A couple of these little cuties were hand-made and seemed worth picking up. Again, practical and handy, though I may not keep them for long.
It’s just fun to find them and take a trip back 40 or 50 years. More interesting things are on the way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Two of these were handmade and the third is a simple style from a bargain shop, sometime in the Sixties or Seventies. I can never get enough of these cute cotton frocks because they are so practical – from housework to a grocery run they’re just right for the job.
It’s fun to put out a vintage vibe while doing the everyday this and that with no worries about special caution for your outfit. Dresses like this can serve me well and eventually be retired with no tears.
So, although not a hugely exciting find it’s one that always makes me happy and keeps my everyday closet well-stocked. I’d much rather wear one of these dresses on an average day than a same old same old jeans and Tee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Finding this dress was a real sleuthing success! I’d been hunting for a vintage silk Cheongsam style in my size for years, then uncovered this one at a teeny, teeny price. The original color was a yellowy beige and there were several brown stains and a little rip near the hem. But –
The Magicvintagespy knows what to do. So, I mixed a couple of dye colors that I had leftover from another job and expected to have a soft, neutral brown. Instead, I got this WONDERFUL lavender/bronze color! LOVE IT!!! The stains are history and the hem needed raising anyway et voila’.
The moral : Put out the vibes and never give up. KNOW YOUR STUFF, and the perfect find will materialize in your wardrobe.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just found a trove of custom-tailored summer fashions, plus some accessory goodies. Wow, posts are going to be up to mid-December now so, stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a surprise to come across this custom-tailored frock. It’s got many clues that told me of it’s age and how it came to be, but the styling was the real delight. SO unusual to discover a maternity dress or a “tent dress” from the mid-1960’s.
Tent dresses were all the rage for a while during the Mad Mod Sixties. Fortunately, the style didn’t hang around too long. But, what could be more perfect as a maternity design? This one is meant for fall and winter partying in heavy velveteen. I have to say, it is cute on Stella.
After discovering a treasure like this, I wondered what could be next and it didn’t take long to find out. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Wowee! Someone custom-tailored this cute mini-dress that falls from above the bust-line and is a really flattering shape for someone whose waistline has temporarily disappeared. It also could have been a “tent” style, which was all the rage about that time. In any case, it’s perfect for Fall no matter how or why she wore it!
All kinds of “new” stuff, including a wonderful hairdo for Stella. She’s psyched! So am I. We’ll be spreading a lot of rockabilly vibes and more. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Gingham again – it’s always classic and often found in lots of casual clothing from mid-century. 
In this example, we have a custom-tailored design – sort of Western-wear, but just CUTE! Simple shift style, but when I wear it I’ll probably add a belt and cinch the waist. The ruffle at the hem, cross-stitch decoration and interesting elbow-length sleeves all make it unique and would even be a good Halloween costume.
Dresses with these features were popular in mid-century in the United States, when there was a big Western/cowboy craze going on. Ever hear of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans? I’ve learned so much by being interested in true vintage fashion! Happy trails to you, until we meet again. Have fun tonight – arroooooooooooooooooo . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Classic true vintage ’40’s – early ’50’s style, custom-tailored by Rosalie Couturier. I loved finding this dressmaker’s personal label in the waistband of this beautiful frock! What a nice surprise since it was hidden. The best labels, like this one, were embroidered on cloth.
It’s amazing that this beautiful garment has survived 60 – 70 years in such wonderful condition. Its original owner obviously loved it and cared for it well.
Lovely rayon fabric, with stitched-in pleats on front and back – bodice and skirt. So many little hand-done details. Beautiful, big sculpted shell buttons, fabric-covered belt. A little wear there on the buckle, but that is the only flaw.
And, when I got it home it fit Stella beautifully. Perfection!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Despite the gradually-cooling temps, I’m ready for the BBQ – maybe not the volleyball or badminton game. This gown was custom-tailored of a beautiful fabric (look at those colors to die for!) Though synthetics are often not the most desirable material, that’s one thing that most have going for them – the way they take and hang on to colors.
Probably polyester, but it’s got an uncommon finish that feels almost like moleskin and a nice drape. This is a perfect outfit for the iconic American entertaining genre – the Patio Party, inaugurated in the early 1960’s along with the basement party room with built-in bar. Pretty soon, the days of the chic living-room cocktail party were over – replaced by the Cha-Cha party downstairs and the Patio Party & cook-out in the back yard.
Save those LBD’s for dinner dates. It’s easier to do the Twist and the Limbo in shorts, capris or a long, loose skirt, not to mention a bikini – but I’m not exactly sure where the Pool Party got started. Probably Hollywood, or Miami, or . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a gorgeous, tailored dress and jacket. Glossy rayon fabric with a shantung – style weave. The bodice treatment is so lovely.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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