A REALLY PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE EASTER SEMI-FORMAL DRESS FROM THE EARLY 1960’S

A REALLY PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE EASTER SEMI-FORMAL DRESS FROM THE EARLY 1960'S.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!! HERE’S YOUR TRUE VINTAGE PARTY DRESS . . . . . . ..

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!! HERE'S YOUR TRUE VINTAGE PARTY DRESS . . . . . . ...

FABULOUS NEW FIND! FIREY RED TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES FROCK . . .

FABULOUS NEW FIND! FIREY RED TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES FROCK . . ..

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 50’S, EARLY ’60’S CUSTOM-MADE SILK PARTY DRESS

Yes, I keep pulling out my red dresses for St. Valentine’s, but hey – who cares if it’s “traditional” – they’re FABULOUS!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 50'S, EARLY '60'S CUSTOM-MADE SILK PARTY DRESS

This luscious dress is another that Madge can’t wear, because of the side zipper at the waist.  Soon, I want to put it (and several others like it) on Stella!  A hanger doesn’t do it justice, but imagine it as it fits – with a fitted waist and very full skirt.

Of 100% silk, with gold accents all over. I believe that it is Asian silk and was probably custom-tailored there for someone from the “West” who was vacationing or living there for a time.

It’s a beautiful dress and I gasped when I discovered it – it also fits me! What a perfect frock for a Valentine’s party or a really special date.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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BUT, RED AND PINK ARE JUST NOT MY COLORS! ST. VALENTINE’S DAY 1950’s COCKTAIL DRESS IN MOCHA

Nice to break out of the mold. This one is a favorite of mine, ANY time of year!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

BUT, RED AND PINK ARE JUST NOT MY COLORS!

Yes, of course there are some people who can’t or won’t wear red or pink. What to do for this hearts & flowers holiday?

Well, beiges are always a smart alternative when you don’t want to go the black route (though I will be showing some of those again soon, too). This one is a beautiful, glowing mocha that flatters like crazy!

The fabric is unusual – some kind of rayon or blend with a nice drape and gorgeous sheen. Wide scoop necks and nipped waists are favorites.

Although not a set, I might combine this little lace-overlay jacket with it for some venues. A simple cashmere cardigan, beautiful shawl or a true vintage fur would all work nicely.

Of course, in the frigid, below zero night temperatures common in many places right now, a more substantial topper will be necessary. No worries, Agent Cupid, I’ve got you covered …

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S RED TAFFETA GOWN WITH A CIRCLE SKIRT

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S RED TAFFETA GOWN WITH A CIRCLE SKIRT.

ICONIC TRUE VINTAGE MID-FIFTIES SUMMER SKIRT AND BLOUSE

ICONIC TRUE VINTAGE MID-FIFTIES SUMMER SKIRT AND BLOUSE.

ICONIC TRUE VINTAGE MID-FIFTIES SUMMER SKIRT AND BLOUSE

ICONIC TRUE VINTAGE MID-FIFTIES SUMMER SKIRT AND BLOUSE

A full skirt (the original owner might have worn a crinoline underneath!) and a peasant blouse were popular outfits in both the 1940’s and 1950’s. I have most often seen them in old movies and TV programs.

The most special thing about this skirt is the Egyptian theme decoration printed all around. The colors are great, the cotton is soft and heavy. Should be worn with a wide belt.

The blouse is pretty, too, with the lacy ruffle. Off-the-shoulder necklines (it’s got elastic around the top) are super-flattering to almost every figure.

This would make a cute hostess outfit. It just says “get out and play” to me!

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

1950’S NEEDLEWORK OUTFIT THAT FOLLOWED THE PARIS TRENDS – TO MAKE IN HER SPARE TIME

1950'S NEEDLEWORK OUTFIT THAT FOLLOWED THE PARIS TRENDS – TO MAKE IN HER SPARE TIME.

1950’S NEEDLEWORK OUTFIT THAT FOLLOWED THE PARIS TRENDS – TO MAKE IN HER SPARE TIME

1950'S NEEDLEWORK OUTFIT THAT FOLLOWED THE PARIS TRENDS - TO MAKE IN HER SPARE TIME

I was gifted with a collection of needlework and handicrafts magazines from the 1950’s – mid 1960’s. Thanks, Rosalie! Although I’ve never been big on the idea of knitting, I was astounded by many of these fashions and how women were encouraged to make them at home.

These styles were designed to follow the current fashions in the mainstream magazines. Some of them are really beautiful and they give a good window on “average” American women’s lives back then in the way that they are photographed and staged. Some of the ads in these mags are amazing, too. So sweet and naive – women’s “place” was certainly apparent!

How do you like this gorgeous 2-piece dress? I’d LOVE to have that! So perfectly crafted – it’s amazing what skilled knitters could/can do. I even saw ads from yarn suppliers who offered little contests that gave awards for skill to their customers.

This outfit was supposed to echo trends in Paris at the time. I love the soft colors, the way the skirt drapes and that cross-over top. Makes me wish I had a great-grandma who loved doing it!

I’ll post a photo and commentary from these mags in among my own wardrobe items once a week or so. . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Digg, PATH & more . . . . . .
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com