Category Archives: dressy

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S COCKTAIL SHEATH DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S COCKTAIL SHEATH DRESS

While we’re in a New Year mood, here’s a really special dress from, I believe, the 1950’s. It’s more or less a cocktail style, but could go to dinner and dancing, too.

Originally, it had nude netting on the front bodice and upper back, with skinny binding around the armhole area and the neckline.  The purpose is to give a bare look, without the bare.

Very elegant but, unfortunately, the material had some small holes which could not be repaired. I could not locate material of the same type for a replacement, so I reluctantly removed it and restyled things a bit to make skinny straps instead. It works! Being versatile is an indispensable skill.

I love this dramatic pointy accent on the front! The fabric is also very elegant – probably a rayon that looks for all the world like silk shantung. And the hourglass shape!

Worthy of Peggy Lee any day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SEAL FUR HAT

MY GREAT GRANDMOTHER’S SEAL FUR CAPE

I knew as soon as I saw it, I knew it would be a perfect match – AND IT IS!!!!  Can you believe it – my grandmother’s 1940’s seal cape passed down to me, now with a matching hat.  A professional furrier could probably see the difference somewhere, but it surely isn’t obvious.  I’ve loved this cape for years.

The hat is a quasi-military shape, which was popular during war-time.  The fur on both is absolutely beautiful and has held up so well over all these years.  I always love the 1940’s square shoulders, too, and the family connection makes the cape special.  What a treat to find a piece to go with it!!!

Although you know that I am an animal protection activist and don’t support the fur trade in any way, shape or form, I do love old pieces pre-1965.  There’s no reason in the world to buy modern fur anymore – if you want a new piece, the imitations are fabulous (even beginning in the 1950’s).

Go out and find one and have fun – toot, to-doot, to-doodley-aht-to-doot – he blows eight to the bar (in boogie rhythm . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

HERE’S ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE NECKLINE ACCESSORY THAT’LL WOW ‘EM!

IMG_4010

Naturally, I collect true vintage pearl necklaces, real or faux, but in this case my attention is on the rhinestone clasp.  The finish on the beads is worn in places, so they aren’t keepers, but the closure can easily be used on another necklace.  That will add a perfect Fifties finish to any costume jewelry neck-wear.  Worth having!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

NEXT TRUE VINTAGE DISCOVERY -PRETTY 1960’S HOME-CREATED DAY DRESS

This custom-tailored dress is really special for several reasons.  The style and color are not unusual – a shaped sheath with back metal zipper in a lovely olive (not as grayish as the photo seems).  BUT, the fabric (probably a rayon or blend) has interesting slubs and visible weave throughout.   The most fascinating part, though is the cummerbund . . . . . .

it is not a machine-made trim that came from a sewing store.  The treatment at the waist is completely hand-crocheted in fine thread and then was attached to the dress, probably while the person worked.  It’s backed with cheesecloth to protect the attachment.  Very carefully done – no wonder it has lasted so long.

One of the most fun aspects of my sleuthing is the original and astounding details found in many of the garments and accessories that I uncover.  Love delightful surprises!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

ANOTHER LUXURY FUR – THIS ONE A STOLE, FROM THE 1950’S

Although it’s probably not THE finest, I think that this fur is genuine mink.  So pretty and stylish, in a color and design that I didn’t yet own.  As always, I love the little details.

The stole has straps sewn inside which keep it from falling off your shoulders.  There are little, teeny pockets at the rounded ends in front – just big enough to curl your hands into to keep them warm.  The silky lining has these WONDERFUL planets and stars embroidered all over!!  AND –

I love the label – “The Store that Quality Built”.  Wish more vendors would take that as their motto now.  AND –

of course, the original owner’s initials are embroidered inside.  Such elegance . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

MORE ABUNDANCE – LOVELY LINGERIE WITH SURPRISING COLORS, DETAILS AND TAILORING

I have found lots of lingerie slips lately but haven’t published them because, though beautiful, they were not the most interesting or fine examples of vintage underclothes.  In this case, you should see these pretty features.

Pretty pastels are always a favorite.  Bright pastels, red and black are major favorites but I don’t think I have ever seen a mid-century nylon slip in royal purple!!!!!!!!!  Maybe the previous owner dyed it to match a favorite dress?. . . . . . . Could have been, (nylon takes dye really well) but NO – the maker’s tag is attached as originally, with no evidence of exposure to fabric dye.

In the second close-up photo of the pale pink half-slip shows a beautiful applied design on the center front.  I LOVE these, and don’t find them often anymore.  Details done on lingerie up to the early 1960’s was often absolutely gorgeous.

Finally, on the oldest piece in this photo I’ve pictured the seaming detail that carefully shapes the bodice.  Most items sold today are almost a one-size-fits-all construction, within a broad category such as S, M or L and don’t fit really well.  This sacrifices a lot of their purpose (after all, these are supposed to be FOUNDATION GARMENTS which used to be designed to give support to and accentuate the fit of the clothing worn on top).

So, that’s a little session about the neat features of true vintage lingerie slips.  I’m always on the look-out for them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS – A 1950’S – 1960’S CUSTOM-TAILORED DRESSY FROCK

I’m so thrilled to have discovered this one!  It’s very well-made and has a nice wiggle shape, without being too tight.  The all-over soft gold embroidery is just the right festive touch for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, or, or, or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’ll have to think about whether to add a pretty belt and what jewelry to include.  Time to get out the gold!

Nothing could be more classic and beautiful, but wait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BEAUTIFUL 1950’s CORDED EVENING BAG BY GARAY

I have a couple of corded purses, but they’re all different and naturally one can never have too many. . . . . . . . .  Although Garay purses are still not scarce, they are a very good true vintage brand so I’m always glad to find one.  This clutch looks as though it was never used and has the nice feature of a center zip compartment, with an open pocket on either side.  Still very slim, and more convenient than some little bags that will only carry a lipstick, a small wad of money and a key.

So, it’s a keeper.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

GORGEOUS CUSTOM-MADE POST-WAR FORMAL GOWN IN SUMPTUOUS BLACK RAYON VELVET

Although very similar, I might place this dress as having been made a little earlier than the one shown yesterday – looks late 1940’s to me.  It might or might not have been worn with a crinoline underneath.  Like the other, it’s completely hand-made and this one has the tailor’s label sewn into the neckline.

One of the best things about this gown is the fabric – a plush, heavy velvet that feels like old rayon.  Love the sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves that, to my taste, are done a bit more artfully than those on yesterday’s dress.  I think it’s mostly a style change that took place over a couple of years around the turn of the ’40’s to ’50’s decade.

Anyway, who wouldn’t love it!  I so wonder what events these dresses were made for and where they went.  That part of the mystery is as yet unsolved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

 

 

 

THE FIRST OF TWO FABULOUS MID-CENTURY FINDS – NEW LOOK CUSTOM-TAILORED BALL GOWN

This gown is hand-tailored with extreme attention to detail.  It would be worn with a crinoline for a full, bell-shape.  Because of the styling, I would guess that it was made in the early 1950’s but, possibly, as early as the late 1940’s.  A special occasion dress, of course, and there’s hardly any evidence of wear.  Maybe it was even made for a Prom or Homecoming dance back in the day.

Women were so happy to dress in longer skirts, sumptuous fabrics and new styles after the austerity of the war years.

I’ll be showing a sister gown tomorrow – very similar style and probably made a few years earlier.  What fabulous discoveries!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM