Category Archives: dance

Another 1940’s Frock – for an Evening of Cocktails and Dancing

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL 100% SILK TAILORED WASP WAIST GOWN

Of course, I couldn’t pass up this Asian(?) beauty when I discovered it although I don’t know it’s history. There’s no label and it looks unworn so Where and When did it originate? The zipper gives me my best clue – it’s a Talon, in the style of the 1960’s and 1970’s – but not a definite answer, since this frock was hand-tailored.

The fabric, also, is a clue – pure silk with gold embellishments – which brings to mind others I have seen in garments made by Asian and Middle Eastern tailors; sometimes overseas and sometimes in North America. I love a mystery, but let’s get down to the real brass tacks. What makes this dress so exceptional and worthy of being categorized as True Vintage?

  1. Professional hand-tailoring which includes traditional features such as strap holders for undergarments sewn into the shoulders, other hand-finishing details and a full lining.
  2. True vintage styling most popular in previous decades i.e. wasp waist, ruching and midi length.
  3. The vintage Talon zipper. True, the maker may have saved this from previous times but still noteworthy.

So, there you have the initial conclusions of the investigation. Further clues may be uncovered in the future but this is enough to justify the acquisition. It’s a gorgeous example of tailoring history and garment design. However, the purge continues and it’s not a perfect fit for Moi, so off to the public auction house it has gone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A DISCO DANCE DIVA DISCOVERY FROM THE 1970’S

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Yes, at first glance this looks like so many cheesy LBD’S made today and that’s why some discriminatory powers are important to develop.  I can tell when something is true vintage or not, with a just little investigation.  This example was truly made about 40 years ago.

It is still not a prime favorite frock, but was worth picking up and I’ll keep it because it would make an outstanding costume for a play or Halloween (which is creeping up on us as we sit here!).  Keep your eyes open – it gets better . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

THE COOLEST TRUE VINTAGE FORMAL PRAIRIE DRESS: WHAT A MYSTERY – HOW OLD?

IMG_1710 IMG_1711Here’s a find that I can’t quite figure out!  It’s somewhere in the mid-century and not likely a costume, because of all the detailed buttons in back.  But, wouldn’t it make a great one for Halloween?

The illusion neckline is an interesting touch, though it is very modest with long sleeves.  Not a child’s dress, but maybe for a teen.  One way or another, it was made for a special occasion and seems to have been custom-tailored.

It’s beautiful with a soft green fabric underneath the sheer ivory.  I’ve never seen one quite like it even though I’ve found things similar in some ways.  ALWAYS love a mystery . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE FORTIES/FIFTIES LITTLE FLORAL DRESS IN A DARKER BACKGROUND HUE

This frock has been with me for a little while.  It’s a pink and blue floral on a charcoal background, with a little bow on the bodice.  I have added a cloth-covered belt in charcoal.  Unusual shades to take us into autumn, still with a light and outdoor feel.  Would look nice with darker leather shoes and handbags, for a change, and maybe a coat or jacket as the weather changes.

 

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MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CUSTOM-TAILORED 1950’s early 1960’s ROCKABILLY SUNDRESS

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Ooh, LOVE this!  Stella’s got a real rockabilly thing going on.  What a pretty and flirty dress someone made back in the day!

Just right for summer shopping, dancing and just playing around.  The bust-line flounce, wrap tie cummerbund belt and full skirt are really flattering features that also allow for some size variability when you have skinny or fat days.  Although, this frock was made for a slender gal because there are no zipper or buttons.

Ah, well.  Stella can do it, and so can I.  So, definitely another keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG;  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE AUSSIE FINDS! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S – 1970’S GINGHAM DRESSES

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAll three of these frocks were custom-sewn and I think that the top two belonged to the same woman, because they are so similar.  Wasp-waisted or halter style, these gingham dresses have been signs of summer for decades.  I REALLY wish I had Madge and Stella here to show them off properly!

All are very simple, with back zippers and store-bought trims.  The fabric in the yellow and white one is a bit more modern-looking and I would say it was a late-’60’s to early-’70’s creation.  The first two would be a few years older.

As plain as these are, I’d never pass them up.  I still love them because they are so of-that-time and look really good on.  Simple belts add a lot and, of course, you can accessorize . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S SEMI-FORMAL SLEEK AND STRAPLESS DINNER GOWN

IMG_1656In midnight navy blue, this dress is elegant in rayon with a side zipper.  Let me tell you how she would have dressed it up . . . . . . . .

A diamond or rhinestone necklace or pearls, depending on the venue, would be first – with some elegant earrings to complement. And, a small dress handbag.

A stole, fur or dressy coat, of course, unless it’s the height of summer (but, even then . . . . . .)  Finished off, courtesy of her escort, with a corsage.

The bodice has no boning, so those little mesh straps hold it in place.  When I wear it, I prefer a pair of ’50’s evening sandals of dark navy fabric with  pearlized ornaments on the vamp rather than the Forties styles that Stella is wearing.   Beautiful as she is, this frock is really better suited for Marilyn . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE SUMMER FORMAL DRESS FROM THE 1970’S OR 1980’S

TRUE VINTAGE SUMMER FORMAL DRESS FROM THE 1970'S OR 1980'S

This dress is not really old, but it is so cute/pretty that I couldn’t resist picking it up and showing it to you. such pretty colors!

There is a sheer layer with the flower print, over a solid layer – like many of the dresses I’ve shown.  I love the big bow in front – too much!

It almost looks like a ’60’s thing, but I know it’s not that old.  The bodice has some sequins decorating it, too, but it’s not a super-super dressy thing otherwise.  It could almost be worn to a garden party or fund-raising afternoon event, of the right type.

Anyway, a lovely frock – authentically vintage, and just makes me feel like going to a party.  It’s so sweet – would make a wonderful disguise . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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TRUE VINTAGE MID-1950s POUF-STYLE PARTY FROCK BY FRANK STARR

TRUE VINTAGE MID-1950s POUF-STYLE PARTY FROCK BY FRANK STARR

Another of my absolutely fabulous finds – fit for a princess at a party or Prom. This one is a quintessential 1950s pouf dress by Frank Starr, (of California, I believe) in a floral print.  He was a well-known designer at that time.

I’m always amazed at what I find, and this frock really turned the lights on! Organza over rayon or acetate, with a velvet-covered belt & the makers’ label on an inside seam.. In virtually perfect condition.

I can just see Elizabeth Taylor flouncing around in this in one of her movies, playing a young woman ready to go to a dance party.  Imitations are made, but true vintage can’t be replaced and it’s priceless, in my opinion.

This example can hardly compete with the one shown yesterday, or the day before. They are all wonderful and uniquely original. We’ll step backwards in time just a little bit tomorrow. What’s coming up until then? You just never know . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
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