Category Archives: dress

AN INTERESTING VINTAGE/VINTAGE-STYLE WEDDING/DANCE DRESS

AN INTERESTING VINTAGE/VINTAGE-STYLE WEDDING/DANCE DRESS

This ’20’s – style dress was made in the 1970’s and was probably intended to be a wedding gown.  The design is actually a hybrid ’20’s/’40’s in some ways. As marginal as the 1970’s were with regard to quality fashion (in my opinion), I have found some vintage-inspired garments made during that decade that were pretty cool.

This dress has never been worn – still has a paper inventory tag fastened inside the left sleeve. Also, there are care and content tags, but no maker’s label.

It seems fairly well-made and is an interesting design.  I find it intriguing as a curiosity, mostly, and would put it in the category of the Gunne Sax dresses of that time, many of which were styled after antique fashions.

Was this the remnant of a wedding that never happened, or just dead stock?  I wonder.. . . .  you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

I HAVE JUST BECOME CUSTODIAN OF A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING ENSEMBLE FROM 1955

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Isn’t this just to die for?  Of course, the little bolero jacket comes off to reveal a sleeveless gown with slim straps – that’s for after the ceremony when the party really starts!

The tulle, lace and embroidery plus the poufy skirt are so Fifties and wonderful as can be.  Don’t make ’em like this anymore . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND! BEAUTIFULLY – TAILORED 1960’S GOWN WITH GORGEOUS DETAIL

What a stunning dress in linen white with old ivory lace sleeves and applique’ decoration.   A little bit Mod and a little bit ethnic.  LOVE the hourglass fit and the button and loop closures all the way down the back.  It looks summery, but the weight of the fabric and full lining lets you do 3 seasons with it.  Extremely well-tailored by Alfred Angelo.   Could go to a formal dance or a wedding.

True, I’ve not been on the prowl as much lately – been involved in other business and maintaining my inconspicuous profile.  However, this time I just couldn’t resist.  So keep an eye out, because you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY SIXTIES FORMAL OR SEMI-FORMAL DRESSES IN PASTELS WITH LACE OR EMBROIDERED OVERLAY

EARLY SIXTIES SPRING SEMI-FORMAL DRESSES IN PASTELS WITH LACE OVERLAY

A hallmark of early Sixties fashion was lace or embroidered organza overlay, which we see again and again every decade or two! These very pretty frocks were meant for semi-formal occasions – dinners, parties, dances and ceremonies. A professional cleaning will refresh the full-length ones in time for a wedding!  The bride would look gorgeous in the white and the blue is perfect for any of a wedding party or mother-of-the-bride.

They’re so feminine and flattering, in a variety of styles.  And, of course, beautifully-made.  I especially like the knee-length one – a little bit Mod, but also traditional.   The lace over-dress is partially open in the back, revealing the fitted sheath beneath.  Long sleeves add a little warmth for early Spring and make the design more demure BUT . . . . . . .

very sexy in an elegant and sophisticated way.  They knew how to do that back in the day.  A lost art?  I hope not  . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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CUTE CUSTOM-TAILORED DAY DRESS WITH MATCHING SCARF – TRUE VINTAGE FOR SPRING, SUMMER OR EARLY FALL

IMG_1671 IMG_1665This frock is another of Rosalie’s creations.  (The mother of a dear friend and a fantastic seamstress).  A simple design made interesting with inverted pleats on the bodice and skirt. She was such an exceptional tailor! The fabric is a textured type that was very popular in the mid to late ’60’s which resembles burlap or “hop sacking”.

I have added the chain belt, though the dress was intended to hang straight and falls nicely without it.  The scarf is another addition – also Rosalie’s, but it was commercially made.  Since the colors blend so nicely and both are from the mid-sixties Mod era, they are really good together.  This is a good example of how accessories can transform an outfit.

So, here’s an everyday ensemble from 50 years ago that’s so easy to wear and has a different “twist” that makes it absolutely unique today!  Even though it’s not pop-your-eyes-out vintage, people will see it and say “hmmmmm. . . . . . . . . . . . . .?”

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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VERY CUTE! TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S SPRING DAY DRESS

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SWEET LITTLE BIAS-CUT FROCK WITH A SWING AND SWAY HEMLINE.

This dress is so simple, but there are very interesting and attractive details – true to its mid-century era.  The bow at the neckline and little covered buttons are precious.  The fabric, also, is lovely.  It feels like rayon and has a weave that makes it look like shantung – very smart for such a plain dress, but – that’s true vintage – they put really nice details on even the most everyday off-the-rack garments.

Although this style would be very easy to home-sew, the dress was commercially made.  A tag inside says it’s a vintage plus size 18 1/2, believe it or not.  Equivalent to a size 6 or 8 today.  Size 4 me can even wear it with a belt, though I might want to pad my bra a bit . . . . . .. .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE HANDMADE SPRING SHIRTWAIST DRESS FROM THE FORTIES OR FIFTIES

IMG_1301An iconic mid-century cotton shirtwaist dress that someone made at home, probably in a small town or on a farm.   EVERY WOMAN was wearing these at one time – like we wear jeans today.

If you’re able to zoom in, check out the buttons and the pocket flaps on the skirt.  It’s a very pretty pink plaid.  Just right for running out to the A & P, baking a pie or collecting eggs . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEST TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SUNDAY, DINNER, PARTY, DATE, OCCASION JACKET DRESS

BEST 1950'S SUNDAY, DINNER, PARTY, DATE, OCCASION JACKET DRESS

Beautiful navy and pink combo on this special jacket-dress from the 1940’s.  A real beauty.  Nice drapey crepe in flattering navy and pink hues.

Flower petal collar. Easter splendor.  Come on Springtime! . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE SHEER SHIRT-DRESS FOR SPRING FROM THE 1950s

TRUE VINTAGE SHEER SHIRT-DRESS FOR SPRING FROM THE 1950s

In the 1950s, this style of shirt-dress in a very sheer printed material was popular.  I have found several of them here and there.  Although the photo doesn’t do it justice, it’s one of my favorites.  The fabric drapes really well and is very flattering.  Bits of pink in the print help it to go with my skin-tone.

Usually, dresses of this type were belted and, of course, would be worn over a slip. Imagine this one with a lovely true vintage nylon slip underneath (but not a fussy slip). and a covered buckle belt or tie belt. . . . . . . . . . .your skirt swaying in the breeze as you walk down main street on your shopping errands for the day.  A pretty little ’50s bag and peep-toe sling-back sandals might be nice.  Or, you can mix it up.  I love a full-on vintage look, especially with dresses, but mixing decades is also fun.

Vintage accessories with modern clothing really works for me sometimes. I find the mixing easy with casual looks. The great thing about many true vintage items is that their styles are very classic and elegant. Therefore, if you do go 100% true vintage in an outfit that is very elegant, it won’t look overdone or too much like a movie set. Be careful not to over-do things like jewelry or hat and gloves unless you want to aim for the kitchie look.  That’s fun, too.  And, to me, fun is what it’s all about.

I love the elements of history, mystery, style and aesthetics and recycling – but it’s all fun to me!  Everyone loves a treasure hunt, because you just never know . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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ANOTHER SURPRISE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S/’50’S DRESS WITH THE TAGS STILL ON!!

ANOTHER SURPRISE FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S/'50'S DRESS WITH THE TAGS STILL ON!!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE surprises like this!! A polished cotton Spring shirtwaist frock from back in the day that’s new to me!

This dress would have been sold in a hometown store or a department store – it was a budget to mid-priced item – but the quality of workmanship would beat most of what is sold today.  That’s not even to consider the fabric – it’s really superior and you won’t find anything like that now!

It was just an everyday day-dress to Rosie the Riveter or Lucy Ricardo, but I think it’s cute with a lot of attitude today. That’s what it’s all about.  Madge thinks it’s pretty swell . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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