A breezy cotton frock in a nice print – I like the focus on the upper bodice and at the hem. It’s a figure-enhancing style that creates an hourglass shape. I really must have Stella show it off some time.
The skirt is not completely full, but it sways and billows nicely. Looks great with casual heels. Love it! I’ts a great go-to day dress for 3 seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
These pieces were found on opposite sides of the world, several years apart, but they work here. Mid-century sheer dresses require beautiful, but pretty plain, lingerie slips of the right length to carry them off properly.
From Canada, the lovely peach-colored silk slip can double as a dress. Bias cut and the slinky, sexy fit points to the 1930’s as it’s era. Pretty embroidery makes it really special and it has little hardware which make the shoulder straps adjustable..
The sheer party dress, which I found in Australia a few years ago, was probably custom-tailored. Dropped waist and tea length. See the photo showing metallic piping that is sewn around each sleeve and the front of the neckline, with a cowl in back. The fabric also has metallic flower and leaf decoration stamped on. So fabulous to find pieces like this in near-perfect condition!
Picky work to construct this dress, and I’m so astounded by the skill of seamstresses back in the day. Yes, it was a lot of work, but how fun it would be to have something exactly as you wanted with personalized fit!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Stella rocks this wonderful find from my recent trip. Can’t wait to wear it over a long black skirt or with black cigarette pants!
This was not a high-end item, in spite of the mink trim – like so many lovely things from mid-century, the average woman was able to buy and wear it. It is open-weave in a glossy synthetic material, lined with black fabric. The floral fantasy pattern reflects the colors of most, if not all, of the treasures I found in that country. Stay tuned to see more . . . . .
It was made by a New Zealand clothing company back in the day. I was told by other vintage experts there that New Zealand used to have a very excellent clothing industry which has, sadly, gone now.
But, so much more FUN for a modern sleuth . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This very pretty frock has an unusual neckline. The collar is of 3 layers, and each one is bordered by covered wiring which allows the wearer to shape the neckline as desired. A friend of mine said that she remembers dresses of this type from the 1950’s. The style would certainly fit in with early ’50’s and late 1940’s fashion.
It’s also very tiny, so it all points to a time when average women’s figures and clothing sizes were much smaller than they are today.
The fabric appears to be silk. So lovely and flattering. Obviously, this dress was made to be worn to a party or other special occasion. Imagine my delight when I discovered it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
If you can shimmy like your sister Sue, this is the dress for you! It’s my size, but I have to learn how to do it justice on the dance floor. However, it’ll probably make a statement with any kind of dance, excepting ballroom.
Someone made this frock or costume by hand in the 1960’s or 1970’s. Definitely styled to make an impression. If you’ve ever seen someone who can shimmy well, you know what I mean.
What fun! I found another 1960’s version earlier this year – a trend? Who knows. They say that things come in threes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
HAD to pick this up when I found it – a carrying bag for shoes (particularly, dance shoes for ballet, tap, etc.). I had one when taking ballet lessons as a child. Hadn’t thought of it in years – what a blast from the past to see it! I’ll bet that some of you recognize it, too.
Also uncovered some fabulous dresses today and will show them soon . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This dress/gown/frock was such fun to discover – it’d been a while since I had run across a fur-trimmed garment with sleeves like this, and never on a dress. This is more than a cocktail dress, but not quite formal. Was this specially made for a visit to the Queen?
Like one of my 1940’s wedding gowns, it is a brocade-type fabric, though a bit less heavy. I am puzzled as to what type of event this dress would have been worn to. Time for some research. Any ideas?
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
We’re approaching the time of year – Homecoming – Holidays – when gowns and formal-wear are most popular (until we get into Mardi Gras and Prom time!). This dress is so gorgeous and unique – a white evening gown with a splash of gold comet-dust across the bodice and down the skirt.
I’ve seen so many ceramic and plastic items from the Fifties (I have a lamp like this!) that are white or black and decorated with gold this way. It was so much fun to find it on a dress.
It’s a rayon or acetate sheath with a defined waist, draped all over with tulle netting. Very ’50’s and perfect for a Princess of the Galaxy, or the Magicvintagespy . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, it is really crushed! Needs a trip to the cleaner or, maybe, a good steaming. Doing this at home can be tricky, however, with true vintage garments.
Reminds me so much of photos I’ve seen from the late 1960’s and early 1970’s – a typical dress for the Homecoming dance.
Crushed velvet and panne’ velvet were really popular then, plus dresses with Victorian or Edwardian tailoring details. Funny how fashion really swings back and forth from modernistic to old-style, sometimes combining the two in one garment.
In this case, I love the long sleeves and vintage-style bodice with lacy trim at the neck and a mini-skirt combined. I see a lot of that in my investigating experiences – so interesting!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I think we’ve got a good show-off of the clear vinyl and gold leather that was so popular in dressy sandals from the Fifties. These came from a private store in Chicago that had shoes specially made under their own label.
There are so many photographs of women in the ’50’s wearing gold dress sandals and sandals with clear vinyl vamps that it’s iconic of that time. Makes me think of Peggy Lee and Cotillion dinner – dances that were such popular social events then.
Off to the Country Club, anyone? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
