Custom-tailored in a popular style of the mid-late Sixties, batik dyed silk tent dress that I like to wear belted. It also has a shawl made of the same material that completely transforms the look.
Wearing it un-belted is also a completely different look, but not my style. This cut can work for almost any figure, but really looks great on curvy Madge. That’s her edge over slender Stella, so they’re getting along fine .. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Now that Stella’s on the modeling circuit, this dress can be displayed as it should be. Several years ago I found this beauty – wish the photos did it justice. Gorgeous atomic/abstract/art swirl fabric in glossy and soft rayon. All hand-tailored. FAB!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Isn’t this a beautiful set? Made by a Toronto dressmaker. I knew you’d want to see these improved pictures. More to come . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Imagine my surprise (this is always SO much fun!) – I came across a true vintage label, Lady Carol, but in one of their 1980’s incarnations, before the company was sold for good. I have one of their 1950’s/early 1960’s frocks, which I love, but had never run across any of their later items before. Classic ’40’s style, but with ’80’s fabric and tailoring – they got in on the retro trend of that decade.
There are several old companies that are still in business, but they are just “modern” manufacturers now making modern styles in a modern way – I don’t pay attention to what they are doing. In this case, a true vintage dress by a true vintage maker (now gone) doing a specific true vintage fashion trend (Forties retro) was worth picking up.
It’s a bit too big for Madge (and moi), but in a style that is easy to alter. Just another example of the truth that when you’re on a sleuthing mission, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although it looks beige in the photo, this outfit is actually a lovely pink color, in a dressy fabric with matte and silvery metallic shine finishes together. The dress is an elegant sleeveless sheath with an ornamental notched neckline. Both the dress and coat are fully lined.
The best of dressy styles from that era – beautifully-tailored and in virtually perfect condition. What a find!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This slinky-knit dress has that wonderful heavy feel that was lost years ago. AND, such a fun print – it’s not atomic or the usual geometric – one of those that you can’t figure out what they must be . . . . . . . .
It apparently didn’t have a belt to start with, but I’m going to put one on. Just a simple, everyday dress but oh so vintage!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Nothing says New Wave ’80’s like leopard print and shoulder pads! Love this slinky beauty – what fun to wear! This is one of my favorite styles.
If you can’t have the true 1940’s, it’s the next-best thing. Stay tuned for the next best thing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Dark navy and white, with clear buttons all-the-way down the front. Almost a tea dress, but very North American. So smart not to spoil the print and pretty lines while still making it super-easy on and off. I really appreciate the good tailoring that could still be found on low- and mid-priced dresses in the Seventies and early Eighties.
Love the nipped-waist fit and cute pocket flaps at the hips. It’s a simple dress, but with so much FIT and figure-enhancing detail. It will be another go-to frock on hot days this summer. Soon we’ll be heading into Fall and even Holiday styles – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This one’s a sexy day dress with ruching at the waistline to give it a bit of curvy shape, while still staying very proper. Love the abstract atomic print in subtle shades that could go to work, or dinner, or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hand-tailored frocks are so much fun to discover because they always tell a story about the designer. This style is so versatile – I’ll enjoy it, too. More on the way . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a pretty frock! Although it was retro when it was made 30 – 45 years ago, it’s true vintage now and gorgeous. So glad that summer is far from over – I’ll really enjoy wearing it.
I’ve discovered a treasure trove of dresses and clutch purses lately, so stay tuned . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
