Category Archives: dressy

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s COCKTAIL PARTY DRESS BY CAROL CRAIG

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s COCKTAIL PARTY DRESS BY CAROL CRAIG This is a timeless, year-round-wearable black crepe dress with a full rayon acetate lining. The decorative band at the bottom is of alternating iridescent and black sequins. It has a vintage nylon zipper in back..

By Carol Craig, a popular maker of the ’50s and ’60s, this dress in classic black crepe can be worn all year long. The simple A-line style suits almost any figure and is form-fitting enough to be very attractive while not overly tight. So, anywhere that sleeveless dresses are considered acceptable, so would this dress be. Pretty versatile!

What sets this apart from the tons of black crepe dresses from the 80s, 90s and 2000s that are out there? 1. the fabric (a little heavier) 2. the lining (full – nice material) 3. the workmanship (zipper put in very well, no loose threads everywhere, small hooks and eyes in the right places) 4. the design (the sequin band at bottom is different and nicer than glitzy trims on most things now)

A dress of this quality today (and a lot of them not nearly as nice) would cost an arm and a leg, but my purse is full of songs!  I never know what I’ll find or exactly where, but that’s half the fun!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960s METALLIC SAPPHIRE BLUE STILETTO PUMPS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960s METALLIC SAPPHIRE BLUE STILETTO PUMPS

A relatively rare find, early ’60s pumps a lot like the ones my grandmother wore in 1963. I was surprised to see the metallic finish, but these are definitely true vintage. I’m not sure if they are patent leather or not – the soles are man-made but the insoles are part leather. Just enough of the markings are left, as well as the appearance overall, to show that they are at least 50 years old, though in excellent condition!

They are almost a perfect color match for the dress which I just posted, and would look very good with it. They were another surprise find, which completely delighted me.

As always, you just never know . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’s – EARLY 1960S SAPPHIRE BLUE TAFFETA PARTY FROCK FOR THE HOLIDAYS

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960S SAPPHIRE BLUE TAFFETA PARTY FROCK

Isn’t this an absolutely stunning color? Combine that with the sophisticated tailoring, elegant simplicity and gorgeous fit and we have an incomparable dress that rivals anything available today. In my opinion, it wins hands-down on quality and unique design.

Heavy taffeta like this almost has a presence of its own when the wearer walks into a room. In spite of the color, this is not a flashy dress but it will draw many eyes to it.

Although it has no maker’s label inside, I am sure that it was made by a clothing company rather than by an individual seamstress. The tailoring details are complex in the bodice and achieves the excellent and eye-catching fit.

Where would you wear this?  – a party, dance, dinner, special event – it would even make a great part of a bridal group. Jewelry?  – rhinestones, pearls, the real thing.  Nothing too flashy or “too much”, but this dress can support something outstanding!

Shoes? I favor a pair in the same color, with your jewelry accents taking the attention. At another time, in another place I found a pair from the same era that coordinates perfectly – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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McCALLS 1963 NEEDLEWORK MAGAZINE SAYS – START KNITTING YOUR NEW YEAR’S DRESSES NOW!

IMG_1033 IMG_1029 IMG_1034Although these frocks are in pastels and the weather is often dark and gloomy now,  these are the styles and colors that used to appear as soon as the Christmas and holiday season was over.  Late winter/Spring fashions and travel clothing came out in the magazines and department stores back in the day.

For our grandmothers who were crafty, it would be time to start making your dresses like these that do take a little time to create.  Although they would almost always be knitted or crocheted in wool, they really have a Spring-like feel to them and that was what people loved when travel to warmer places during the winter was short or not possible at all.

Lightweight wool goes through 3 seasons very well.  Clothiers and fashionistas have always known this and included smart and beautiful wool garments in their wardrobes almost all year long.  Now that it’s become easier to care for them, with hand-washing and at-home dry-cleaning, I love my vintage sweaters and dresses up until May, too . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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FOUND IN AUSTRALIA – BEAUTIFUL MID-CENTURY RHINESTONE BRACELET

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWhat a great find!  I didn’t have a bracelet exactly like this already, so I was really pleased.  Pretty white rhinestones in wonderful shape – and it even has a security chain (one of the fantastic features of quality costume jewelry that has been mostly lost in modern times).  This one is probably 1950’s.

The workmanship and materials are high quality, too.  Just in time for the holidays . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER AUSSIE FIND – TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S ILLUSION PARTY DRESS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERACouldn’t wait to get this home, where Madge or Stella (my mannequin models) could show it properly – this sheer, custom-tailored frock is a great example of a popular style of the 1950’s.  It’s a dressy style, with metallic gold leaves printed on beige illusion fabric.  I think that Grace Kelly wore a similar dress in the movie “High Society” from the early 1950’s.

This example is a pull-over design, with no zipper or buttons.  Cowl neckline in front and a dropped waist, with below-the-knee hemline.

Of course, a silky sheath or plain, tailored slip in a matching tone has to be worn underneath.  Tomorrow I’ll show you ANOTHER find that is a perfect example of a lingerie garment made exactly for this purpose.  The fascinating discoveries just never end . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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SUPER-PRETTY AND ELEGANT 1950’S HAT

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Velvet pillbox with a huge satin bow behind.  And, lined in brilliant red. Originally from the Sears & Roebuck Millinery Department.  Pretty cool!

So timeless and elegant, it’s another forever find . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S LBD THAT SPANS THE DECADES AND THE SIZES. . . . . . . .

Another pretty, pretty black crepe frock from the mid-century, embellished with bugle beads.  Perfect for a cocktail party or a dressy date, etc., etc.,etc.  When I tried it on size 2 Stella, it really had a 1920’s to 1930’s feel to the fit, with a slightly dropped waist and bow at the hip, plus drapey fabric and a slouchy fit on top.

Moving on to size 4 Giselle, the fit is still stunning but a little more trim and very classic.  Grace Kelly would have been gorgeous wearing this in the 1950’s.

Put the dress on size 6 Madge and it gets very sassy, more of a mini-length and much more Mod – this is the size it was designed for – or was it? . . . . . . . . .  The label would suggest so, but –

Isn’t this a good example of how a well-designed, garment that has been well-made of good-quality materials could look equally-beautiful on 3 different-sized women!  It’s a keeper!!  More finds to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE SKIRT SUIT FROM THE 1940’S

True Vintage 1940s Jacket & Skirt Suit

This was another surprise  discovery and I was absolutely amazed!  Someone safeguarded this lovely outfit for decades in the back of her closet.  It’s hardly been worn, if at all.
Aside from the killer ’40s fit, look at the tailoring details on the jacket – the piping on cuffs and collar and the little “pocket” at each shoulder, just for fun!

There is a maker’s label on the jacket facing.  Lightweight wool material in a tattersall check of ivory, black, sky blue and cranberry.  The jacket is lined.  The skirt swings.  Love it!  I have lots of suits from the ’40s – ’60s and love to mix and match the jackets and skirts with other items from my wardrobe, as well as wearing them as a suit for certain occasions – there’s nothing more arresting and pulled-together-looking.  Great way to make an impression.

Love fun surprises! but, ah well, it’s all just in another day of sleuthing . . . . you just never know. .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BACKROOM FIND – HEAVY NYLON SLIP FROM THE SIXTIES, WITH UNIQUE LACE

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAA mini-length lingerie slip.  What caught my eye most, after the usual evidence of age and quality, was the wide and heavy lace band at both top and bottom.

It has embroidery and applique treatments there and will be a pleasure to wear.  Plus, so important to have a variety of lengths, colors and styles in order to have a perfect fit for every dress that might need one.

Often the shorter ones are difficult to find in true vintage examples.  So, I’m thrilled!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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