Here’s a beautiful start to a series of black and white fashion that I’ll be showing, with a couple of exceptions, for the next week or so. Black and white is so classic and always good – I know some of you like it as much as I do.
Although the Victorians seemed to love black, Coco Chanel might have been the first to roll out the black & white combo in the Thirties, for as long as she did and in the striking ways that she did. It’s been big, off and on, ever since then.
This beautiful frock is of delicate fabric with a subtle B & W stripe. It’s got all the Fifties hallmarks – the wasp waist, a bow on the bodice, midi hem which, when put together, just say “1955”, or so.
The neckline is demure. Grace Kelly would have loved it . . . . . . ..
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Can you even imagine being able to knit a dress like that one on the right? And, have it fit like that?! Wow.
Do you have any stories of family members who could make things like this? I’m so amazed by some of the things that the women of our grandmothers’ and great-grandmothers’ generation could do . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
I was gifted with a collection of needlework and handicrafts magazines from the 1950’s – mid 1960’s. Thanks, Rosalie! Although I’ve never been big on the idea of knitting, I was astounded by many of these fashions and how women were encouraged to make them at home.
These styles were designed to follow the current fashions in the mainstream magazines. Some of them are really beautiful and they give a good window on “average” American women’s lives back then in the way that they are photographed and staged. Some of the ads in these mags are amazing, too. So sweet and naive – women’s “place” was certainly apparent!
How do you like this gorgeous 2-piece dress? I’d LOVE to have that! So perfectly crafted – it’s amazing what skilled knitters could/can do. I even saw ads from yarn suppliers who offered little contests that gave awards for skill to their customers.
This outfit was supposed to echo trends in Paris at the time. I love the soft colors, the way the skirt drapes and that cross-over top. Makes me wish I had a great-grandma who loved doing it!
I’ll post a photo and commentary from these mags in among my own wardrobe items once a week or so. . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Digg, PATH & more . . . . . .
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
For cocktails, dinner and dancing, gallery openings, parties . . . . . any time you’re feeling in a slightly dressy mood . . . . . . . this frock will suit very well. It’s quietly sophisticated but, also, eye-catching. . . . . . . . . .
demure and suggestive at the same time. Isn’t fashion fun?! Always LOVE the sheer sleeves and nipped waist.
It’s not obvious in the photo (darn it, black clothing!) but the bottom foot or so of the skirt is crystal-pleated in a criss-cross way that is very pretty and adds a lovely highlight to the simplicity of the style. Synthetic knit with a smooth hand drapes beautifully.
A small, elegant necklace, pretty belt, impeccable shoes and small bag will complete the look perfectly. This is not a stand-out dress in terms of its quality or pedigree, but it’s lovely on its own and has that certain true vintage cache’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Digg, PATH & more . . . . .
Book: How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com
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