This is also a true vintage brand that I already own – so fun to find things by names that I know. It’s a vintage 16, which was a plus size at that time, but still looks pretty cute on Stella.
Plain and everyday, but still worth picking up, to me. All part of the vintage sleuthing craft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is one of my favorite true vintage styles in warm weather shoes. The fabric uppers and openness are so breezy, cool and feminine. They are such a cross between dressy and casual that they are very versatile and will look just right almost any time.
I’ve found lots of lovely true vintage shoe styles by Johansen since I’ve been sleuthing and they’re always dependably elegant and well-made. Such a pleasure to find and to wear . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I love the styling of this frock, with its wasp waist, free hips, cap sleeves and delicate neckline that really enhance the figure. Madge’s fuller measurements give it the right “va-voom” fit. I also like the peek-a-boo effect of the white band below the waistline.
This was another “surprise find” – always the most fun! Summer days and nights, here we come . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I love the colors of these dresses – pink to lavender, with black and white. Both in a similar shirtwaist style, below-the-knee length and made of a substantial cotton. Perfect mid-century design. Absolutely LOVE the collar shapes!
The dress on the left has little houses in a novelty print and some interesting tuck and piping details. The fabric is a bit heavier, and I’d wear it into Fall. The one on the right has cute pockets, ric-rac trim and a great plaid. It really says “summer” and farmers’ markets, to me. I took the sleeves off for a more flattering fit for me (and saved them, of course!) and wear it often.
Neither one has a label, but I doubt that they were made at home – especially not the left-hand one. Just goes to show, that labels often go by the wayside. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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These are the perfect shoes to be worn with the wedding suit shown yesterday. Can you imagine a pair of white satin pumps at least 60 years old staying in this condition? Who knows how long they were out of the original owner’s safekeeping? Amazing!! I found these beautiful fabric shoes clean enough to be worn again as is.
Fun ’40’s/’50’s styling and beautiful leather soles that make them good forever. They also carry a mysterious story of a very special and formal occasion. I wonder where and when it was . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is the ensemble that Stella was wearing when I met her and I’m glad she didn’t want to give it up. I’ll be showing some white satin 1940’s wedding pumps tomorrow. Although they didn’t come with this outfit, they’d be just perfect with it!
During wartime, this was a relatively modest choice for her wedding and the bride probably had this suit custom-tailored. Naturally, it has many of the 1940’s styling details which were popular then – shoulder pads, nipped peplum waist, a handkerchief hem and a rare coil metal zipper in the skirt.
Also, some of the favorite classic features of a wedding gown are also present – rows of tiny, covered buttons and medieval-style points on the sleeve hems. The fabric is a substantial brocade/jacquard floral – not a high-end textile, but nice. Clearly, this wedding took place in a formal setting.
I wonder about her hair . . . . bridesmaids? Wouldn’t it be fun to go back as a guest? . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Isn’t she sweet? The early Sixties were still so precious, with their knee-length princess dresses. And, they brought shoulder tails back again for dressy frocks. So unusual. With sequins decorating the midriff, too . . . . . . . .
I’d be confused whether I was going to get married or going to the Prom . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This frock is another of my stupendous finds in Australia! Made somewhere between the 1940’s and 1950’s, it’s a gorgeous dress and I suspect that it really is from the Forties.
Looks like it’s hand-tailored, but by someone who was REALLY good. The collar is reinforced with hidden wire that is soft to wear, but holds the shape and lets you reshape the neckline as needed – an unusual tailoring feature that emphasizes the irreplaceable value and uniqueness of true vintage clothing and accessories.
It’s a demure style, despite the neckline plunge, and could be full-length on a petite figure. I wonder if it was made as a wedding gown? Although some were very fancy, many of that time did not have a lot of frill and fuss and were actually very tailored styles.
No matter what, I’m sure that this gown has at least one fabulous story to tell! I wonder . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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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
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
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