Category Archives: circle skirt

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S DINNER FROCK BY HENRY-LEE

IMG_1426This one was hiding in an out-of-the-way spot. You just never know!

It’s a lovely dress in unusual colors. The blue is not a common one, and flattering only to just the right skin and hair tone. The interesting part is the top.

Like many dresses made at that time, a rayon-type under-layer with a lace overlay dresses it up. Sometimes they’re in the same color, and sometimes contrasting, as in this case.

Here, we have a medium lavender color under the blue. Quite uncommon. I love finding these quirky things! The two layers in the skirt have the same contrast, but the chiffon on top is heavy enough that very little of the lavender comes through. Perhaps just enough to draw a little attention when the wearer moves.

And, the under-layer is a taffeta, so it swishes. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE SWING DRESS FROM THE 1940’S

TRUE VINTAGE SWING DRESS FROM THE 1940'S.

TRUE VINTAGE SWING DRESS FROM THE 1940’S

TRUE VINTAGE SWING DRESS FROM THE 1940'S

A lovely swing dress, of two layers, with a circle skirt and lace mesh overlay. This is so pretty!

It’s got a v-neck front and back, with a long side zipper. It swings and sways and such a flattering fit. I just love that cafe au lait color.

I believe that the fabric is rayon, at least for the dress underneath. That fabric was SO commonly used during the ’40’s. It can pose some care issues, but it has such nice qualities otherwise that it’s usually worth it.

This is not a Here I am. Look at ME!! dress, but once you’re seen, you won’t be forgotten. Best not to choose it when you’re going incognito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

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

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

This is a very special dress – the one that the actress playing the “vixen” would wear in a 1950’s movie. Or, the devil with the red dress on. . . . . . . . .

Taffeta seems to be one of the favorite “special dress” fabrics from the ’50’s. I also love boat necks and 3/4 sleeves. Fire engine red always makes a statement. It’s not a debutante party frock – about 100 miles from the little white one I just posted!

I would really like to know the history of this one. Based on where I discovered it, I suspect that it was worn by a small-time bad girl or a wannabe.

One of those “in your dreams” dresses. It’s always good to have at least a few of those handy because, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

SKIRT FOR THE ’40’S SWING DRESS THAT WAS REFASHIONED

SKIRT FOR THE '40'S SWING DRESS THAT WAS REFASHIONED.

SKIRT FOR THE ’40’S SWING DRESS THAT WAS REFASHIONED

SKIRT FOR THE '40'S SWING DRESS THAT WAS REFASHIONED

Photo # 2 -The colors are truer in the photo of the blouse, You can see how this skirt would swing, sway and billow during a dance. You ain’t got a thing if you ain’t got that swing.

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy

FABULOUS FIND! TRUE VINTAGE FORTIES FROCK WITH PHENOMENAL FABRIC GOT REFURBISHED

FABULOUS FIND! TRUE VINTAGE FORTIES FROCK WITH PHENOMENAL FABRIC GOT REFURBISHED

This blouse was a dress – the skirt is shown in the next post. (Wish I could figure out how to publish multiple photos!)
It actually came to me as a gift!

There was a bit of seam damage and the waist was too small, so I turned it into a circle skirt and blouse.The greatest thing about this dress is the fabric.

Substantial woven rayon with a paisley design and metallic thread accents. I certainly couldn’t toss it aside! Just made for the jitterbug.

I love the style, but the material is what makes it really special. That’s true with almost all of the true vintage that I own. It’s a study in itself, and a feast for the senses. I hope you’ll be able to get a close-up view.

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

FUN TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S CIRCLE SKIRT

FUN TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S – EARLY 1960'S CIRCLE SKIRT.

FUN TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S CIRCLE SKIRT

FUN TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S - EARLY 1960'S CIRCLE SKIRT

I just loved it when I found this! I still have two decorated circle skirts that relatives had picked up in Mexico. They were very popular in the ’50’s as souvenir items from a trip south of the border. Also, I’ve found several Native American blouse and skirt sets from that time. My mother had one which she, sadly, gave away without thinking I’d want it(!?#+!)

These were all the rage(?) in the late ’50’s – early ’60’s and lots of women bought them during a trip out west. Those who were fortunate to live out west often made them at home. They were made and sold by the Navajo tribe primarily, I believe – decorated in bright colors with yards of ric-rac, braid and ribbon.

If this one was not from the southwest, it was a take-off on that style. Always made of cotton,- this one is, too, with silver ric-rac and braid trim.

Tons of fun to wear! Although the native costumes would have a matching blouse, a sleeveless or short-sleeved white blouse looks really good. In the ’50’s, peasant blouses with elasticized necklines that could be worn off-shoulder were a big thing.

This is really an iconic style from back in the day. I’m glad to have several of them. As I said, they originated from aboriginal peoples in various countries and the gringos fell in love with them. Can’t argue with that!

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