Category Archives: dance

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!! HERE’S YOUR TRUE VINTAGE PARTY DRESS . . . . . . ..

IMG_1198Stella’s all over the “wearin’-o-the-green” for St. Paddy’s Day celebrations.  All that’s missing are some emerald green stiletto-heel pumps, a rhinestone necklace and a little IMG_1246evening bag.  I had to resurrect this evening coat because, though it doesn’t look so in the photo, it is the most brilliant emerald green you can imagine!

Both from late 1950’s – early 1960’s era.  Go forth and have fun!!!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S PARTY DRESS IN ICY MINT GREEN

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE 1950s PARTY DRESS FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Looking for a St. Paddy’s frock?   Here we go again – a lovely pouf dress from the 1950s of acetate rayon and chiffon, in minty sherbet green this time.   I love this for Spring, with the sheer 3/4 sleeves and the jewel neckline.  Look at that deep hem in the overskirt!

This is a below-the-knee formal dress that could also be worn to a Prom, dinner, dance or any formal event that doesn’t require a full-length skirt.  ‘It would also be lovely worn in a wedding by attendants or by a bride who didn’t want to wear the typical white or ivory. Many ’50’s brides wore gowns of this length.

The sheer chiffon covers the rayon dress underneath and there is a sewn-in crinoline of netting.  I don’t believe that there are any tags remaining but I suspect that it was commercially-made.  However, it’s not always certain – many seamstresses in business or at home were VERY skilled.

Finding dresses like this is always magical.  Where was it first worn?  Who kept it for decades and why was it so special?  You just never know . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

BEAUTIFUL EMERALD GREEN TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S-1970’S GOWN BY A NEW YORK DESIGNER

BEAUTIFUL EMERALD GREEN GOWN BY A NEW YORK DESIGNER

Just right for summer “formal-ish” events and dances, and what could be better for St. Patrick’s Day?  This one is pretty dressy, but I could just as easily see someone wearing it as a hostess ensemble for an elegant at-home event.  It’s very well made and fully lined, but has a casual feel about it, too.  Must be the color.

The tag says Tee-ca New York. Never heard of them, but the dress is lovely in a heavy knit with beads embellishing the neckline. That color was very popular in the late ’60’s, too.  It’s kind of MOD, James Bond and all of that.

Like yesterday when I discovered the 1940’s dresses (and they all fit me!), it’s just such a thrill to run across an item that immediately transports you to another time and place.  That’s half the fun of it all – where you’ll be “going” tomorrow.  You just never know . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES SLINGBACK SANDALS!!!

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES FIND YESTERDAY!!!

Perfect, barely – worn, sling-back peep-toe sandals from the mid-1950’s. My day is absolutely made every time I discover another treasure like these!  Yes, there’s enough green here, too, to qualify for St. Patrick’s Day.

100% leather soles with fabric uppers in an abstract floral print of blues, greens and beige. Unusual and gorgeous.

These are “Tweedies” brand, stamped in gold on the black leather insole of the right foot, with the local shoe store’s name stamped in gold on the insole of the left. I’ve found that it was often done this way back in the day.

Oh, what will be around the next corner? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE VELVET GOWN – 1930’S STYLE

IMG_1798

This is my latest “I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!” FIND – a custom-tailored frock made for someone very petite, and shorter than Stella.  The deep green velvet is gorgeous, but I’m most taken with the styling.  Shoulders like that come from the 1930’s and 1940’s.  Will be an oh-so-elegant way to go to the St. Patrick’s Day dance or cocktail party.

Makes me wonder so much who, where and what this dress was sewn for – it’s got to have a fascinating story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FIFTIES FORMAL FROCK & MATCHING (?) FOOTWEAR

IMG_0923 IMG_0973Don’t know if these pieces went together back in the day, but someone probably wore these pale celery green items to a Prom, Homecoming or similar formal dance such as the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day party.  I would also want to add a shawl or bolero jacket.

The shoes are covered in satin and it was so great to find them in such excellent condition!  That’s some of the best fun of coming across a find like this.

If it had been up to me, I’d move the bow from the front of the dress to the waist – maybe in back.  But, that’s a project for another day. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY LEATHER CLUTCH PURSE

ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE 1950S/'60S LEATHER CLUTCH FOR THE VALENTINE'S DAY BASH

Accessories are EVERYTHING to an ensemble, so what to carry on an impromptu dressy occasion?   A true vintage bag, of course. This one doesn’t steal the show but demonstrates your exquisite taste and knowledge of quality.  I have many dressy bags, but this one is often my go-to choice.

It’s of gold leather and is lined in black rayon. The inside pocket, of course, contains its own little make-up mirror for touching up your lipstick throughout the night. No self-respecting true vintage handbag would come without one. If you’re a really successful sleuth, it will still be in it’s original little paper envelope.

The accessories that you carry or wear (this includes shoes) raise or lower the impression of your entire outfit. Genuine leather is always a preferred material, and quality construction.  Remember the phrase “well-heeled” to describe a person who is well-dressed and tasteful, referring especially to their choice of footwear?  That’s what it means!

It’s not the point to look for something expensive or flashy (better NOT flashy) if you are successful in the hunt for true vintage fashion.  It’s so much fun to spot that perfect bag hiding and waiting . . . . . you just never know . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY ’60S PARTY FROCK

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY '60S VALENTINE'S DAY FROCK

This dress is of heavy taffeta.  It looks so Spring-like, but in this substantial fabric and vibrant color it could stand on its own (almost literally!) any time of year.  The photo is of the back view, because of the cute bow.  In front, there is simple seaming at the waist for a cummerbund effect.  Very elegant and sweet, but also quite flattering with the shaped fit.

Love the salmon pink color! The material, 3/4 sleeves and netting under the skirt are so common for that time.  Such a beautiful fabric – I’ve found several dresses made of heavy taffeta from the late ’50’s to early ’60’s, in beautiful jewel tones. Would be perfect with a true vintage or modern FAUX rabbit stole ~ true vintage mink if you’re a real debutante.

As I’ve said before, when going for fur I choose true vintage (at least 50 years old) or faux/fake fur.  It is getting so good these days that you can have the look without the cruelty.  However, if I find a fur that is so old that buying it won’t support the current market for the fur trade, I go for it. There’s nothing like True Vintage.

This gown turned up a few years ago during one of my investigations. You just never know . . . . . .!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s – 1950’s RED VELVETEEN PARTY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S CHRISTMAS RED VELVETEEN PARTY DRESS

Staying in the spirit – looking back on the Christmas Dance (or ahead to the Valentine’s Day Dance)!  I just love this little circle skirt dress from the 1940’s – early 1950’s with sequins on the bodice.

Probably custom-tailored, with little cap sleeves and a skirt meant to swing.   Just right for dancing.

This is one of my favorite colors – good any season, but especially right when everything is white and gray outside.  Velveteen is also such a feel-good fabric.  You can’t beat rayon for drape, but velvet, silk, nylon and poly have their own lovely ways.

Zip up the back, waist-hugging style – there’s nothing too remarkable about the tailoring but it’s unmistakably TRUE VINTAGE, and  only the real thing that has that “look”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

DARK CHOCOLATE WITH A CHERRY ON TOP? EVERY GIRL LOVES CANDIES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY!

DARK CHOCOLATE WITH A CHERRY ON TOP? EVERY GIRL LOVES CANDIES FOR VALENTINE'S DAY!

Moving into the mood for a special date on St. Valentine’s Day, how about a little silk jacket in sweet cherry red from the 1950’s over your LBD? I love this one in a red and black print.

Pictured here with a modern skirt, you could also top a dress or slacks with this one. The nice short length is very versatile. Leave it open over a pretty, simple shell or blouse or wear it closed.

Just a little smolder while you sip a red in some small cafe’ . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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