Category Archives: dressy

FABULOUS TRUE VINTAGE VELVET GOWN – 1930’S STYLE

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This is my latest “I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!” FIND – a custom-tailored frock made for someone very petite, and shorter than Stella.  The deep green velvet is gorgeous, but I’m most taken with the styling.  Shoulders like that come from the 1930’s and 1940’s.  Will be an oh-so-elegant way to go to the St. Patrick’s Day dance or cocktail party.

Makes me wonder so much who, where and what this dress was sewn for – it’s got to have a fascinating story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

True Vintage Early 1960s Dressy Coat Over Your St. Patrick’s Day Frock

True Vintage Early 1960s Evening Coat
I showed this coat a few weeks ago, but what time could be more appropriate for a re-run . . . . . .

Imagine yourself in this, over a gorgeous green dress, on your way to a swanky cocktail party or the church dance.  This beauty is by Lilli Rubin, in emerald rayon blend, lined in turquoise blue!  The collar, neckline bow and elbow-length sleeves are hallmark features of that era, as well as the color.  The fabric is a jacquard with flowers embroidered all over.
What a great surprise it was to find this!!  It starts up all kinds of fantasies about elegant dinners, evenings at the theater . . . . . you just never know . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE ANDREW GELLER STILETTO HEELS FROM THE 1960’S

TRUE VINTAGE ANDREW GELLER STILETTO HEELS FROM THE 1960'S

In the original bags from Saks Fifth Avenue – what a find! These fabric – upper heels are so beautiful and well-made.

In a swirly, abstract print of browns and greens, they could work with your dark green dress.  Leather soles, of course.

What more can I say? . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FIFTIES FORMAL FROCK & MATCHING (?) FOOTWEAR

IMG_0923 IMG_0973Don’t know if these pieces went together back in the day, but someone probably wore these pale celery green items to a Prom, Homecoming or similar formal dance such as the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day party.  I would also want to add a shawl or bolero jacket.

The shoes are covered in satin and it was so great to find them in such excellent condition!  That’s some of the best fun of coming across a find like this.

If it had been up to me, I’d move the bow from the front of the dress to the waist – maybe in back.  But, that’s a project for another day. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A 1980’S GUNNE SAX PARTY DRESS DISCOVERY

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Stella’s ready for the party in a retro Prairie/Victorian style from designer Jessica McClintock, made in the 1980’s with dark green crushed velvet (so perfect with Stella’s new holiday haircolor) and a lacey bodice.  Fitted styling completes the picture of a feminine design which gives a nod to history.

Gunne Sax early dresses, before the 1990’s, were very interesting and unique.  I always pick one up when I find it – becoming more and more rare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MORE RED! VA-VA-VA-V00M TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S LINGERIE SLIPS

MORE RED! VA-VA-VA-V00M TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S LINGERIE SLIPS

Here are some ultimate underthings to wear whenever and wherever. No one can resist this color!  Don’t wait for next Christmas or Valentine’s Day!!

Look at the beautiful lace and detailing. Each one is a little dress in itself.  And, with wonderful true vintage quality that makes them really exquisite.

It always pays to have slips of various lengths, as shown here.  At far left would be the perfect one to wear with the ensemble posted yesterday.  The proper length for any dress or skirt is important – best just 1 1/2 – 2 inches above the hem to avoid sagging below, but maybe still giving a little glimpse when your skirt moves . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S HAT – ONE OF THE BEST ERAS!

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“Styled by Cinderella  New York” – a classic wool brimmed hat with a sophisticated schoolgirl look. The crown is stamped “Berkshire – Mohn Brothers Co.  100% Wool”.  Love the plaid ribbon band that forms a bow with streamers in the back. There is also a little elastic chin strap attached!

Picture this with a little suit, skirt and blouse, dress, or whatever you like. Hats were SUCH a big thing in the ’40s with imaginative and flattering styles. Some of them were way over-the-top, but this one is understated and just too cute.  Look carefully for gems like this one.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

Classic True Vintage Western-wear Hat

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To wear at least three seasons of the year, a wool felt classic hat will last for decades and complete almost any sportswear outfit. This men’s cowboy style from the 1970s or before is uni-sex now.

The best quality hats of this type have a leather inside hatband. A liner (often satin) is another sign that it is of high quality. Look for the maker’s name stamped inside and, often, the name of the store where it was sold.

These will turn up in lots of places if you’re savvy about where to look.   You just never know . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

Book:  How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

TRUE VINTAGE 1950S LINGERIE SLIP OR DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950S LINGERIE SLIP/DRESS VALENTINE'S DAY STUNNER

This amazing slip (or dress?) is something I have seen only once.  It is of all-over lace, with a red nylon lining, side zip and a side slit.  It has construction features of a slinky dress but in all other ways is made like other lingerie slips of that era.

Imagine wearing this under your party frock or, if you are more daring, alone. Perhaps you won’t want to wear it until after the party . . . .

In any case, it’s a true vintage knock-out item with that great Cat-on-a-Hot-Tin-Roof feeling. Would be a nice little anniversary or Valentine’s Day surprise. When I found it I certainly couldn’t resist.

It was a bit too small for me and I no longer have it (sob).  My only regret now is that I can’t photograph it on Stella, who it would fit to a “T”.  Eat YOUR heart out, Elizabeth Taylor . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

 

A FACE-FRAMING TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S HAT

A Face-Framing True Vintage 1940s Hat

As many of the hats from the ’40s, this one is pretty dramatic. It sits on the back of the head and is all brim in front, with none in the back. This is one of the decades when hats were super-important – – sometimes the most central part of an outfit.

I must admit that some hats from the ’40s are a bit too wild to be my favorites, but they were always fun and interesting.  And, some are absolutely beautiful . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM