These lovely sandals are very fine, in beautiful kid suede. They have tiny peep-toes – a favorite feature of mine – and sling-back heels.
What a fabulous addition to any 3-season dress or perky pants outfit!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just came up with this one, too. So many of the day dresses from this era were made to very elegant standards. Although a lot of lace dresses have been made in the last few years, trying to duplicate this look, I’ve never seen one done to the level of quality and design as true vintage examples.
So, be vigilant and don’t be mislead by the vintage design charlatans and scam artists . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
With polka dots, a flouncy neckline and full metal back zipper this rayon & acetate blouse is pure 1950’s – early 1960’s. Can’t wait to wear it with my “new” black pencil skirt!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I just LOVE this so much. Look at that fabulous, huge velvet bow, the pretty scalloped neckline and the pleated panel in front. Makes me feel exactly like I’m back in an old movie.
Shoulder pads, of course, and a side zipper. This was an elegant dress for dinner or some special occasion. In black crepe – the classic never-fail fabric for flattering fine frocks – whether formal or simply dressy.
Beautifully made, of course, though not a designer piece. Didn’t matter back in the day, because the quality scale was so much higher. I found another 1940’s dress at the same time which is a semi-exception to this rule and very surprising because of that. But, then, it was wartime and social factors sometimes caused a major disruption in ladies fashion . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This one is made by Brooklin, the same maker of the mink-trimmed cocktail blouse that Stella modeled recently. I love the way the hem is finished, and, though it’s hardly visible, the fabric is embossed with a crocodile pattern!
It’s so rare to find true vintage blouses in wearable condition that I just flip with happiness when I do. This one is very versatile and a lovely, neutral mocha tone.
Doesn’t get much better . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Stella rocks this wonderful find from my recent trip. Can’t wait to wear it over a long black skirt or with black cigarette pants!
This was not a high-end item, in spite of the mink trim – like so many lovely things from mid-century, the average woman was able to buy and wear it. It is open-weave in a glossy synthetic material, lined with black fabric. The floral fantasy pattern reflects the colors of most, if not all, of the treasures I found in that country. Stay tuned to see more . . . . .
It was made by a New Zealand clothing company back in the day. I was told by other vintage experts there that New Zealand used to have a very excellent clothing industry which has, sadly, gone now.
But, so much more FUN for a modern sleuth . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This very pretty frock has an unusual neckline. The collar is of 3 layers, and each one is bordered by covered wiring which allows the wearer to shape the neckline as desired. A friend of mine said that she remembers dresses of this type from the 1950’s. The style would certainly fit in with early ’50’s and late 1940’s fashion.
It’s also very tiny, so it all points to a time when average women’s figures and clothing sizes were much smaller than they are today.
The fabric appears to be silk. So lovely and flattering. Obviously, this dress was made to be worn to a party or other special occasion. Imagine my delight when I discovered it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
CUSTOM-TAILORED 1950’S PARTY FROCK WITH RABBIT TRIM
Although this dress looks very cute on Stella’s figure, it really must have been sewn for a petite woman much shorter. I can’t quite imagine a style like this with fur and rhinestone trim made for a teen or a child in the 1950’s. At any rate, the average height of a Fifties lady would have been 5 or 6 inches shorter while still perhaps being a tiny vintage size 10, like Stella.
Imagine my surprise to see this rare garment! If you’ve been with me for a while, you may remember that several years ago I encountered a similar frock in ivory brocade with mink trim on the 3/4 sleeves. That seems to have been a popular early 1950’s trend. In this case, we are seeing very pretty rabbit fur, with a little rhinestone trim nestled in the bodice ornament.
Another surprise is that this frock, despite it’s elegant style and up-scale materials, appears to have been hand-made. It’s construction demonstrates the handiwork of someone who was very skilled, so perhaps it was made by a professional tailor rather than a home-based seamstress. However, who actually knows? With no labels to point the way, it’s just another delicious mystery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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About 4 – 5 sizes too big for Stella, but it has to be shown on a model because of the swishy skirt and the way it drapes. Lace overlay was very popular in the Kennedy era and much more nicely-done than the cheap versions we’ve seen lately. The fabric is glossy substantial, and there are pearl bead accents sewn all over.
Another great part of the design is the way that the back swoops toward the waist. So, it’s not a drop-your-champagne-glass-when-you-see-it type of frock but it’s a lovely, classicaly-tailored garment that was worth collecting (and a design that is easy to alter!). .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This suit is so iconic of that era. Gorgeous yellow wool in a loose weave, with a cute little vintage mink collar. If the collar is too dressy, it can easily be removed with just a snip-snip because it is hand-basted onto the neckline.
It’s easy to wear and the two pieces can be very versatile. True vintage suits are worth investing in for many reasons – the styles are usually quite elegant; tailoring is superb and the quality of materials are unavailable today. Because the designs are classic, the jackets and skirts can usually be worn in a variety of ways that would never have been thought of decades ago.
Love the big covered buttons and pencil skirt. So pretty, and a nice alternative to dark, somber colors for Fall and Winter. Being on the prowl is so much fun, because you just never know . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Magicvintagespy 