Category Archives: dance

MORE FUN! A SISTER PAIR TO THE PUMPS SHOWN YESTERDAY – TRUE VINTAGE POST-WAR BEAUTIES HARDLY EVER OUT OF THE BOX!

TRUE VINTAGE BEAUTIES HARDLY EVER OUT OF THE BOX!

The original price is still visible on the soles, written in grease pencil.  $14.99.  Looks like they may have been tried on and that was it!

Dark coffee brown leather, with pert little bows on a v-shaped vamp – this pair comes from the late Forties to early Fifties.  The Naturalizer brand was a closet staple for well-dressed women.  It was the flagship brand for the Brown shoe company of St. Louis, MO since 1927.

It’s always important to do a background check . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER CUSTODIAL DUTY – A 1950’S PARTY GOWN FROM THE FAMILY

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When post-war era women finally have to/decide to move out of their homes, it’s not unusual that they have saved some of their most precious, favorite dresses over the decades.  Of course, it then becomes DECISION TIME.  Well, lucky me!

I was elected as most suited to look after this pink princess, left over from the early 1950’s.  With sequins and netting, it’s got the requisite poufy skirt and strappy top.  I may, with permission, enter it in a show this fall but I’ll probably be looking for the best new owner sometime next year.  I’ll be sorry to part with her, but she is an honored guest until then . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGSPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER “NEW” BRIDAL ENSEMBLE – FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S

When it rains, it pours!  Wedding dresses have been coming my way.  This beautiful frock would also do nicely as a semi-formal dress for Prom or something similar.

Pretty taffeta with a brocade design woven in – the head-dress is very sweet with little pearls and flowers and a short veil.  The dress is really a straight sheath, with a poufy over-skirt lined by a netting crinoline.  I think that elbow-length sleeves are so chic and elegant – it’s nice to see them here, finished with a little bow.

I don’t need a wedding dress or a Prom dress so this set may end up going to another bride or to a high school dance, but either way it will be a fabulous find again for some lucky girl . . . . . . . .. .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND! A SHIMMY-SHAKE LITTLE BLACK DANCING DRESS FROM THE LATE FIFTIES OR EARLY SIXTIES

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I had one other 1960’s sheath dress with fringe like this several years ago, and it was a surprise.  Looks like a hoochie-coochie 1920’s or ’30’s frock but that kind of fringe is so GREAT for Sixties dancing, too.  I guess some women thought so . . . . . . . . . . .

The interesting thing about this particular one is that the body of the dress is made of a soft fabric that feels like cotton with chenille stripes.  I thought chenille was just for bedspreads, bathrobes and sweaters.  That’s one thing I love about this investigating – you learn something new every day (and get to play dress-up every day, too).

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE BLACK, ORNAMENTED MID-HEEL PUMPS FROM THE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S

TRUE VINTAGE BLACK, ORNAMENTED MID-HEEL PUMPS FROM THE 1940'S - EARLY 1950'S

I just love, love, love the look of round-toed pumps! These are sweet and sassy at the same time, and oh, so of-the-period. When I really want to be back-in-the-day, these are some that I’ll wear.

Black suede, 100% leather construction with elegant bows on the vamps – this pair is made by Air Step. Another fabulous discovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S DeLISO DEBS BLACK SUEDE PUMPS

TRUE VINTAGE 1960'S DeLISO DEBS BLACK SUEDE PUMPS

When was the last time you could buy a new pair of desirable brand-name shoes for $8.00, even though on sale?  Check out the original price sticker from a department store.

Deliso Debs were popular, stylish shoes for women from 1919 until the 1970’s.  They had a reputation for being well-made and having a great fit.  I have others and just love them.

This pair is somewhat dressy, but versatile.  Again, how can you go wrong with a good pair of black pumps?

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A FAVORITE LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE LATE ’60’S – EARLY ’70’S BLACK DRESS

A FAVORITE LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE LATE '60'S - EARLY '70'S BLACK DRESS

This one is SO sweet on!  Hits right above the knee; empire waist with bead trim hanging down, bateau neckline (one of my favorites).

It’s black crepe with an acetate lining and a back zip.  Simple and elegant, and it fits really well.

Who could ask for anything more?  The perfect combination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A TRUE VINTAGE LBD FROM THE SIXTIES – THIS ONE DEFINITELY FOR DANCING!

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE LBD FROM THE SIXTIES - THIS ONE DEFINITELY FOR DANCING!

If you’ve ever seen a good dancer wearing one of these, you’ll know what I mean. The fringe around the hem just doesn’t know when to quit!

Some dresses have fringe all over, and that’s just WILD. But, a fringe at the bottom lets you remain demure and sophisticated (why is everyone staring at me?) while your dress gets all the attention.

This one is a sexy black crepe sheath, with a fitted waist. Stay VERY cool, and it could be a great costume for hiding in plain sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S DANCE PARTY / PROM POUF DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S EASTER DANCE PARTY / PROM POUF DRESS

Imagine my shock and awe when I was confronted by this frock – an original by Max Starr, a famous designer of the time, with a pouf crinoline and layers of sheer floral fabric.  I MUST get it onto Stella soon – she’s the only one of the girls who can wear it, but it’s just her size!

The belt is covered in velvet and the colors sing Spring!  It looks like a beautiful flower garden.  This is really a prize.  Happy hunting!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND! CUSTOM-TAILORED MID-CENTURY TAFFETA GOWN

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This frock was made for a very special occasion.  The stylistic features are early mid-century, but I suspect that it was made in the 1960’s or 1970’s.  Makes me curious . . . . . .

It’s a war-time/rockabilly/musical performance recital/costume frock that could have almost any of those histories.  It’s a bit over-the-top for cocktails.  I’m guessing that it was made for someone who was going to a dance or about to sing an aria or perform a concert on the cello.

Whatever! . . . . . . . . . . it’s a fun mystery dress in  one of  my favorite colors.  If it weren’t for the bones in the bodice (awkward packing issue), I’d add it to my selection of disguises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM