What a thrill to discover this one! I’m on a roll, finding beautiful dresses and other true vintage garments in virtually perfect condition. This is a sophisticated wiggle dress from the late 1950’s – early 1960’s time.
Another frock in my favorite turquoise, and beautifully-made. Full lining and shapely cut. Couldn’t be better! Marilyn would have loved it . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Even though it’s way too prissy for me, yes, I do love it. There’s a certain genre from that time that this frock fits right into; and, what could be better than a bright hollyberry-red dressy dress right about now? Below-the-knee length and just right for dancing.
Some women love the bow ties, ruffles and flouncy skirts, and why not? Sometimes I do, too. The long, sheer sleeves are pretty. Just depends . . . . . . But, regardless, this dress was just too perfect to pass up. It has many of the nice construction details that I appreciate in a quality garment and that are so characteristic of true vintage fashions.
So, Ho Ho Ho and all that. This one’s going to party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
From roughly the same era as yesterday’s dress, this one is a poly-cotton 1940’s throw-back with a wasp waist and puffed shoulders, plus 3/4 cuffed sleeves. Little button trimmings, a fabric-covered belt and contrast-pleated skirt complete the design features.
The most unusual and striking element, to me, is the use of an unusual and distinctive color combo that is also characteristic of some of the older styles and what made them so interesting. True vintage garments are full of tailoring and color surprises.
I was happy to find this piece that is faithful to that tradition, even though it was an inexpensive retro style in it’s 1960’s – early 1970’s time. Modern retro-styled dresses hardly ever do it so well. Can’t wait to put it on Stella and see it properly displayed!
We’ll be hovering around the 1955 – 1975 time frame for a few days. Stay tuned for more pleasant surprises . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Back in the ’60’s and early ’70’s (even in the 1950’s!) some really flattering and pretty sweater dresses were popular. Some were two-piece and some, like this one, were body-hugging sheaths. They were of a high quality in terms of the construction and styling and they are SOOO comfortable to wear!
I love finding knits that have the pattern on both sides – not just in the front; rib-knit cuffs that fit well and hold their shape; a matching belt; a well-done hemline; a soft yarn that is easy-care and holds up it’s appearance over time.
I haven’t found one of these in a long time – they’re that rare. And, with the original belt in fabulous overall condition and one of my favorite colors – Whooeeeeeeeee! Didn’t expect this, but, the craft just continues to show me that – you just never know . . … . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This frock is a higher-quality garment with better fabric than the striped 1970’s version shown a few days ago. Although I’d hardly call 1980’s-era clothing classic true vintage yet, it’s still a characteristic genre that is worth noting and, sometimes, collecting. Doesn’t sound snooty to say this if you realize how much better-made clothing was before about 1970.
I like this one because of the pretty print and vibrant colors on a nice knit fabric, as well as thoughtful tailoring details. Although it’s hard to see, there are little black jewel-cut buttons above the side-seam pockets on both sides. Nice touch! The shoulders also have a bit of stiffening to add the stronger shoulder line of 1940’s styles – and the midi-length.
This one may not stay with me long, but I do appreciate it for what it is and lots of people love 1980’s designs so, here you are! More fun ones coming up, with additional kitch-value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This dress is regal and majestic. The material is a heavy rayon with sheen – almost satin. It has black beaded designs around the neckline and each sleeve.
It’s an example of the design introduced by Christian Dior in 1947, I believe, called the “New Look” because it was so different from the severe, short and relatively plain clothing that women wore during WWII in order to conserve resources. Tiny waists, long skirts, luxurious material and extravagant decoration were “in” again.
Enough history lesson! It’s just a beautiful, feminine and stunning dress. The original owner had shortened it by 2 – 3 inches, so it was definitely mid-calf length when new. Fortunately, she didn’t cut off any material, so it could be let down again.
This is certainly something that you might wear to see the Queen, or the King, or the President or just your favorite prince . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This frock is in black crepe, with sheer netting on the bodice to give the illusion of a bare neckline. I have seen this feature on one other dress of mine – demure, yet stunning. Where the decoration begins, it is also lined. The shape skims the body and the whole effect is very flattering.
These dresses have side zippers or unusual back zippers which open only about a foot in the middle of the back, but don’t come to the top of the neck. I’ve seen this on ’40’s dresses only. It allows you to wiggle into the dress over your head but no hope if it’s too small for you! There’s no way that Madge could get into it, so I’ll have to re-photograph it on Stella some time.
Anyway, it’s beautiful and you can probably picture it. Perfect for dining and dancing, or even a dressy movie date. Put this beauty on and you just never know . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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From the late 1950’s to the early 1960’s, this find was a Wowee! smile-maker. A silk sheath with lovely tailoring, a full lining and killer fit and in perfect condition. Obviously, someone loved it and, why not?!
It’s by Lilli Diamond of California – a design that Jackie Kennedy and her fashion-maven predecessors would have worn with elegance and sophistication, though it’s almost a wiggle-dress (maybe it is). I love cap sleeves and sheath styles. Can’t wait to try this on Stella – it’s made for her . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is a timeless, year-round-wearable black crepe dress with a full rayon acetate lining. The decorative band at the bottom is of alternating iridescent and black sequins. It has a vintage nylon zipper in back..
By Carol Craig, a popular maker of the ’50s and ’60s, this dress in classic black crepe can be worn all year long. The simple A-line style suits almost any figure and is form-fitting enough to be very attractive while not overly tight. So, anywhere that sleeveless dresses are considered acceptable, so would this dress be. Pretty versatile!
What sets this apart from the tons of black crepe dresses from the 80s, 90s and 2000s that are out there? 1. the fabric (a little heavier) 2. the lining (full – nice material) 3. the workmanship (zipper put in very well, no loose threads everywhere, small hooks and eyes in the right places) 4. the design (the sequin band at bottom is different and nicer than glitzy trims on most things now)
A dress of this quality today (and a lot of them not nearly as nice) would cost an arm and a leg, but my purse is full of songs! I never know what I’ll find or exactly where, but that’s half the fun!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A relatively rare find, early ’60s pumps a lot like the ones my grandmother wore in 1963. I was surprised to see the metallic finish, but these are definitely true vintage. I’m not sure if they are patent leather or not – the soles are man-made but the insoles are part leather. Just enough of the markings are left, as well as the appearance overall, to show that they are at least 50 years old, though in excellent condition!
They are almost a perfect color match for the dress which I just posted, and would look very good with it. They were another surprise find, which completely delighted me.
As always, you just never know . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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