Category Archives: bridal

TRUE VINTAGE LADIES’ DRESSY AND FORMAL – WEAR FROM THE EARLY 1950’S

From cocktail party to Prom to a wedding, these dresses and separates went to many swanky events. A sparkly bling necklace and earrings were a necessity, too. Stiletto pumps became the hugely big footwear trend for women.

Jacquard “brocade”, satin, lace, metallic thread, organza and netting, cashmere, beads and sequins and even fur trimming – all popular materials in garments for nights out and special events. The prosperity of the Fifties brought on a real break-out in middle-class spending and ostentation. Showy was good but, fortunately, so was elegance so we had some of the most beautiful gowns produced during this time. Female movie stars of this decade were some of the best-dressed women ever seen. The first dress pictured, with the fur-trimmed sleeves, is a gorgeous example of the New Look style. Fun and novelty were also present in many examples of the more casual clothing but the cheap-looking garishness of the 1990’s was not the thing.

I love these clothes and it’s fun to show them. All would have fascinating stories. The elegance of design showed up in dressy daywear, too, and I’ll be showing some of that tomorrow. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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Beautiful True Vintage Victorian Prairie Style Dress from early 1970’s

In a pretty apricot pink pastel hue, this lace and cotton gown is a perfect example of the prairie dresses in Victorian style from the late 1960’s to the very early 1970’s. Unlike the ones that were hippie-style, this type is very straight-laced and conservative, modeled after the dresses from the late 1800’s. Never my favorite, but definitely worth collecting since they represented a major Seventies fashion trend.

This one is not a famous label like Gunnie Sax, but it’s well-made and well-designed. During those few years when these were most popular they sometimes found their way to church as non-traditional wedding fashions and less buttoned-up styles sometimes found their way to the Prom. Speaking of Prom and other formals, we’ll be seeing more of them in the next few days. Although it’s early, girls traditionally started thinking about formal dresses for Prom and for the Spring holidays about this time of year – after all, it does require a lot of planning. That was especially true if you were having your dress custom-made, either by Mom or the neighborhood lady who took in sewing. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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True Vintage late 1960’s – 1970’s Casual Wedding Dress(?) Alternative + a Frock for Mother of the Bride

Looks like a real stretch to think of this casual cotton dress as a wedding costume, but not necessarily for this time frame. Hippie/peasant/vintage fashions were super-big during this time and casual or non-traditional weddings became very popular. Who knows – it was probably just a summer/vacation/day dress for no particular reason but is pretty enough for a gal who wants to opt out of the “big white wedding” trap and go Boho.

For her mother, on the other hand, the semi-dressy blue frock might not have offended her daughter’s rebellious efforts too much while still allowing Mom to fulfill her Mother of the Bride role with some elegance and decorum. A real advantage of both these dresses is that they were moderately priced and easy to wear again and again in a variety of situations. This is definitely not the most interesting era of beautiful fashion, with the exception of a very few examples, but it does have a specific identity and is very worthy of mention in the chronology of fashion history. More to come – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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Two True Vintage Sophisticated Early1960’s White Frocks – for a Modern Wedding?

These lovely dresses are so similar that they should be shown together. Gorgeous dresses with beautiful textured fabric, fitted sheath style with unique bodice design and impeccable tailoring. Both so flattering with body-skimming fit and defined waistlines. So non-traditional, but perfect as wedding costumes – don’t you think?

Unusual and wonderful finds!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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True Vintage Early 1960’s White Formal Gown – Wedding Alternative?

With lots of lovely embroidery, this gown could go to the Prom or the church. The layers of sheer fabric over opaque, bell-shaped skirts and sheath styles carried over from the late 1950’s to the 1960’s. Very much a Barbie-style dress.

Elegant and sophisticated, but this one was also priced in the mid-range – available to the average gal. Up through the mid-century decades – stay tuned . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A Beautiful True Vintage early 1950’s Wedding Dress

Here’s another wedding costume ensemble with known history. In fact, this gown was worn by a family member in 1954. Frothy, but elegant, and so flattering. A 3-layer skirt with rows of decoration and embroidery on the fabric of the little bolero jacket. Although shorter skirts on wedding gowns were popular then, this one sticks with the floor-length style. Long sleeves make it more demure but the sheerness adds a youthful touch. I also love the pretty tiara instead of a veil. Despite some sophisticated tailoring, the bride was 18. The strappy design of the bodice and wasp waist make it a dress I could see being worn to the Prom.

Too lovely for words. More special occasion and wedding dresses coming – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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More Wedding Dresses through the Mid-Century

Here’s a beautiful example of an ensemble from 1940. It’s a long way from June now, but weddings know no real season so it’s great to feature them alongside their sisters, the formal and semi-formal dresses. I know some of this one’s history because I was able to get it from the bride’s daughter. She told me that her mother had purchased it from Eaton’s, which was a well-known department store chain in Canada, sadly closed in the 1990’s or early 2000’s. I also think that there’s an interior tag indicating that it had been made in Europe.

So beautiful with the veil but the dress alone is stunning. Heavy ivory-color fabric – probably a type of rayon. Classic long sleeves that make it a 3-season gown. This was before Canada and the U.S. joined the Allies in WWII, so materials were not heavily rationed even though we had just emerged from the Depression of the 1930’s.

A couple of brownish age spots are the only signs of wear or damage. It’s so wonderful to discover a piece like this, also with background information that makes the investigation so much easier to report. Stay tuned for more transmissions . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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Sweet 1960’s Long Dress for a Special Occasion – Wedding?

A really pretty formal gown with a wasp waist, cummerbund effect, scooped neckline and short sleeves. I’d put it in the 1960’s, but could be slightly older or slightly newer. Very classic. I’d also guess that it was made for a Teen or young woman, but who knows. Bridal, Prom or other special event – there’s no other clue; just absolutely beautiful tailoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Another Mid-Century Bridal Fashion

Was that really a bride’s dress yesterday? Well, here’s what her matron of honor or one of her bridesmaids might have worn. Again we’re in the middle to late 1950’s to the early 1960’s for the date of this costume. The New Look Post-war design and below-knee hemlines are still popular. It’s made from a common, mid-weight synthetic fabric that has a nice gloss, with classic fitted styling and it’s own unique tailoring details. There is an attached netting crinoline layer under the skirt for gentle pouf.

Not designed to steal the bride’s thunder, but still very attractive. The virginal veil headdress, dipping neckline, wasp waist fitting and flouncy skirt in back do make the rear view a bit flirtatious. Some of the best fashion designs have combined both demure and come-hither vibes with genius artistry.

Here’s one other possibility which adds to the mystery – this might actually have been the bride’s dress, if it wasn’t her first wedding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stay tuned –

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

True Vintage Mid-Century Party Wedding Prom Dress

A bit of a confusing style – not sure where this frock landed back in the day. The little paper tag peeking out from the neckline in back tells us that it was an off-the-rack garment. Looks like a hybrid cocktail wedding dress. White, with glitzy beaded “cummerbund” effect around the front waist and a short formal length. The shoulder tails are a clue which points specifically to the late 1950’s – early 1960’s when these were having a come-back. Pretty on a wedding or party style but a bit awkward for dancing.

Whatever it was intended to be or ended up being, it’s gorgeous and sophisticated. I’m sure the lucky gal enjoyed it. More to come. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM