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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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.
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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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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
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OK. Let’s compare this frock to the dress shown yesterday. . . . . . . ..
This was a completely magical find! For the first thing, I almost missed it. I was an inexperienced sleuth at the time, years ago, and wasn’t sure what I was seeing.
Second, it was at least 3 sizes too big, with some dowdy design features that were not appealing. However, this is a 100% silk dress with a designer label.
Look at the draping and the ruching – GORGEOUS!! Another woman remarked about it and woke me up.
After a few very simple alterations, without doing anything that can’t be reversed, voila’! An absolute Mata Hari, femme fatale frock. Who knew?
From the same 1950’s era as yesterday’s dress – just as elegant but with a totally different feel. This dress is very sexy and dramatic, but not in any way sleazy or tacky. That’s the beauty of true vintage style and quality . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Leave it to the 1950’s to produce the most come-hither styles . . . .. . .. How could anyone resist this one? The inventors of the “cocktail dress” knew their stuff.
Rather than a sleeveless style, “demure” sheer sleeves add just the right touch of modesty and mystery and end up amping the “sexiness” to new levels.
One of the mistakes that so much modern fashion makes – it’s so in-your-face that after the shock and awe wear off in a few minutes, it’s pretty boring and tacky. True vintage fashion rarely, if ever, makes that goof. It’s usually has just the opposite effect. And, high quality materials and tailoring is the cherry on top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Was I ever thrilled to run across this beauty! Sleek and slinky, it’s got great film noir presence. Another dress that Madge can’t wear, but I can’t wait to photograph it on Stella because it would fit her just right!
With a side zipper at the waist and fabulous design, it’s such a neat wartime style.. The color is tricky to photo – a medium mauve, grayish purple. Very unusual and lovely.
The best thing is the bead trim – and especially the trailing streamers that hang from the hip area. You’ll see more of these rare & interesting tailoring features in some future posts.. . . . . .
No, it’s not a dirty camera lens and Yes, there is a flaw on the front, with a funny stain or fade on the left bodice that can’t be remedied. However, it’s just the right place for a pin, a flower or corsage which early mid-century women often wore for a night out. I think I’d love a piece or two of markasite jewelry with this frock . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This example is not quite as glitzy as the two I posted a couple of days ago, but I guess that’s a matter of opinion. With elegant, classic styling and art deco chevron decoration, this dress is as sophisticated as the others, if not quite as showy. It can easily go from day to evening with a simple change of accessories.
Black crepe with a fabric-covered belt and little metallic studs across the front and skirt, it’s a little more day-time dressy. but beautiful enough for cocktails, dinner or a party.
I was SO happy to discover these rare frocks and always love finding them! More tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Fast-forward from yesterday – about thirty years . . . . . . . . . . . This surprising frock looks so plain, at first, but is elegant as can be! It’s made in a style that was popular, I’ve found, in the early 1960’s – a dress made to look like a 2-piece ensemble. Hemmed to hit at the knee or slightly below. Perfect for cocktails or dinner out.
Although it appears pink in the photo, the fabric is a vivid coral color in a smooth knit. I’m not sure what the material is made of. The sophisticated, simple style is very nice and I can’t wait to get it onto Madge, who I’m sure would do it justice with her robust and curvy figure!
The best aspect though, from a construction point of view, is the beautiful high-quality rhinestone trim such as we haven’t seen for decades! Each stone is set in metal prongs, like they used to do in the Thirties, Forties and Fifties. It is very lovely and adds just the right touch of dressy bling at the upper arms and hips.
Love the embroidered tag, too. I’m excited – haven’t found something of this particular genre in a while – makes it all so FUN! Another “new” discovery is coming tomorrow, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This suit is so chic and understated, but makes a real appearance! It’s decorated all over with swirled ribbons stitched down. In classic wool, of course, but not as heavy as the winter ensembles I’ve been showing.
Reminds me of some of the things that European women have traditionally worn when they are in mourning. But, it’s a sophisticated ensemble and would make a great dinner suit. That’s probably how it was worn when it was sold, about 55 years ago.
In the early ’60’s they made some dresses and suits that were entirely of ribbons swirled around and stitched down on some kind of mesh or lightweight fabric. I inherited a dress like that which had been my grandmother’s and found a green skirt made that way last year – all true vintage, of course. An intriguing style, which I don’t often run into . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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