So pretty – with signature 1980’s shoulder pads plus the Edwardian, Victorian elements that designer Jessica McLintock has always loved. Dark green crushed velvet makes this a Fall/Winter dress for a dressy occasion.
Although it’s not way old or classic, I often like to pick up designs by Jessica McLintock that date 1985 or before. They are definitely of an “era” and well-made. This one will be fun to wear.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Brocade and crepe, with a little bow at the back waistline – this frock is so well-made and elegant. Formal dance, Prom, Special Occasion, perfect! It needs a pressing, but is in great shape. Remember what I said yesterday about the repeating design elements? Read on . . . . . . . . .
So beautifully tailored with closures and stitching in all the right places, this gown has a feature that I have never seen. The sleeves are part of a bolero bodice that is attached and worn inside the dress and supports the sleeves. That makes it possible to wear this gown as a sleeveless sheath or as pictured here. The sleeves, as on the dress yesterday, have fabric flowers sewn on.
Wow! What a gorgeous and surprise design!! You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A similar style, but going from day to evening and from pretty to dressy. This dress is also sexy, however, with deep decolletage and sleeves that can be worn off the shoulder. Fabric flower ornamentation on each sleeve. I think this one was custom-tailored, also.
Just made for parties and dancing with a big, sweeping skirt. Probably would have been worn with a crinoline underneath. I found another dance dress a year or two ago with similar tailoring. It’s always fun to see how these features repeat. Tomorrow there’s another with something the same . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
IT’S STILL WAY COLD ENOUGH FOR THESE. BOTH ARE 1950’S TRUE VINTAGE. THE ONE ON THE RIGHT WAS FROM MY FAMILY. THERE’S HARDLY A MORE BEAUTIFUL FUR, THOUGH UNLESS I FIND A TRUE VINTAGE ITEM AT LEAST 60 YEARS OLD, I PREFER TO BUY IMITATION.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This is a really interesting find! A plain belted sheath dress with removable peplum. I encountered a photo several years ago that told me the year it was designed and the designer. I can’t remember the designer’s name – can anyone help out? It was a famous name that we all know.
This one was styled by Nellie Don, a company which made very reasonably-priced clothing items for women in America – not couture. Usually a year or two after styles came out in Paris they found their way into the U.S. one way or another. So, this dress would probably have hit the store racks in 1952 or 1953.
It’s made of an unremarkable heavy-ish fabric – some kind of cotton blend in an abstract print – with a center back metal zipper. But, it is an unusual length for that time – just a bit below the knee. The Paris trends would have told us when hems wer going up again!
I was quite surprised when I discovered it, hiding in an odd little shop, and it was a revelation when I noticed that photo! You really just never know . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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Here’s something THAT GIRL Marlo Thomas might have worn in her city life. Cute and sophisticated – that’s the feel lots of fashions had at that time. We were breaking away from the traditional.
This one is of a beautiful glossy woven rayon, but not at all like those luscious crepey ones from the 1940’s. It’s perky and substantial.
Classic style, with a mandarin collar, which were very popular then. The rhinestone buttons at the waist let you know that this is a garment with some status.
The tailoring is more or less what you would encounter today, though the hem is done more nicely – with hem tape – and is about 2″ deep. We hardly see that anymore, nor a hem that is nicely finished.
This is, overall, just a really well-made dress that a woman with very good taste might wear to a swanky party or out to dinner. But, don’t try to go incognito in this one . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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This frock is sooo iconic late Sixties and in perfect condition! It’s Flower Power, British influence and Edwardian style. I’ll bet it was made for a Prom or Spring Fling dance. What a Blast from the Past!!!
Look at the sequence of iridescent buttons at the sleeves and the ruffled flounces. Sheer flocked flower design over a pink liner. Back in the day, it was usual to hire a seamstress to make these types of dresses or to make them at home unless the high school was in an expensive neighborhood.
It’s just so cute and tells such a typical story. It’s fun to know something about those times so that I can read the book very easily! Not sure what I’m going to do with this, but it was just too fun to pass up. It would make a really sweet short dress . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a thrill to discover this one! I’m on a roll, finding beautiful dresses and other true vintage garments in virtually perfect condition. This is a sophisticated wiggle dress from the late 1950’s – early 1960’s time.
Another frock in my favorite turquoise, and beautifully-made. Full lining and shapely cut. Couldn’t be better! Marilyn would have loved it . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Even though it’s way too prissy for me, yes, I do love it. There’s a certain genre from that time that this frock fits right into; and, what could be better than a bright hollyberry-red dressy dress right about now? Below-the-knee length and just right for dancing.
Some women love the bow ties, ruffles and flouncy skirts, and why not? Sometimes I do, too. The long, sheer sleeves are pretty. Just depends . . . . . . But, regardless, this dress was just too perfect to pass up. It has many of the nice construction details that I appreciate in a quality garment and that are so characteristic of true vintage fashions.
So, Ho Ho Ho and all that. This one’s going to party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here is a collection of several vintage handbags for parties and semi-formal to formal occasions. The significant features of these are pave’ rhinestones on clasps, faux pearls, plush velvet, gold-finished leather, double-sided box construction and a telescoping convertible handle.
Though tons of retro-style purses are made now, a true vintage one will have features that put it above the crowd. Anyone who knows, will realize that you are carrying something special.
These purses are from the Fifties and Sixties. They are simple, but of quality design and construction. A keen eye can spot the difference in materials and style elements.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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