Category Archives: bridal

GORGEOUS TRUE VINTAGE ART DECO RHINESTONE BRACELET

IMG_0959How about this little DECOration with that cocktail dress from yesterday?  You wouldn’t want to get too much bling going with the rhinestones on the dress, but an addition like this one could be just perfect.

Though certainly not from the same era (about 30 – 40 years apart!), mixing time is not a bad thing.  In fact, that’s one of the attractions of true vintage fashion for me, because I like to live different times, places and characters. I just love this piece, in its original box from Peacock Jewelers.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HERE’S THE 1940 WEDDING ENSEMBLE, PROPERLY DISPLAYED

Remember this bridal dress and veil that I had a surprise chance to acquire from the bride’s daughter about 6 weeks ago?  Well, here it is in all it’s glory.  Thought you’d like to see it, too.

I had no idea, on the hanger, how charming and pretty it truly is.  And, there couldn’t be a better model  for it than Stella. . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

SOME OF MY FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE NECKLACES – 1920’S – 1950’S

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Glass beads, rhinestones, crystal, topaz, mother of pearl and silver, Lucite and nickel – these gorgeous pieces span from, I believe, the Twenties to perhaps as late as the early Fifties.  It’s worth taking a close-up look.

Many of the chains are of silver.  Most of the stones are semi-precious.  The lobster claw clasp seen on the second to the left is a replacement for the original.  The silver serpentine chain on the topaz pendant is also modern.

The large pink glass bead necklace was handmade in the ’20’s or ’30’s, with a brass chain. The rhinestones and Lucite are set in nickel or pot metal.

So pretty any time of year . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL WEDDING GOWN AND VEIL FROM 1940

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I’ve really been scoring the RARE finds over these past few weeks – older garments and accessories, iconic styles and items in great condition!  Can’t wait to get back to Headquarters and put this wartime bridal ensemble on Stella, who is the only one of my models who will be able to wear it.  Until then, I’ll tell you the story of this lovely gown and it’s matching veil.  As an additional blessing, the tale comes directly from the original family.

Although many brides were wearing suits and shorter dresses to be married in 1940, this bride chose the traditional full-length gown and veil for her ceremony.  It was purchased through a well-known department store, where her father was a buyer, and may have come from Europe.  The rayon dress is not a high-end item, but is an iconic design of the time and elegant in it’s simplicity.  An unusual feature is the antique ivory color, which is original.  The full-length veil of fine netting with embroidery flows from a delicate headband decorated with dried flowers and vines.

The gown was stored away after the wedding and cherished by the family for many years.  Now, I will continue to care for it with the love and respect it deserves.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

IN THE MEANTIME . . . . . .

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Couldn’t find any record of having shown these to you before, but I’m not sure.  If you’ve seen them, have patience.  I’ll be getting the most recent treasures photographed very soon.

This is the stash that I found just before leaving for the European adventure – mid-century day-dresses, secretary and pretty styles, plus an early 1960’s Wedding gown!

You just never know . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE PARTY OR SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS 1950s OR EARLY 1960s

TRUE VINTAGE PARTY OR SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS 1950s OR EARLY 1960s

Now we’re getting really serious about special events which may be taking place this month.  This party gown is a little too demure for most Proms or whing-ding parties, but perfect for a social dance, someone in a wedding party, a dinner event, anniversary party, a recital or other celebration that is somewhat formal.

It looks almost white in the photo and is actually a very pale pink, with a sheer over-dress and opaque lining.  The neckline and sleeves are edged with satin binding. Of course, a crinoline attached.  Aside from the subtle embroidery, it is not fussy (no bows, ribbons or decorative buttons).  Doesn’t need them!  Very elegant.

When I find a dress like this, I always wonder where it was originally worn, by whom and where it was purchased or made.

Another surprise discovery, and they usually are.  I know what I’d like to have, but I rarely go hunting with just one thing in mind and, I guess, that’s mostly because I’ve put together such a collection of true vintage that I don’t have to go looking for an outfit when some event comes up.  With patience, skill and know-how you can do that, too.

I have the most fun looking for what will turn up!  Because, you just never know . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

I WAS RIGHT – A PERFECT FIT!!

Back at headquarters, for a short break, and finally able to photograph this most recent discovery.  Stella is dainty as a daffodil in her Prom/party frock from the 1950’s.  The neckline scarf is the signature feature of this dress.  Possibly it was for a bridesmaid or a debutante (of sorts – not lush enough for the Country Club set).

Like many(most?) older garments, it is so interesting and tells a story.  The fabrics are not of the highest quality but they are adequate, and this short gown was off-the-rack, though there is no label remaining.  Unless . . . . . . . . . .

It just may have been custom-tailored by someone who REALLY knew her(or his) stuff. The skirt has FOUR layers – a circle skirt of lace overlay with a solid yellow acetate(?) liner, a ruffle of tulle netting underneath and a final layer of white stiffening fabric gathered beneath it all.  This was the standard construction of dressy special-occasion gowns in the mid-century.

No question that this frock was going somewhere really special.  Makes you wonder . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

MY (PERHAPS) LOVELIEST COLLECTION OF TRUE VINTAGE 1930’s – 1940’S PEIGNOIRS

 

MY (PERHAPS) LOVELIEST COLLECTION OF 1940'S PEIGNOIRS

Of rayon and silk, these pretties are some of my best, or most interesting. The embroidery on the two right ones is unusual and the ’40’s white dressing gown is a style that I have seen only 2 or 3 times.

From the glamour days of motion pictures and film noir –

While we’re still snuggled inside, during the transitional weather, these little indulgences are a real treat.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST I N VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

A BEAUTIFUL AND ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE SPECIAL-OCCASION SKIRT SUIT FROM THE LATE 1950’S / EARLY 1960’S

A BEAUTIFUL AND ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE SPECIAL-OCCASION SKIRT SUIT FROM THE LATE 1950'S / EARLY 1960'S

Perfect for a special cold weather dinner or other holiday event or for a dressy winter wedding (as guest or bride), a semi-formal skirt suit is always astonishingly elegant.

This little lovely is of wool in a cream beige textured weave, with large ornamental buttons and a boxy cut, beautifully made, of course.  Knee or just-below length skirt and a hip-skimming jacket with bracelet-length sleeves.

The most arresting feature is the mink collar, which amps the visibility of this ensemble to a high level.   Or, you could remove the fur and replace it with a silk scarf or a pearl collar. It will make a noticeable entrance, but it’s powerful presence will only build after that.

You can decide if you’re Jackie Kennedy or Princess Grace or, or, or . . . . . . . . .. That’s the fun – you just never run out of options . . . . . . . . . ……. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TWO LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE 1920’S – 1940’S

TWO LOVELY TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE 1930'S - 1940'S

These kinds of lingerie items are so special and rare. Dainty, lightweight robes like the one on the left were standard bedroom wear in the ’40’s and before – the thing to wear between rising and dressing.

The contrasting colors of the rayon gown on the left are so unusual and little details like the tiny buttons and shoulder-augmentation make this a distinctive garment – not just something to throw on absentmindedly.  It’s from the late 1930’s to 1940’s.

The gown on the right is even older. It is of white/ivory rayon satin, with side snap or hook closure in a plain sheath style. I’ve paired a  bed jacket with it, made of similar fabric. This could be adapted to a formal dance or wedding gown and would be from the late 1920’s to the 1930’s, similar to a Coco Chanel design of that time (the dress – not the bed jacket).

Anyway, they are wonderful finds and gave me a real thrill to discover them! The fun never ends . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM