Not terribly “different” or “vintage-looking” until you examine the details. This is a typical dance party frock from the time when Barbie was Homecoming Queen . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Category Archives: cocktails
LET’S “UP” THE TRUE VINTAGE BLING – RHINESTONE NECKLACES FROM MID-CENTURY AND BEFORE
Here’s my main collection of true vintage white rhinestone collars. From simple and sweet to sassy and sophisticated. These were made between 1940 and 1960, I’d say. Some might be older, or slightly newer.
To be worn alone, or almost alone. Unless you’re doing a period costume from a time when overkill was the usual fashion and everything was worn as a set, these lovelies shine most brilliantly when standing alone.
Just my opinion, for what it’s worth . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
ELEGANT AND STUNNING – TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S CUSTOM-TAILORED DINNER DRESS
Stella stuns in this slim sheath with a draped neckline in back. I know the woman who made this dress back while John F. Kennedy was president and it is exquisitely tailored in charcoal cotton velvet, with a fabric-covered belt.
The style is simple, but dramatic. The cowl neckline in back is what makes the dress. It’s perfect for a necklace that is long enough and simple enough to be draped front to back with a beautiful clasp at the neck, or hidden under a high neckline in front while making a statement on your bare shoulders behind.
But, it doesn’t need much adornment and best to keep it simple . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
GORGEOUS TRUE VINTAGE ART DECO RHINESTONE BRACELET
How about this little DECOration with that cocktail dress from yesterday? You wouldn’t want to get too much bling going with the rhinestones on the dress, but an addition like this one could be just perfect.
Though certainly not from the same era (about 30 – 40 years apart!), mixing time is not a bad thing. In fact, that’s one of the attractions of true vintage fashion for me, because I like to live different times, places and characters. I just love this piece, in its original box from Peacock Jewelers.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A SPECIAL 1950’S BEADED BAG
I have lots of mid-century beaded bags but this one’s a bit older and I especially like the shape of it, soooooo . . . . . . . . . . . .
of course I had to pick it up. This iridescent beige/gold color is so versatile to go with anything and everything. So pretty – it makes me think of Grace Kelly.
Perfectly clean inside and with beads intact, what could be better? .. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
ICONIC KENNEDY ERA MID-CENTURY LBD: TIMELESS ELEGANCE . . . . . . .
Fabulous Stella – she’s a pro. Here she is looking stunning in a black crepe cocktail dress from about 1960. Simple lines and expert draping, this frock is absolutely beautiful. Though it might be just a little bit hot to wear during a summer heat wave, as we’ve still been having, it’s a perfect transitional frock and can be worn year-round if the temperatures allow.
What could be more flattering than one of these fitted sheath dresses? Though it looks very plain and does need one fabulous accessory piece to set it off, it has one design element that makes it super-special . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I’ll publish the back view next – wait till you see that!
Stay tuned . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
GORGEOUS PLUNGING BACK NECKLINE ON MY LITTLE BLACK DRESS TRUE VINTAGE FIND!
Just look at this beautiful, sweeping back – it is the signature feature of this frock. What an impression it makes!
I also love the bateau neckline, the fitted shape and lovely tailoring. The fabric is perfect, too. Crepe material like this in wool, acetate or rayon has such a wonderful drape to it – no wonder it was used so much for dress – wear up into the 1960’s, when it seems to have been replaced by polyester and poly blends.
Yes, poly is easier-care – no dry-cleaning needed – but it doesn’t hang like vintage crepe. Nothing does.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A DELIGHTFULLY PRETTY LITTLE YELLOW SUNDRESS – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S
This gorgeous little number says summer all over. It is the brightest yellow, with little embroidered flowers all over the bodice, each with a pearl center.
If that isn’t enough, around the hem are larger flowers, all embroidered in the same bright yellow thread. fit, as you can see, speaks for itself . . .
The label is long gone, but I am sure that it was commercially-made. There are too many professional details. Fully lined, of a really nice woven fabric with a bit of texture – metal zip up the back.
Although this is not a formal dress, it is quite refined and could go into the evening very confidently. In the heat of the summer, it could go shopping, lunching, to dinner and dancing without missing a beat.
Natalie Wood would have loved it. “I feel pretty, oh so pretty . . . .”. Almost as if it found its way from her closet into mine . . . . . . .. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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TRUE VINTAGE 1940s – 1950s SEMI-FORMAL DANCE DRESS
Here’s pretty, floaty frock of satin and chiffon for a dinner-dance or any semi-formal party. It does have stiffening in the skirt, but doesn’t have a huge crinoline, like many made a few years later .
I just die with delight when I discover one of these! It reminds me of the classic movies that I love, where there’s always a dance in the plot somewhere.
This one is not haute couture – just an average lovely gown that any middle-income woman might have selected. I’m not complaining! It makes me think of France, where I’ll be in a couple of weeks!
With the mid-calf length, this one could go to the Prom, and maybe it did, once. You just never know . . . .. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950’s SEMI-FORMAL DANCE DRESS
This one is just about my favorite. I love the camellias (or whatever flower) at the waist and the contrasting sash that flows down the front. The length is just below the knee on me (I’m 5’6″).
There is a size tag inside, so it was commercially made. Seems to be of rayon chiffon over a rayon/acetate liner. There is no stiffening in the skirt. It’s such a pretty pale peach color, and an easy-to-wear style. Perfect for dancing and very graceful.
I noticed recently that J.Crew made a very similar dress in silk chiffon. Of course, it is nice, but not “original” – 1. there is no ornamentation (you could add your own) 2. the dress is available in several different colors, but no contrasting sash which, to me, adds so much to this original vintage one 3. since it’s mass-produced, you could see your dress on lots of other women. However, for $250.00 you can have the modern version.
I’ll take true vintage any time. True, it had some spots on it when I found it, but I was able to make them disappear – POOF!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
