Although the basic style of this dress is unremarkable, it is so unique! 100% lined silk in a beautiful paisley print. And, very well-tailored.
Cool and breezy, yet quite sophisticated. This is not a run-of-the-mill item.
I’ve never seen another like it.
Aside from its vintage, it doesn’t leave many clues. But, of course I love a mystery . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I think that someone had this dress specifically made for her while traveling or living in Thailand or China during the 1960’s. That was a common thing to do back then.
Thai silk is so distinctive and beautiful. There’s nothing like the weave and color of these fabrics and they are always smartly designed and carefully constructed by hand. It is one of two that I have discovered – makes me wonder about the woman involved.
Did she have a secret assignment? Was she undercover? Perhaps a great-niece of Mata Hari . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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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
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Beautiful footwear on display at the shoe museum I discovered in Mexico City last year.. This group is from the 1930’s. I’ve been showing a lot of shoes lately, but they’re always favorites. Enjoy!
Looking at old magazine and catalog ads, as well as when I observed these shoe displays, it was evident how much the styles slopped over from decade to decade or would repeat again several decades later.
Love the whimsical designs and decoration on many old vintage items! As always, it’s in the little details, the quality of materials and the workmanship that the truth comes out . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This dress was worn to a semi-formal event in 1955, in Europe. Lace overlay, dropped waist and double-layer chiffon skirt.
No cutesy business going on here – just serious fashion, quality, classic elegance and glamour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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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
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This dress is feminine and alluring in the best way. It makes the most of the female figure but is very tasteful – not a bit in-your-face.
The neckline and bodice treatment are quite unusual – something I’ve not seen done like this before or after.
The kind of fashion that makes you truly unforgettable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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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 circle 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 any dress-up party or a really special date. With the generous hem let down to below-the-knee, it could even go to the Prom!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s another great collection of sling-backs & pumps.from the shoe museum in Mexico City. Look at the decoration on the vamps and the peep-toes. LOVE peep-toes!
Can you imagine owning beautiful designer styles like this, in 100% leather construction, done by hand? Heaven! Used to be, shoes like that were available in most shoe stores. Now they’re all made of ticky-tacky and they all look just the same.
’40’s shoes are some of my very favorites, and such a pleasure to see so many examples in such beautiful condition.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This one is my very favorite – in a silvery plum. I think Peggy Lee would have loved performing in this. Definitely a dance dress, maybe even for Prom. Who knows – cocktails and a fancy dinner . . . . . . . . . . .?
One thing I love so much about true vintage garments is the specialty fabrics. This one has the floral pattern embroidered on the black background, with metallic highlights. And, of course, the fabric is cut to drape beautifully.
Your regular boyfriend can escort you around in this one, but he’d better be prepared for the competition . .. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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