Category Archives: dress

BEAUTIFUL FLORAL COTTON GOWN – MADE IN HAWAII?????

Isn’t this print gorgeous?  And, the cotton is super, super soft – probably due to age and washings as well as a high-quality fabric.

Another mystery for me!  Can’t date it exactly – there is no label and signs say that it was hand-tailored.  The style is not traditional Hawaiian, but certain details, such as the pleat in the back of the skirt and the fabulous material, make me think of other vintage gowns made there.

No matter.  It’s lovely and tiny but, if I can comfortably wear it it’s a keeper!  We’ll see . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SWISHY, SASSY AND SOPHISTICATED EIGHTIES DOES FORTIES DAY DRESS

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When I don’t find the real 1940’s thing, this will do.  When a dress is as nicely done as this one, I collect it and wear it with no worries.

In a pretty true-to-Forties style, of 100% rayon with an abstract leaf print, this frock wraps in front and ties to one side.  Well-fitting with some smocked elastic in the waistband behind and well-placed buttons and snaps inside to prevent gaps.  This is a design that rivals the best vintage styles with attention to tailoring detail and makes any garment a pleasure to wear.

Modest-sized shoulder pads and a midi-hemline add to the figure-enhancing final result.  Easy, worry-free wear and flattering style never came any better.  Although it’s only baby vintage, just about 35 years old, I’m pleased and will wear it a lot!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE TEXTILE FINDS ARE ALWAYS TREASURE

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Fun and interesting mid-century and antique table and bed linens often show up during my investigations.  The prints are humorous, colorful and pretty.  Modern copycats can’t  come close!  If there is handwork like embroidery or lace, it’s beautiful.  I collect them, too.  The mending and stain removal that is sometimes required is no big deal and anything with too much damage can be made into pillow covers and cloth napkins.  I love using these things at home in my kitchen and bedroom, but there’s more . . . . . . . . . . .

Big pieces of fabric are also wonderful made into clothing and accessories.  Trim can sometimes be added to other garments or a big piece of crocheted or tatted lace makes a beautiful dress or blouse. Can’t you just imagine this cloth made into a summer dress, skirt or blouse, maybe with a matching handbag? Can’t wait to use this cute tablecloth!

Potential vintage fashion treasures abound everywhere!  Use your imagination and you never know what you may uncover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

SECOND FIND – AN EIGHTIES DOES FORTIES SEMI-FORMAL DRESS

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Interesting!  I’ve come up, in the past 3 or 4 years, with three dresses in this basic style – crossover bodice, wasp waist, poufy sleeves and shoulder augmentation – all in formal styles.

The first find was true 1940’s, the second was ’40’s to early ’50’s and this last is 1980’s doing the Forties thing.  This frock’s styling is a real dog’s breakfast.  It  gives a nod to the bubble skirts of the Eighties in spite of the mid-calf length and in a ’50’s-style bright pastel – which to me is kind of an awkward trendy marketing ploy that fails in the final analysis.

No matter.  It’s fun to see what happened with the same style over the years and this one will go to the university theater due to some un-fixable damage.  It’s a hoot to explore the back alleys of fashion history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST FOUND YESTERDAY – A POLISHED COTTON SEVENTIES SUNDRESS

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I’m in frock heaven recently!  The best thing about this dress is the fabric – heavy polished cotton was common in the early mid-century, so it’s great to find it in a late mid-century day dress.  Always love polka dots.  Also, it’s well-tailored with some of the classic tailoring touches that we miss today. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

There’s a 1 1/2″ hem allowance, well-hidden side seam pockets on each hip and it used to have a fabric tie belt, sadly missing now as so often happens.  This style was very popular and well-made up through the mid-1960’s.  Since then, not so much, so I’m happy that this example came a little bit later and was nicely-constructed of quality material.

Well, this discovery just makes me day-dream about what’s next – there is another really nice surprise coming . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LOVE THIS HAND-TAILORED COTTON GOWN IN A PRETTY PEONY PRINT

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The colors are beautiful and the styling unusual, with a faux train detail back and front – falling from the bodice.  My first impression was that this dress may have been made in Hawaii, but I’m not sure.  There is no label and my impression is that it was made by an individual with tailoring expertise or at a small tailoring shop.

The fabric and construction details say true vintage to me, so I’m going with that.  Such a pretty design – it floats from just above the bust-line, swirling down to the hem, which is cut just a little longer in the back to make the dress fall properly.  This is a detail that is not often (if ever) seen in mainstream patterns that have been cut recently – one of the important styling elements that have gone by the wayside in modern times.  Surely true couture houses still observe them(?).

Anyway, gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.  Very informal but extremely elegant.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A 1960’S NANCY FROCK – HOW FUN IS THAT?

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Haven’t found a “Nancy Frock” in quite a while so I’m very happy with this find.  A house-dress, day-dress combo.  The label says you can “wear it anywhere” – a smart style so typical of lower-priced dresses of that era.  Proudly “made in the U.S.A.”.  Such an old, iconic brand name label.

This poly shirtwaist style has an overall paisley print – so 1960’s. Although it doesn’t show well in the photo, the dyed-to-match buttons are sculpted and there is a little neck-tie beneath the collar, which dresses it up a bit.  I love it that this dress also is in virtually perfect condition.  The only flaw I see is the missing original belt.

Also, the original owner had written on the label “New  Long” but I’m not about to try to remove that – it’s part of the story that she probably intended to have it altered (or do it herself).  Looks like she never got around to it, so this garment may be new and unworn.  Fab.

When it rains, it pours.  So, more coming your way tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LATE 1960’S 1970’S PRAIRIE STYLE DRESS FIND – THIS ONE CAN HAVE MANY LIVES

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Could be a Prom – party, wedding or casual summer day dress according to your wish!  Love well-made frocks like this one, which has pretty fabric and trim as well as a liner that prevents see-through (excepting for a bit at the midriff and on the sleeves).  Just right!

I’m always super-happy to find a gown or long dress of this genre and era.  And, in perfect condition.  Things just keep getting better . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A LITTLE BLACK DAY DRESS – JUST RIGHT FOR A TRIP TO TOWN

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Another elegant style, to be dressed up or down.  Definitely needs a steam-clean, but we can discuss the details.  Style is a simple, belted sheath (probably had a fabric-covered buckle belt originally) with 3/4-length sleeves and faux pocket detail at the hips.  The fabric is a very nice shantung weave.

A dress like this is SO versatile that everyone owned at least one.  It’s very basic and streamlined so looks smart for errands but dresses up beautifully for cocktails or dinner with high heels, pearls or a sparkly brooch.

I’m so glad to have it in my closet.  Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TWO MORE TRUE VINTAGE LBDs – THIS TIME FROM THE 1950’S

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Little Black Dresses keep coming my way.  Love this one, with interesting tailoring details.  Since these don’t show up in the photo, I will explain while you use your imagination.

Short, short sleeves are very flattering and the front of the bodice is sheer to show off the lace or trim on a beautiful black slip from that era.  There is a fabric tassel at the waist, to be tied into a bow.  From the hip to near the hemline, horizontal pleats add interest to the pencil skirt.  Very elegant and becoming and –

there’s more coming your way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM