Category Archives: classic clothing

TRUE VINTAGE SEA BLUE DINNER DANCE DRESS FROM THE LATE ’60S – EARLY ’70S

TRUE VINTAGE SEA BLUE DINNER DANCE DRESS FROM THE LATE '60S - EARLY '70S

This one could have been worn to the Cotillion dinner-dance before the time of Disco. With sheer sleeves and crystal-pleated skirt, it’s a dream of a dress for dancing.  It had no belt when I found it – I think I would put on a skinny tie belt, perhaps with a little sparkle (depending on my jewelry).

Crystal pleats can be really lovely and in this case they have a superb swing, with their trumpet shape. Polyester fabric holds pleats like this really well, so that style was popular when poly was really big.  This dress is very nicely made, by a company that was based in California.

It’s always frustrating to try finding a really good dance dress.  I’ve already shown one and will be posting several more soon because I have a collection!  One thing that was really popular in decades past was social dancing, in a more formal way than we do now. Therefore, there have been mountains of fabulous dresses created to dance in.

I’m always thrilled when I find a super one like this!  Though it’s not meant for funky get-down nights, it would be perfect for most kinds of ballroom dancing (fox trot, swing, tango, waltz, rumba, samba – stuff like that).  Whenever you go to a formal wedding or dance, there’s bound to be some of that – just depends.

Stick with me and I’ll show you all the treasures that I keep uncovering all year. So much fun, 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

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

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940’s DAY DRESS IN RAYON

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940s DAY DRESS IN RAYON

Imagine a woman, after the second World War – during a time of rebuilding and relative prosperity, when hemlines were longer again (no more rationing of cloth).  She is walking down the street in this dress, platform shoes, a hat and matching handbag.

The lovely, heavy rayon material swings in time with her steps and outlines her figure attractively.  She is a woman of upper-middle income, on her way to a business appointment.  Or . . . . . . . .

This lovely rayon material from the 1940s is unique and very wonderful stuff.  It has a feel and drape like nothing found today.  I love the navy/white bulls-eye print with turquoise/white trim.

I bought this one from a long-time antique collector/dealer.  You just never know . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

DISCOVERED! 5 TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S DRESSES!!

file0001209214386-ebook-cover-1-111112111111  I’m REALLY on the fly now – jetting to Britain tonight but, that didn’t get in the way of an impromptu treasure strike yesterday morning. I’ll do my best to get these finds photographed so that I can show them to you after we return from our cruise of the Baltic countries.

Until then, stay tuned.  Not sure what I may continue to come up with along the way – you just never know . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’s SPRING JACKET IN NAUTICAL COLORS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960s SPRING JACKET IN NAUTICAL COLORS

Red, white and blue have been popular color combinations, especially in Spring & Summer, for many decades.  Patriotic for some countries, but usually associated with a boating theme, in all kinds of clothing and accessories.

Lightweight jackets are always a must-have for Spring, Summer and Fall weather.  This one has that classic look that goes over skirts and dresses, slacks, jeans and shorts.   I was glad to come across it because I didn’t have one similar.

Yes, there are lots of modern jackets sold now that look like this one at first glance and Bobbie Brooks is still a modern label.  What makes this one different?   It was certain things about the material and the cut that told me, for sure.  That is a skill I have learned which makes the “hit” rate high for me and multiplies the fun I have!

The magic and mystery are a daily thing for me, because you just never know what will turn up . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

MY FAVORITE RED TRUE VINTAGE STILETTO HEELS BY THE KINNEY COMPANY

TRUE VINTAGE STILETTO HEELS BY THE KINNEY COMPANY

If you’ve visited my Facebook page or read my book, you will have seen this picture, but I’ve never talked as much about it, so far, as I will here.  Maybe you remember when Kinney shoes had a store in just about every mall or shopping center and then kind of disappeared. Well, these lovelies were made before that time.  I took them to a shoemaker from Poland who had 25 years experience MAKING shoes and now does repair.  He told me that they were 30 – 40 years old.

They have a ’40s – ’50s vibe but were made in the ’70s. The label is of cloth, embedded in the insole. How often do we see that?! As you can imagine, they are very well-made of leather with Vibram soles.

I love this style so much, and the heels are very high. Any kind of peep-toe pump really gets my attention. Couldn’t resist these, and what a fabulous find!   You just never know . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

SUNNY YELLOW TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES DOES THIRTIES FROCK

SUNNY YELLOW TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES DOES THIRTIES FROCK

This is so cute! I think it is from the late ’60’s, but might also be from the early ’70’s. It’s a ’30’s revival style with a flounce at the hem.  Lovely, drapey rayon, cut on the bias.  It’s missing the original belt, but otherwise is perfect.  Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun . . . . . . . . . .

Not my color, so this one was sold but I just couldn’t resist!   Wish I’d had Stella at the time, for the photo, since Madge couldn’t possibly get into it.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s COAT & DRESS ENSEMBLE BY A CHICAGO DESIGNER

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Since looking at the last post, I know that you’ve been asking yourself “What could I wear to go with that black leather purse with the red lining?”  Well, here’s the answer – a belted knit dress with matching coat, with its own red lining.

Classic sleeveless, belted sheath dress and matching coat, originally sold in Chicago, Illinois.  The style is mid to late 60’s.  The black and white check fabric first gives the impression of being a wool knit, but it is a blend, likely of cotton and synthetic which provides some warmth for cool days but is easier to store than wool.  Really a gorgeous set and so flattering. It would be a perfect outfit to go with that lovely Italian handbag!

It does need to be dry cleaned in order to keep its shape but, these days if there is not a difficult stain or other problem that can be done at home.

I hardly ever see coat and dress ensembles and this is a beauty.  Love it! Keep your eyes open for something like this. You just never know when it might turn up. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE JEWELRY FINDS ON THE FLY

Haven’t had much time to sleuth, since I’m just about to take off again – BUT – my eye is always peeled for hidden treasure and I found it!  My first jewelry purchase in a while as I’m picky in that department.

Picky paid off today in a gold-tone Trifari bracelet from the 1950’s or ’60’s and a graduated necklace of black glass that is ’50’s or decades older, strung on a knotted cord.  Smart-looking, timeless mid-century accessories with elegant styling and high quality manufacture.  I’ll wear these for years!

It was a spur-of-the-moment investigation and I’m always prepared for those 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

 

SO SWEET – TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S PUMPS BY MISS AMERICA

SO SWEET - TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S PUMPS BY MISS AMERICA

OK, all you aspiring debutantes out there – here are a pair just for you! So sweet, and proper, and ladylike (but, they’re RED!). VERY 1960’s.

Also quite elegant – wearable with almost everything almost anytime. Shoes like this have always advertised the wearer’s good taste and sophisticated fashion sense.

But, hey, they’re also pretty cute! Imagine finding a 50-year-old pair of shoes in this condition – Fabulous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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