Hold the runway show – Here’s Stella, still in the early 1960’s. Imagine my delight to discover this beautiful evening dress, crafted in Hong Kong where some of the most lovely hand-tailoring was done for decades.
From shoulder to hem, it’s exquisite and deserves a detailed description. The bodice is a shell of embroidered lacy floral openwork, lined in sheer black and decorated with sequins and beads. It is made as a separate top which zips up the back and is attached to the dress at the shoulder seams. Very heavy, with all the bead-work, which would have been applied by hand.
The body of the dress is ivory on top (though you won’t see this), with a classic black crepe skirt. A crepe bow and 1″ border are attached to the hem of the shell , right at the waist.
Both the dress and attached shell have metal zippers in back so, as with many true vintage fashions, you’ll need an extra pair of hands to help you dress – – whether a partner or a lady’s maid, I can live with that.
Now for the additional little details – full lining in the skirt and a back kick pleat, little hooks and eyes in strategic places and bra strap holders sewn in at the shoulders.
I wonder who bought this, at what shop in what city, and where it was worn . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
From the time when Roy Rogers & Dale Evans were TV celebrities, Happy Trails to you . . . . . .
These two dresses are examples of fashions made and sold in the U.S. Southwestern states (Arizona, New Mexico mostly). They are inspired by traditional Native American designs and may have been made by Native Americans. My warm-weather wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without them.
Outfits like this were especially popular in the 1950’s and early 1960’s. Some from the 1940’s have been seen. Tourists often returned from vacations with one and non-Native people who lived in the region wore them a lot. It was a real craze for a while.
Ric-rac and braid trim on bright cotton material was popular. The skirts are big and swingy – usually full circle. I have more to show – some have interesting tailoring details on the blouses. Love ’em!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
I just love this dress, with the big bow and button in front. The colors are so sunny and really stand out!
It’s made of a heavy cotton that doesn’t show through, but I like to wear a comfy nylon slip under and this lovely orange one from the 1950’s just fills the bill. I really like wearing lingerie that matches my outfit and the fifties were famous for their bright undergarment colors (especially in slips).
With a fabric-covered belt it fits nicely and looks cute as well as lady-like. Just depends on which way you want to go . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
A STYLISH COTTON BELTED SHIFT FOR SUMMER. A BIT PREPPY, AND A BIT FUNKY, TOO!
I love wearing this dress and it’s special because it belonged to a family member. Cos Cob was a well-known maker of women’s sportswear back in the day, similar to Bobbie Brooks, but I don’t think that the company was as old.
This dress is cotton in a wonderful print, with a long pointed collar and nice, easy shape. Thank goodness it isn’t culottes, which were popular then. They look convenient, but they’re really not.
A sleeveless shift is great for casual summer wear and always looks smart if you accessorize properly. That’s the key to transforming most ensembles and women used to do that so well. The Europeans, I must say, are better at it than Americans now.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION…
View original post 4 more words
Magicvintagespy 