Category Archives: cocktail party

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

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 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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SWEET 1950’S TRUE VINTAGE PARTY FROCK

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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FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S STRAPLESS DRESS WITH BEADED BODICE AND MATCHING JACKET

Here’s the flip-side of sweet – my favorite strapless number from the 1950’s. Rayon with beading and a killer fit.

I love to imagine where this one has or could have been. Smokey nightclubs come to mind. Maybe she was a singer.

It was a dark night in the city. The story you are about to see . . . . . . . ….. . .. . . . . … . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES SHEATH DRESS WITH BEADED NECKLINE

TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES SHEATH DRESS WITH BEADED NECKLINE

Here’s a mod version of the little black dress – classic knee-length sheath styling in black crepe, with a sassy stand collar in bugle beads.   LOVE this neckline!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PRETTY SPRING ACCESSORIES – FINE TRUE VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY BROOCHES FOR COAT AND JACKET LAPELS

–FINE TRUE VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY BROOCHES FOR COAT AND JACKET LAPELS

There’s nothing more eye-catching on a plain tailored dress, coat or jacket lapel than an outstanding piece of jewelry. These costume brooches are each signed, by different designers.  Whimsical and elegant, women hardly felt dressed without one on back in the day.

From the 1950’s – 1960’s, they are either glamorous or fun. I love the turtle!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’s COCKTAIL DRESS IN MOCHA

BUT, RED AND PINK ARE JUST NOT MY COLORS!

 

Beiges are always a smart alternative when you don’t want to go the black route for some dressy or special occasion..  This frock is a beautiful, glowing mocha that flatters like crazy.  With a big crinoline underneath, it might even have gone to the Prom!  It’s rockabilly – swing done elegantly.

The fabric is unusual – some kind of rayon or blend with a nice drape and gorgeous sheen. Wide scoop necklines and nipped waists are favorites of mine and I absolutely adore this dress.  Perfect for cocktails, dinner, a dance party, etc., etc..

Although not a set, I might combine this little lace-overlay bolero jacket with it for some venues when it’s going to be chilly inside or out.  The color is a perfect go-with.  A simple cashmere cardigan, beautiful shawl or a true vintage fur would all work nicely, too.

 

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE AURORA BOREALIS COSTUME JEWELRY BOXED SET FROM THE 1950’S

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Here’s a pretty matched brooch & earring set in popular aurora borealis rhinestones of the 1950’s.  A bird in full flight and little stylized birds for your ears, too.  A beautiful Spring theme.  It’s always so wonderful to find a set, and in the original case!

With a plain but elegant black dress, or a frock that echoes one of the colors reflected in the “jewels”, these pieces call attention to the face and shoulders – just as they should.

Nothing else needed but poise and presence . . . …. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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CUTE AND SAUCY TRUE VINTAGE LITTLE BLACK DRESS, FIFTIES – STYLE

CUTE AND SAUCY LITTLE BLACK DRESS, FORTIES - STYLE

Just love this!! Sometime from the late 1950’s to the early 1960’s this little frock was someone’s favorite.  It’s Peggy Lee in her early mid-century years, all over!!!!!

Glossy textured rayon – I always love sheer panels like this on the shoulders.  The bodice is decorated with embroidered white flowers which have pearl centers.  Nothing could be better for dinner out or a date night.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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NEW DISCOVERY! TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY CUSTOM-TAILORED DRESSY DRESS

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CUSTOM-TAILORED VINTAGE FROCKS ARE OFTEN THE MOST INTERESTING!

I love this find!  All the details of the talented seamstress’s work are evident here.  She was good!

Like many dresses from the  Fifties – early Sixties era, this frock is made with a contrasting liner under sheer illusion fabric.  The black overlay has flocked design with little reflective accents, like tiny, tiny sequins, sprinkled throughout.  The neckline treatment took a lot of skill to create, with many folds and tucks.

The side metal zipper was a standard in many of these early styles.  Because it’s a bit shorter, I suspect that the owner was a buxom lady of petite stature or that she shortened the dress over many seasons of wear as the hemlines went up in popular fashion.  Although the dress is in exceptional condition, some wear to the flocking shows that it was worn more than once – maybe many times.  She loved it!

The original belt is missing and I put one of my own on just for illustration.  The sizing is a vintage plus, or half-size as they were known then, and is made for a full figure.  Can’t wait to photograph it on Madge, whose measurements will do it some justice!

More new finds tomorrow, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

RUFFLED 1950’S JACKET TO WEAR OVER YOUR LITTLE BLACK DRESS

RUFFLED 1950'S JACKET TO WEAR OVER YOUR LITTLE BLACK DRESS

This little cutie turned up in a surprising place (which often happens, so it’s no surprise to me!). So dainty and feminine, yet super practical.

Have you ever wanted to wear a smashing sleeveless LBD and needed some warmth, but didn’t like the idea of a fur,shawl or a cardigan sweater? This wrap is very subtle and light, but may provide the extra coverage that makes the difference between comfort and shivers.

Of very fine black mesh with ruffles sewn all around and hook & eye closures, I’m guessing that this garment was made in the ’50’s, but it could be earlier or slightly later. At any rate, it’s unmistakably true vintage and unique!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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