Category Archives: day dress

SO SIXTIES TRUE VINTAGE FALL/WINTER HIPPIE MEETS THE OFFICE DRESS

IMG_1752Isn’t this the neatest and most unusual thing?

     It’s from the mid to late 1960’s and made of soft wool – knit on top, and crocheted below with an acetate lining.  Looks like a working-girl’s dress, or maybe for a serious student.

I’d never seen one just like this before!  Although the skirt looks hand-done, the dress was commercially-made.  It’s so much fun, and just right for this time of year when, at least some days, it’s getting pretty cold.  But, the nice thing about this wool, and another one I’ll show you soon, is that it’s so soft you can wear it without a slip and not feel prickled at all.

So many uncommon finds, and it just keeps on going . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SHIRTWAIST DRESS BY HENRY-LEE

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Made by the well-know vintage dressmaking company Henry Lee, it is a working-girl version of the classic shirtwaist dress which has looked just about the same since 1945.

A specialized treatment at the neck and faceted buttons elevate the style to a level above the standard house dress of 1962, but it’s still the same eternal design.  Dresses by Henry Lee were always carefully designed and well-made; one of those stand-by labels that women could always depend on.

Looks, to me, like a perfect back-to-school frock for a Sixties elementary school teacher or a secretary, the way they dressed back then.  It’s a little bit big for both Stella and me, so will probably find its way to eBay at some point, but I never resist taking rides Back to the Future . .. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEXT TRUE VINTAGE DISCOVERY -PRETTY 1960’S HOME-CREATED DAY DRESS

This custom-tailored dress is really special for several reasons.  The style and color are not unusual – a shaped sheath with back metal zipper in a lovely olive (not as grayish as the photo seems).  BUT, the fabric (probably a rayon or blend) has interesting slubs and visible weave throughout.   The most fascinating part, though is the cummerbund . . . . . .

it is not a machine-made trim that came from a sewing store.  The treatment at the waist is completely hand-crocheted in fine thread and then was attached to the dress, probably while the person worked.  It’s backed with cheesecloth to protect the attachment.  Very carefully done – no wonder it has lasted so long.

One of the most fun aspects of my sleuthing is the original and astounding details found in many of the garments and accessories that I uncover.  Love delightful surprises!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

HERE’S A BETTER FIND – A 1950’S -’60’S SLINKY KNIT HOUSEDRESS IN A FABULOUS PRINT

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Love, love, love the graphics here!  Although this dress was never more than a lower-end bargain fashion, the style and construction testify to the superior quality and value of  garments made several decades ago.  I’ll enjoy wearing this one, but I’ll take special care of it, too.

The label is no longer legible, so I’m not sure of the exact fabric content or the brand name.  Also, the original belt is missing, which was probably a tie belt.  Like many of the knits back in the day, it has a really nice feel and hangs and drapes beautifully.  I like this shiny buckle belt now – dresses it up a bit.

Keep on watching, because it only gets better . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

NEXT FIND – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S/EARLY 1960’S HAND-MADE HOUSE DRESS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Gingham again – it’s always classic and often found in lots of casual clothing from mid-century.   OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

In this example, we have a custom-tailored design – sort of Western-wear, but just CUTE! Simple shift style, but when I wear it I’ll probably add a belt and cinch the waist.  The ruffle at the hem, cross-stitch decoration and interesting elbow-length sleeves all make it unique and would even be a good Halloween costume.

Dresses with these features were popular in mid-century in the United States, when there was a big Western/cowboy craze going on.  Ever hear of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans?  I’ve learned so much by being interested in true vintage fashion!  Happy trails to you, until we meet again.  Have fun tonight – arroooooooooooooooooo . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

MY TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SHOULDER SEASON FROCK BY LORA LENNOX – FROM KANSAS CITY!

IMG_1441Such a smart-looking little day-dress by Lora Lennox.  Apparently, this was a dressmaker label that was common back in the day.  The polka dots and big buttons are a lot of fun – plus the vibrant salmon – orange color; not garish and softened just a bit by the pinkish undertone.

I ALWAYS love shoulder pads and the hem flounce is very saucy.  These are wonderful when you walk in them.

Doesn’t this dress look fabulous on Stella?  I love it.  And the fact that I found it in Kansas City – well, that conjures all kinds of possibilities in terms of it’s history . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY SHIRTWAIST DRESS & COSTUME JEWELRY

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Classic shirtwaist styled day-dress from the 1960’s or ’70’s, made very special with a choice of jewelry sets from the 1950’s. Necklaces with matching bracelets or earrings (sometimes both) used to be super-popular and really dressed up even the most plain frock.

I love these examples, with enamel, rhinestones and Lucite. Just nice everyday stuff, but so eye-catching and colorful. My favorite would be something that coordinates with my outfit.  This time, I’d probably choose the white enameled metal flower.  I’ve got lots more to show, so stay tuned . .. . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MID – CENTURY ART METAL COSTUME JEWELRY, AND A CUTE 1950’S DRESS

Custom-tailored in the 1950’s of heavy cotton, with ric-rac trim and a back metal zipper. Works perfectly right now with a cute white blouse or even a turtleneck top underneath.

Very cute with distinctive costume jewelry from the 1940’s and 1950’s – copper,brass or nickel enameled in bright colors or sculpted in interesting shapes.  These are some of the most fun to wear and are rare finds!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE RED ENSEMBLES FROM THE 1940’S AND 1960’S

IMG_0977 IMG_0986 IMG_0987Now that Stella is part of my modeling crew, I can show more of my gorgeous dresses on more than just a hanger.  Madge (bless her heart, she’s beautiful) just can’t get into many of them.  These temperatures recently have kept 3-seasons garments in the spotlight!

Lots to tell about these.  The sheath on the left is pure mid-sixties mod.  The waistline is open, held together with a row of plastic circles that show your midriff.  In order to make it a little more versatile, I sewed a silk scarf into the waistline.  Easy to remove, but it takes the dress from pure casual to dressy, if necessary. It’s lined and very nicely made.

The printed shirtwaist is 1940’s in rayon – so fabulous to the touch and drapes like a dream!  One of my absolute favorite dresses.

The shoes are my choice, today, of what I’d put with them.  Johansen pumps from the 1960’s are great with the sheath and some ’80’s does ’40’s slingback peep-toes by NINA are perfect with the shirtwaist.  Both leather, of course.

And, for the final touch, anything from this 1940’s – 1950’s assortment of neckaces, bracelets, earrings and pins would be a great addition.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S BLACK & WHITE MIDI FROCK

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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