Category Archives: dress

SASSY JUNIORS 1960’S COCKTAIL FROCK FIND – SAME ERA AS YESTERDAY’S, BUT A TOTALLY DIFFERENT VIBE

While I was having a run on ’60’s cocktail LBDs, this one presented herself.  Same chiffon drape detail idea, but very sassy chic instead of tailored and ladylike.  So much fun!

I also love discovering these frocks that were worn once or not at all.  And even the ones that saw many the party are often still in quite beautiful condition, as our grandmothers were not in the habit of trashing their clothing.  You won’t see the next one for a while, though, because she needs a zipper replacement.  A breeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

In the meantime, there’s lots more to show you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

1950’S – EARLY 1960’S KENNEDY ERA LBD COCKTAIL DRESS

Isn’t this one a beauty?!  Another of my “new” finds this winter, when I had a sudden rush of discovering little black dresses from this particular era, most with these interesting drapes of black chiffon.

It’s a keeper for sure!  Though a little long, it fits like a dream and, of course, is very well-tailored.  Love the bodice treatment and little cap sleeves.  The very svelte sheath fit makes up for the poufiness around the hips.  Now I just need to find a cocktail party . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

A PRETTY 1950’S DAY DRESS FIND

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Love the cap sleeves and superb fit.  The fabric is luscious – medium heavy with glossy stripes.  I wonder what kind of blend it may be?  Those vintage mystery blends created some of the most fabulous materials ever.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

SEVENTIES SUNDRESS FIND – PRETTY IN POLKA DOTS

Love polka dots and polished cotton!  Stella’s off to the State Fair.

Although this dress isn’t way old, it is true vintage and the classic and fun styling made it worth picking up and wearing.  It’s very reminiscent of summer dresses from the 1950’s and early 1960’s and is made well.

As we go up and down, back and forth through the decades, stay tuned!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1960’S KIND OF MOD / KIND OF SCOOTER DRESS FOR SUMMER

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Isn’t this cute?  Someone custom-sewed it back in the day.  Love the flippy skirt and overall easy style.  Neat find!

Not much else to say, but the photos will keep on coming.  Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

CLASSIC BLACK SHANTUNG DAY DRESS FROM THE KENNEDY ERA

A perfect little black dress for day – wonderful find!  The classic elements – 3/4 sleeves, decorative detail and shantung weave – make it very fun and versatile.  A best of the best everyday garment to discover.

Always an adventure!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

HERE COME THE TRUE VINTAGE DAY-DRESSES, AND THIS ONE IS JUST THE CAT’S PAJAMAS FOR ANY MOTHER-TO-BE

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Believe it or not, it IS a maternity dress!  From the Forties or early Fifties!!  The brand name is Lady in Waiting (how cute).  What a fun, fun find!

Nothing could be more practical or economical than this baby (pun intended).  The fabric is cotton, rayon or a blend in a colorful print.  Perfect for a summer pregnancy.  The dress is simple and was not expensive, but so ingeniously designed and convenient!

The easy, breezy shirtwaist style is always in fashion and the flowing fabric is very forgiving.  Underneath that wrap-around wasp waist sash is extra material and a set of 3 snaps near each side seam which allow the dress to be let out up to about 10 inches.  So, no matter the stage she’s at, this mama could wear the dress from start to finish and beyond.

Good old American ingenuity (not to imply that we’re the only ones).  I love clever fashion ideas like this one.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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