Category Archives: dress

ANOTHER KENNEDY-ERA DRESS FIND – UNBELIEVABLE!

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This happens to me a lot – finding styles and garments from the same era one after another, with lots of similarities.  Sometimes those similarities are also quite rare!  Here we have another sheath design in a Junior size, with chiffon drapes from the waist.  I’ve seen these drapes before from that time period, but from the neckline on Misses size dresses.   However, the similarities end there . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

this one is not in black crepe.  It is lined lace with gathers at the waistline and chiffon around the neckline.  More demure and a tad more sophisticated.  Still a cocktail/dinner frock and in perfect condition!  Also in my size.  I wonder what’s next?  You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MY LATEST FIND – 1960’S BLACK CREPE SHEATH DINNER DRESS

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This style is a very elegant, body-skimming sheath design with back zip and a low plunge behind.  Notice the chiffon drape which hangs from the waist, and the simple embroidery on the bodice.

Although the interior size tag reads 8, an attached paper tag dangling from a side-seam give the sizing as 7/8, meaning that this was a Junior size frock rather than Misses, with a youthful cut.  LOVE IT when original sales tags are present and testify to a garment that has never been worn!!

Knee-length to moderate-mini, depending on the wearer’s height, and with a 3″ hem allowance.  Perfect.  Just my size!  Never fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TWO WELL-MADE KNIT FROCKS FROM THE EARLY 1970’S

I’m showing these dresses together because they have so much in common.  The biggest similarity is the heavy-weight knit fabric that was so characteristic of clothing made between 1973 and 1976, more or less.  It is beautiful, sheds wrinkles and drapes like a dream.

These examples are not high-end, but are very well-tailored.  Neither has a label, so I’m not sure if they might have been custom-made.  In any case, the original owner of the red one altered the hemline at some point.  Both still have about 3″ of hem allowance (such a luxury!).

I haven’t tried them on yet, but predict that they will fit me and will be very flattering.  Well-made garments of quality fabric and good design usually are – another reason why I adore true vintage fashion!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ELEGANT TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES COCKTAIL PARTY DRESS

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With all the casual elegance of the mid-1960’s, this metallic frock is the greatest!  I was just thrilled to find this.  It’s fully-lined and in great shape.  I had to tack up the hem and give it a light cleaning – that’s all!

More perfect party-wear.  Couldn’t ask for more this holiday season.  I  enjoyed this one on New Year’s Eve.  Simply-made and easy to wear, that’s the best of the best when it’s also high quality.

Love true vintage . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

FUN SIXTIES DRESS BY ANOTHER CLASSIC VINTAGE CLOTHING LABEL

IMG_1777This little ’60’s or ’70’s frock is a bit whimsical in coloring, but very traditional in style. The maker is Lanz, which started in 1922 making Tyrolean costumes in Austria.  The brand became well-known with sportswear in the mid-century U.S. and branched out.

Although their styles were fun and popular, they also remained loyal to traditional design and high quality.  This dress is a little too fussy for me, but I thought it was worth picking up for the reputation of the exceptional brand name.  Always fun to say “hello” to an acquaintance I’ve made  before . . . . . . . I’ve got at least 3 of their garments already.

The fabric seems to be silk, though there is no content label.  With this maker, I wouldn’t be surprised.  I put a red belt on for the photo, but it is not original.  The original belt may have been a tie belt – probably purple, but I’m not sure yet.  Fortunately, the hem allowance is large enough to provide the fabric for a replacement (love that!!).

Anyway, it kind of looks appropriate for this time of year with some family gatherings and more traditional events on the calendar.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

 

SO SIXTIES TRUE VINTAGE FALL/WINTER HIPPIE MEETS THE OFFICE DRESS

IMG_1752Isn’t this the neatest and most unusual thing?

     It’s from the mid to late 1960’s and made of soft wool – knit on top, and crocheted below with an acetate lining.  Looks like a working-girl’s dress, or maybe for a serious student.

I’d never seen one just like this before!  Although the skirt looks hand-done, the dress was commercially-made.  It’s so much fun, and just right for this time of year when, at least some days, it’s getting pretty cold.  But, the nice thing about this wool, and another one I’ll show you soon, is that it’s so soft you can wear it without a slip and not feel prickled at all.

So many uncommon finds, and it just keeps on going . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S SHIRTWAIST DRESS BY HENRY-LEE

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Made by the well-know vintage dressmaking company Henry Lee, it is a working-girl version of the classic shirtwaist dress which has looked just about the same since 1945.

A specialized treatment at the neck and faceted buttons elevate the style to a level above the standard house dress of 1962, but it’s still the same eternal design.  Dresses by Henry Lee were always carefully designed and well-made; one of those stand-by labels that women could always depend on.

Looks, to me, like a perfect back-to-school frock for a Sixties elementary school teacher or a secretary, the way they dressed back then.  It’s a little bit big for both Stella and me, so will probably find its way to eBay at some point, but I never resist taking rides Back to the Future . .. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEXT TRUE VINTAGE DISCOVERY -PRETTY 1960’S HOME-CREATED DAY DRESS

This custom-tailored dress is really special for several reasons.  The style and color are not unusual – a shaped sheath with back metal zipper in a lovely olive (not as grayish as the photo seems).  BUT, the fabric (probably a rayon or blend) has interesting slubs and visible weave throughout.   The most fascinating part, though is the cummerbund . . . . . .

it is not a machine-made trim that came from a sewing store.  The treatment at the waist is completely hand-crocheted in fine thread and then was attached to the dress, probably while the person worked.  It’s backed with cheesecloth to protect the attachment.  Very carefully done – no wonder it has lasted so long.

One of the most fun aspects of my sleuthing is the original and astounding details found in many of the garments and accessories that I uncover.  Love delightful surprises!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

1960’s MAD, MOD, FLOWER POWER A-LINE DRESS FIND – CUSTOM-MADE, TOO!

All those keywords in the title say it – just look at this frock   All the elements of mid-Sixties fashion are incorporated in this style, as well as the common mid-century feature of having been home-sewn.  What a fun discovery!  I’ll really enjoy it come summer.

Again, casual conservative styling in that flattering A-line shape.  Pretty trim detail and a Mod print.  So Sixties!  Just the kind of simple dress that so many women made when first learning to sew, though this one displays some skill by the well-done attachment of the neckline trim.

Back to the future again – and we’ll stay there for a while . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS – A 1950’S – 1960’S CUSTOM-TAILORED DRESSY FROCK

I’m so thrilled to have discovered this one!  It’s very well-made and has a nice wiggle shape, without being too tight.  The all-over soft gold embroidery is just the right festive touch for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, or, or, or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’ll have to think about whether to add a pretty belt and what jewelry to include.  Time to get out the gold!

Nothing could be more classic and beautiful, but wait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM