Category Archives: bridal

AN INTERESTING VINTAGE/VINTAGE-STYLE WEDDING/DANCE DRESS

AN INTERESTING VINTAGE/VINTAGE-STYLE WEDDING/DANCE DRESS

This ’20’s – style dress was made in the 1970’s and was probably intended to be a wedding gown.  The design is actually a hybrid ’20’s/’40’s in some ways. As marginal as the 1970’s were with regard to quality fashion (in my opinion), I have found some vintage-inspired garments made during that decade that were pretty cool.

This dress has never been worn – still has a paper inventory tag fastened inside the left sleeve. Also, there are care and content tags, but no maker’s label.

It seems fairly well-made and is an interesting design.  I find it intriguing as a curiosity, mostly, and would put it in the category of the Gunne Sax dresses of that time, many of which were styled after antique fashions.

Was this the remnant of a wedding that never happened, or just dead stock?  I wonder.. . . .  you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

I HAVE JUST BECOME CUSTODIAN OF A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING ENSEMBLE FROM 1955

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Isn’t this just to die for?  Of course, the little bolero jacket comes off to reveal a sleeveless gown with slim straps – that’s for after the ceremony when the party really starts!

The tulle, lace and embroidery plus the poufy skirt are so Fifties and wonderful as can be.  Don’t make ’em like this anymore . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WONDERFUL LATE 1960’S – 1970’S CASUAL PARTY PEASANT DRESS

At first you might think that it’s the same dress I showed yesterday, but no – very different.  Eyelet and lace and peep-through panels and flounces.  One of the best of this genre had been hiding out for a long time.  So glad I nabbed it – and so pristine!

As much as I love the old formals, this frock has a lot more versatility from day to night, though it probably could have gone to the Prom at some smaller school in it’s day.  It would also make an interesting wedding dress.

That’s what’s so much fun about vintage fashion finding (well, one of the things) – the ideas and possibilities are almost endless.  No rules!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND! BEAUTIFULLY – TAILORED 1960’S GOWN WITH GORGEOUS DETAIL

What a stunning dress in linen white with old ivory lace sleeves and applique’ decoration.   A little bit Mod and a little bit ethnic.  LOVE the hourglass fit and the button and loop closures all the way down the back.  It looks summery, but the weight of the fabric and full lining lets you do 3 seasons with it.  Extremely well-tailored by Alfred Angelo.   Could go to a formal dance or a wedding.

True, I’ve not been on the prowl as much lately – been involved in other business and maintaining my inconspicuous profile.  However, this time I just couldn’t resist.  So keep an eye out, because you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY SIXTIES FORMAL OR SEMI-FORMAL DRESSES IN PASTELS WITH LACE OR EMBROIDERED OVERLAY

EARLY SIXTIES SPRING SEMI-FORMAL DRESSES IN PASTELS WITH LACE OVERLAY

A hallmark of early Sixties fashion was lace or embroidered organza overlay, which we see again and again every decade or two! These very pretty frocks were meant for semi-formal occasions – dinners, parties, dances and ceremonies. A professional cleaning will refresh the full-length ones in time for a wedding!  The bride would look gorgeous in the white and the blue is perfect for any of a wedding party or mother-of-the-bride.

They’re so feminine and flattering, in a variety of styles.  And, of course, beautifully-made.  I especially like the knee-length one – a little bit Mod, but also traditional.   The lace over-dress is partially open in the back, revealing the fitted sheath beneath.  Long sleeves add a little warmth for early Spring and make the design more demure BUT . . . . . . .

very sexy in an elegant and sophisticated way.  They knew how to do that back in the day.  A lost art?  I hope not  . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MID-CENTURY TRUE VINTAGE SISTER HANDBAGS-MADE IN HONG KONG

Both these little ladies were made in Hong Kong, of similar basic design, but there is a world of difference between them.  Lady Right was made for the uptown market, while Lady Left was sold downtown.  Though they’re both clean and well-put-together, Lady Right grew up with all the best, while Lady Left’s beginnings were more humble.

It’s obvious “in person” that these bags were made for different markets. The styling in both is superior, but the materials and extra attention to detail show that Lady Right brought a higher price.  Just comparing these two pretties, found at the same time, was a fun chance to evaluate a number of “clues” about their backgrounds.

I don’t have a favorite.  Their stories are equally interesting to me  (maybe Lady Left’s is a little more so . . . . .).  Each one is perfect with the outfit that coordinates with it.  While Lady Left could be much more casual, she is no less elegant – maybe even more so, if you don’t look too closely. Lady Right could seem a little tasteless if she showed up everywhere dressed like that.

I see one for holiday festivities or a very gala occasion (maybe tonight?), while the other would be lovely with a pretty summer dress.  Both would be gorgeous for a bridal venue. It can all be so fascinating . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC MANTILLA SCARVES – A CULTURE OF SPIRIT, TRADITION, MYSTERY AND ALLURE

TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC MANTILLA SCARVES - A CULTURE OF SPIRIT, TRADITION, MYSTERY AND ALLURE

Marlene and Celia are back and . . .. .. introducing Daphne, far right.  She’s stuck in the ’60’s and ’70’s and is kind of a California casual gal so doesn’t care much for most of my elegant looks.   However, she is wearing the less traditional, graphic patterned lace today.   I suspect that these are from the 1960’s.

These are a totally different look and sometimes double as a shawl.  In the U.S., many women of the Catholic faith used to keep lace head coverings around to wear to church and they’ve always been popular souvenirs of a trip to Mexico or Spain where they were called mantillas (roughly pronounced mon-tee-ya).  Over the centuries women and girls have worn them not only in strictly religious ceremonies, including weddings and funerals, but at traditional social events, too.  It seems that many cultures have their own version of the lace scarf and how to wear it.

So, there are many interpretations of the lace “mantle” and how/where to wear one.  Make up your own . . . . whenever a touch of elegance, allure and the unexpected is desirable . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S PROM DRESS GETS REFURBISHED

Here’s a mid-century  Prom or dance party dress for Spring.  I’ve had this frock for several years and it is in wonderful shape EXCEPT that the bodice had some old perspiration damage under the arms.  No fixing that . . . . . . . .SO, I replaced the overlay fabric on the bodice with a nearly – identical modern material.

To the naked eye in normal room light, the dress looks perfect.  Only the digital camera with flash shows the difference – that aging of the fabric over 60 – 70 years has slightly changed its color.

I’m pleased with my repair, but here’s a good example of why saving any old fabrics left over from sewing or hem changes makes a lot of sense.  You might need them some time and, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE EARLY ’60S PARTY FROCK

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY '60S VALENTINE'S DAY FROCK

This dress is of heavy taffeta.  It looks so Spring-like, but in this substantial fabric and vibrant color it could stand on its own (almost literally!) any time of year.  The photo is of the back view, because of the cute bow.  In front, there is simple seaming at the waist for a cummerbund effect.  Very elegant and sweet, but also quite flattering with the shaped fit.

Love the salmon pink color! The material, 3/4 sleeves and netting under the skirt are so common for that time.  Such a beautiful fabric – I’ve found several dresses made of heavy taffeta from the late ’50’s to early ’60’s, in beautiful jewel tones. Would be perfect with a true vintage or modern FAUX rabbit stole ~ true vintage mink if you’re a real debutante.

As I’ve said before, when going for fur I choose true vintage (at least 50 years old) or faux/fake fur.  It is getting so good these days that you can have the look without the cruelty.  However, if I find a fur that is so old that buying it won’t support the current market for the fur trade, I go for it. There’s nothing like True Vintage.

This gown turned up a few years ago during one of my investigations. You just never know . . . . . .!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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PRETTY IN PINK: 1930’S – 1940’S – 1950’S NIGHTWEAR FOR THE VINTAGE BOUDOIR

PRETTY IN PINK: 1930'S - 1940'S - 1950'S NIGHTWEAR FOR THE VINTAGE BOUDOIR

Now we’re talkin’!  Setting the mood here for Cupid’s Day.  Some are relatively demure, but all are beautiful nylon and silk sleepwear from a time when those things were really special.

Whether a young girl heading off to college, or a young woman on her honeymoon, one (or two) of these would surely be stowed in her luggage.

Madge likes that cute robe with the double button closure at the waist.  It would work well over the little short-sleeved gown – perfect for dorm room dreams. As for the silk number in the center, well, it is Valentine’s Day so forget the robe . . . . . . . … . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG;  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM