When I spied this frock, I knew it was true vintage but couldn’t actually place it. With a little research I discovered that dresses of this type, worn over a plain slip-dress of some kind, had their niche popularity in the early 1950’s. This one must have been a home-seamstress’s answer to having a more affordable version.
At first I couldn’t decide between the front and back, but when put on Madge, who is a perfectly proportioned modern size 6, it is obvious that the cowl effect fits best in the front and is an elegant style. Depending on how it fits, could also be worn in the reverse. It’s always fun to solve the mysteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A not-quite-as-little LBD from the 1970’s with casual vibes. I wasn’t going to show this frock until I got into the Snowbird vacation designs, but it’s such a great comparison to the dressier version from yesterday that it was time. Just as sleek, simple and elegant, but of Hawaiian origin with their wonderful cotton fabric. It’s up to the job in the afternoon as well as the evening.
This dress is a perfect example of functional true vintage wardrobe selection for traveling. One dress can do double or triple duty – from casual to sophisticated, even without accessories.
Semi-formal and Formal season are just starting, so back to those archives again next – stay tuned . . . . . .
Any time there’s a special event or holiday, a true vintage little black dress will never let you down. This one is so unusual, I had to slip it into the line of bright and colorful frocks that I’ve been showing. Not an easy fit for everyone, but if you’ve got the shoulders to support the neckline and a tiny waist like Stella, it’s absolutely stunning. The drape of the bodice is genius and the fabric flower at the waist adds even more interest without any need to be flashy.
Jewelry should be sophisticated but simple. Diamond stud earrings or gold, or pearls. Absolutely NO statement necklaces to detract from that beautiful neckline and maybe no necklace at all. If more bling is desired, a delicate but luxurious bracelet or watch would be nice. Back in the day beautiful tiny watches in gold or platinum with diamonds were not unusual for those who could afford to splurge on them. Of course, a cocktail ring is always acceptable with a dress like this but, again, the jewelry should not overpower the dress, which is the star of this show. And, the show must go on. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . .
1960’s or 1970’s style, these red dresses would take you from the Christmas party through Valentine’s Day cocktails and dinner. Both are pretty and sophisticated with similar styles. Like most sisters, however, they’re also quite different. In the 1950’s and 1960’s a sheer over-layer and skirts with lots of gathers were big style features. Very feminine and emphasized a wasp waist. I love the boat neckline and 3/4 sleeves. In the mid-late 1970’s slim and sleek was a silhouette made easy with Quiana nylon fabric, which skimmed the figure while having lots of movement and supreme comfort while disco dancing. Very unfussy and a perfect backdrop for the chain belt. I’ll look for more party clothes and formal dresses. Stay tuned . . . . .
These are just 3 out of my collection of lovely kitchen aprons, but perhaps a bit more interesting and seasonal than others I have, which are more generic, like a cotton gingham check without any specific theme. Many aprons, like the first one here, were specifically themed for a particular holiday or fashion era. It’s a great example, with bright color and a novelty print for Thanksgiving. Although it’s definitely trendy and targeted, it is also at least somewhat practical because of the machine-washable fabric, wraparound style, secure ties and big pocket. It could actually do the job of keeping the cook’s skirt clean. The most useful styles also covered the bodice.
The usefulness is really important, but I love the novelty print. It’s always good to play the hostess in something that also makes people smile. The two aprons following are entirely different in their purpose. These are made from a much more delicate fabric and would be best washed by hand, both because of their delicacy and because they are hand-painted. They were made for and gifted to my grandmother by a relative who at least did the painting herself, if not the sewing job. Gifts like this were common in her day, and cherished. These aprons were made not so much to protect clothing as to be pretty. Grandma might have worn them when she had her friends in for tea or a card game, maybe even for hosting an at-home cocktail party. The messy part of the hostess job would have already been done when she made the cake or other refreshments beforehand.
Aprons were much more commonly worn in decades past and were a significant part of a woman’s household wardrobe, like housedresses worn on cleaning day. Most women’s (especially married women’s) lives were organized around a routine of household duties throughout the week and each one usually required a different kind of outfit – one for cooking, one cleaning, one for tending plants, one for doing the weekly shopping. Special accessories to these outfits were needed for certain jobs, such as gloves of various kinds, hats of various kinds, nursing bras and pads to protect clothing from breast milk and burping babies. Housewives were trained to be very practical and were rewarded by Society for a job well-done. The home was their workplace and the role defined them, so their household wardrobe had a central place in their lives. For better or for worse, that was the way it was. Do we want that again? Think about it and keep your eyes on the clues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
No matter what else you’re wearing, or even if your jewelry is the only vintage piece in your outfit, it will stand out strongly. That’s especially true of these colorful and unique examples. Though cheap copy-cats are being made now, I still recommend the originals.
Fine true vintage jewelry in gold and silver is always special and wonderful but can be pricey. Costume jewelry is easier to find and softer on the budget. Collect a variety of styles and items – you’ll have something different for every day and just the perfect thing for every outfit.
Of course, it needs care but is exceptionally durable in general. Simple protection from scratches, rough handling and strong UV light for prolonged periods will do the trick. Compact and easy to store, though if you’re a sleuth with an extensive archive the files can become pretty heavy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . More accessories tomorrow. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With ruched sleeves and velvet ribbon decoration on black taffeta, the label tells me that it was sold from a ladies-wear shop in Texas, where it was discovered. A pretty dress with lots of room to move, from a time when dressing up for cocktails and dancing to live music was probably more popular than it is today. Everyone was exuberant over the end of the WWII rationing that, for one thing, had made extravagant clothing unavailable. We apparently owe the title of “Cocktail Dress” for early-evening semi-formal frocks to Christian Dior, beginning in the post-war 1940’s when hemlines went down again and showy tailoring details came back.
I’ll need to check on how it fits me to decide it’s fate. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Always such a pleasure to discover these little beauties. Made by a well-known Japanese maker from the mid-1900’s, these small handbags were almost always assembled and decorated by hand. This one is especially tiny, and flat. It has room only for a key, a small amount of money or a charge card, and maybe a small comb and/or lipstick. Just the bare essentials. Almost like some made in the 1920’s and 1930’s but I would place this one from the 1960’s.
Silk or rayon body, with mono-tone black bead decoration, a metal snap closure and an unusual fabric handle. On close examination there are a few beads missing but that will be no problem to fix.
I’ve found so many, but this one is unique! What’s next? Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First, a home-tailored dressy frock. It’s sweet as can be in a common design from 1960 + or – 2 or 3 years. But, IN YOUR FACE RED! The fabric is a medium-heavy jacquard weave. The style is modest but form-fitting and fits me like a glove. The original pattern would have been about a size 12 but now is a modern 4. You can see why I miss my mannequins – it would look stunning on statuesque vintage size 10 Stella (a modern 2) and movie starlet perfect on size 4 Giselle.
What makes it extra special? It’s in perfect condition and very well-made by someone with experience. Has a big hem allowance which is finished off with matching hem tape. The fitting darts are well-done and the decorative bow under the bustline is well-constructed and properly attached. The thing I like most, though, is that there are gussets in the armholes! That is an older tailoring technique frequently used in the 1950’s and before that gives the underarm area a little extra ease and avoids some of the wear and tear that is often seen where the underarm seams meet on a dress or blouse. However, gussets do have some corners and have to be properly done to avoid the same problems with the seams. Anyway, I just love finding these specialty features that tell a lot about the tailor and help to date garments. This one was perfect for dinner, dancing or any special date.
My next find is a lingerie dressing gown of roughly the same age – maybe a tad newer. The label is difficult to read after many washings but says Queentex, a brand which I have never seen before and may have been specific to Canada, where I happen to be sleuthing now. What’s not to love about it? A two-layer construction, with opaque material covered by a sheer, lightweight over-dress. Fabric is a substantial, glossy nylon typical of better lingerie pieces of that time. The condition is almost perfect. It’s a lovely aqua blue color with darker blue embroidery on the front bodice. The neckline closes with a fabric loop and little pearlized button. Ruffles around the collar and the bottom of the over-dress I can do without, but that’s just me. The design does call for some extra attention in those locations. This garment was perfect for before-bedtime relaxing when she’s out of her frou-frou outfit and make-up. Could have been worn by the same gal size-wise. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Completely different from yesterday’s cardigan but so much fun! It’s another must-have vintage sweater to wear with cigarette pants. A pretty open-weave Orlon sweater knit with metallic thread design to be worn with a black skirt or slacks at some mid-century party event. It is absolutely amazing that it’s survived for 60 years in almost unworn condition!
Just like the women of the 1940’s onward, I’m grateful for these lovely acrylic yarns that can be washed in a machine (with care) and don’t have to be stored in a moth-proof container. Orlon was a revelation and major time-saving blessing to wartime and post-war ladies who still did most of their housework by hand.
Although we’re so used to acrylic fibers now, these early ones were really special in terms of their quality or, perhaps, it is the garment itself that is made so well that the fabric looks great after more than half a century. I’m sure that I also, again, have to thank the first owner of this elegant top for taking such good care of it.
I’m over the full moon again, and wondering what will turn up next . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Magicvintagespy 