Similar to the wrap-around skirt I showed a few weeks ago, this one has the applique’d design that was so popular in the mid-’70’s. Very preppy.
The style is casual, but it’s very well-made, by a smaller maker whose name I don’t recognize. Usually garments like this were in the “smarter” sportswear category and cost a bit more. There’s not a lot to say about clothing like this, but if you know it and see it – it’s 1970’s all over. Several companies that we all know of make this type of clothing now. Ho hum . . .. . but it can be nice to have an item or two like this for certain events, such as spectating at a golf tournament. And, it has the definite advantage of good quality.
Back to more interesting cases tomorrow . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Well, now that I’ve got the road dust washed off and had a good sleep, I’ll finish up with the lovelies that I uncovered about 2 weeks ago. This one is in a dark navy color, a favorite of mine, with a neutral floral print.
I believe it is missing its belt (a frequent issue, of course) and the label is gone but there is no question that this was commercially-made. I am acquainted with the store owner where this one and its sisters were waiting and she was able to give me some of the history.
The length is below the knee and the skirt has an attached crinoline. I especially like the woven shoulder straps and neckline, done in a shiny cord of dark navy. The fit is really cute and flattering.
Not really a formal, but definitely a party/occasion dress, made for dancing the night away . . . . .. . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
Through till Monday or so, it’s all about details. This dress doesn’t look like much on the hanger – it’s a custom-tailored wrap dress that needs the body to define it’s shape.
The most interesting points about it are in the construction. It’s a fun style that buttons off-side and has hidden inside ties to shape the waist and tame the overlap.
The seamstress used little metallic buttons and the fabric has gold accents on some of the flowers in the print. It has an Asian flavor to the style and the floral designs.
So far, you’re still saying “OK, ho hum, so what? I see stuff that looks like this all the time.” The big deal in this dress, to my vintage-spotting eye, is the fabric.
It is a closely-woven 100% cotton that looks and feels like nothing new. The best way that I can describe the “hand” (feel) of it is if your grandmother still has cotton sheets from the 1940’s or 1950’s that have gotten soft with wear over the years, but are still strong.
The fabric also has a polish. Good polished cotton is rarely, if ever, seen in modern clothing.
So, that’s the secret of this casual dress and what makes it special. . . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest
book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
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