 1960’s and before.

    So much more precious for me to discover two frocks of this type (see yesterday’s post, too).  Both are definitely keepers that I can wear for decades to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM