Category Archives: dinner

TRUE VINTAGE TWO-PIECE KNIT DRESS FROM THE LATE ’50’S/EARLY ’60’S – MOD MEETS MAD MEN

TWO-PIECE KNIT MAD MEN DRESS FROM THE LATE '50'S/EARLY '60'S

For dinner or after-work cocktails, this little number would fill the bill.  Pair it with some matching blue pumps and you’d really be swank.

Simple as can be, but with the neckline decoration and the little vents at the waist, it’s very stylish.  And, like a sheath dress, the fit is classic and really flattering.

If you are a DIYer, this style is very simple to sew.  I have another very similar in lightweight soft green wool – made by the grandmother of a friend in mid-century, as a 3-season dressy day dress.

Just the thing to have in your closet for that unexpected invitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

WOW TIMES 3!!! GORGEOUS MID-CENTURY ASIAN JACKET BLOUSE

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What a beautiful find!  Because of the traditional styling I can’t date it exactly, but it’s old. Rayon satin with lovely floral embroidery.  Like the silk Cheongsam dress I found last week, this garment is so gorgeous and timeless – I’ll love wearing it for decades.

There’s another similar one of red silk hanging in my closet.  It looks wonderful with dressy black crepe pants,  a skirt or dress for cocktails or a special dinner party.

It’s off to the cleaners after I check the lining for any messages Mata Hari might have left behind . … . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S LBD THAT SPANS THE DECADES AND THE SIZES. . . . . . . .

Another pretty, pretty black crepe frock from the mid-century, embellished with bugle beads.  Perfect for a cocktail party or a dressy date, etc., etc.,etc.  When I tried it on size 2 Stella, it really had a 1920’s to 1930’s feel to the fit, with a slightly dropped waist and bow at the hip, plus drapey fabric and a slouchy fit on top.

Moving on to size 4 Giselle, the fit is still stunning but a little more trim and very classic.  Grace Kelly would have been gorgeous wearing this in the 1950’s.

Put the dress on size 6 Madge and it gets very sassy, more of a mini-length and much more Mod – this is the size it was designed for – or was it? . . . . . . . . .  The label would suggest so, but –

Isn’t this a good example of how a well-designed, garment that has been well-made of good-quality materials could look equally-beautiful on 3 different-sized women!  It’s a keeper!!  More finds to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ELEGANT AND STUNNING – TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S CUSTOM-TAILORED DINNER DRESS

IMG_0999 IMG_1000Stella stuns in this slim sheath with a draped neckline in back.  I know the woman who made this dress back while John F. Kennedy was president and it is exquisitely tailored in charcoal cotton velvet, with a fabric-covered belt.

The style is simple, but dramatic.  The cowl neckline in back is what makes the dress.  It’s perfect for a necklace that is long enough and simple enough to be draped front to back with a beautiful clasp at the neck, or hidden under a high neckline in front while making a statement on your bare shoulders behind.

But, it doesn’t need much adornment and best to keep it simple . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A SPECIAL 1950’S BEADED BAG

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I have lots of mid-century beaded bags but this one’s a bit older and I especially like the shape of it, soooooo . . . . . . . . . . . .

of course I had to pick it up.  This iridescent beige/gold color is so versatile to go with anything and everything.  So pretty – it makes me think of Grace Kelly.

Perfectly clean inside and with beads intact, what could be better? .. . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s CREPE DAY TO DINNER DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1940s CREPE DAY TO DINNER DRESS

Since the weather is still cool some days,  we can wear some slightly heavier fabrics.  The substantial crepe material from which this dress is made would be too heavy for warm weather but is just right when it’s moderate outside.  This simple sheath styling also can easily be paired with a sweater or short jacket

A short back zipper at the neck and shoulder pads are notable details.  The belt is cloth – covered near the buckle and beaded around the other half.  Whether you wear the buckle in front or back is up to you.  This fancy belt “ups” the sophistication of the dress and would let it go from day to dinner without a pause.  That was a real plus during wartime when a woman’s wardrobe may have been very limited.  The style and cut are so simple that it would also show off any piece of jewelry that you wanted to wear with it to dress it up.

The ’40’s is probably my favorite fashion decade, although there are beautiful clothes from every era.  The styles from this decade seem very self-confident, with imaginative and fun details.  They also look good on my figure, which is an important consideration!

This dress, and several others from the ’40s, were a surprise find that really lit up my day. In fact, it was a totally unexpected treasure trove that just opened itself to me because of being in the right place at the right time.  You just never know . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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TRUE VINTAGE SEA BLUE DINNER DANCE DRESS FROM THE LATE ’60S – EARLY ’70S

TRUE VINTAGE SEA BLUE DINNER DANCE DRESS FROM THE LATE '60S - EARLY '70S

This one could have been worn to the Cotillion dinner-dance before the time of Disco. With sheer sleeves and crystal-pleated skirt, it’s a dream of a dress for dancing.  It had no belt when I found it – I think I would put on a skinny tie belt, perhaps with a little sparkle (depending on my jewelry).

Crystal pleats can be really lovely and in this case they have a superb swing, with their trumpet shape. Polyester fabric holds pleats like this really well, so that style was popular when poly was really big.  This dress is very nicely made, by a company that was based in California.

It’s always frustrating to try finding a really good dance dress.  I’ve already shown one and will be posting several more soon because I have a collection!  One thing that was really popular in decades past was social dancing, in a more formal way than we do now. Therefore, there have been mountains of fabulous dresses created to dance in.

I’m always thrilled when I find a super one like this!  Though it’s not meant for funky get-down nights, it would be perfect for most kinds of ballroom dancing (fox trot, swing, tango, waltz, rumba, samba – stuff like that).  Whenever you go to a formal wedding or dance, there’s bound to be some of that – just depends.

Stick with me and I’ll show you all the treasures that I keep uncovering all year. So much fun, because you just never know!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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BACK IN THE TRUE VINTAGE FIFTIES WITH A LOVELY AND ELEGANT DINNER DRESS

BACK IN THE FIFTIES WITH A LOVELY AND ELEGANT DINNER DRESS

This dress is feminine and alluring in the best way. It makes the most of the female figure but is very tasteful – not a bit in-your-face.

The neckline and bodice treatment are quite unusual – something I’ve not seen done like this before or after.

The kind of fashion that makes you truly unforgettable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES SHEATH DRESS WITH BEADED NECKLINE

TRUE VINTAGE MID-SIXTIES SHEATH DRESS WITH BEADED NECKLINE

Here’s a mod version of the little black dress – classic knee-length sheath styling in black crepe, with a sassy stand collar in bugle beads.   LOVE this neckline!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’s COCKTAIL DRESS IN MOCHA

BUT, RED AND PINK ARE JUST NOT MY COLORS!

 

Beiges are always a smart alternative when you don’t want to go the black route for some dressy or special occasion..  This frock is a beautiful, glowing mocha that flatters like crazy.  With a big crinoline underneath, it might even have gone to the Prom!  It’s rockabilly – swing done elegantly.

The fabric is unusual – some kind of rayon or blend with a nice drape and gorgeous sheen. Wide scoop necklines and nipped waists are favorites of mine and I absolutely adore this dress.  Perfect for cocktails, dinner, a dance party, etc., etc..

Although not a set, I might combine this little lace-overlay bolero jacket with it for some venues when it’s going to be chilly inside or out.  The color is a perfect go-with.  A simple cashmere cardigan, beautiful shawl or a true vintage fur would all work nicely, too.

 

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVITAGESPY.COM

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