TRUE VINTAGE WAR-TIME 1940’S DAY DRESS – PERFECT FOR EARLY AUTUMN
Another of my favorites. It took me a little while to fall in love with this one, but I did. Some of the buttons and the belt needed replacing, but fortunately I had in my collection some fun copper-colored ones that matched! They spark up the overall gray color of the fabric and add interest.
Actually, the fabric isn’t gray. It’s maybe the tiniest black & white check known to mankind. Had to get out my magnifying glass to examine the fabric closely. The weave is very interesting and looks like a cross between a stripe and a houndstooth check, in a beautiful rayon (?) with a wonderful drape – So luscious that it makes me wish I were a fabric expert to understand it better. In warm lighting, it gives a kind of nut-brown effect that seems just right for going into Fall.
As usual, there’s a metal…
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Here’s the lovely dress that I showed you on a hanger when I first found it, a couple of months ago. Now the statuesque Stella gives it a proper display. Black rayon crepe, again, with pink underlining at the shoulders and black lace overlay. Dressy, but not formal.
This frock is dated from the late 1930’s to early 1940’s. So many pretty touches and the strong shoulders that I like, but not with regular shoulder pads. As with many older pieces, the bodice is constructed in hand-tailored detail inside to shape it and make a foundation for the decorative layers on top. A wide ruffle across from shoulder to shoulder, and a narrower one at the hem.
So wonderful to find the faux flowers that are pinned at the neck still present and in such good condition! They’re old and a little rumpled, but that’s all. The opening on the left side-seam that helps you get into the dress is closed with buttons rather than a zipper.
All the clues in plain sight. Just another day in the life of . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Although it’s not the real-real 1940’s deal (always my preference), this frock has a lot of the right stuff: a frowsy floral print on drapey rayon, a swing skirt and classic shirtwaist styling. It’s also big enough to have kind of a blousy fit. Looks like I’m inventing a few words here . . . . . .
In other words, it’s got a 1930’s/1940’s feel to it that will make it a pleasure to wear on an “off” day. Once in a while, the copy-cats get it pretty right and it’s good to keep an eye out for those little gems.
Tomorrow I’ll show you Stella modeling an absolute original from this era – found two months ago while I was out and about. You deserve to see it off the hanger. So excited!!!!!!!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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