Category Archives: dressy

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S – EARLY ’60’S SWEATER JACKET WITH BEADING

VINTAGE 1950'S - EARLY '60'S SWEATER JACKET WITH BEADING

A most lady-like sweater-jacket, lined in acetate. The heavily-beaded design is repeated on the back, as well.  3/4 sleeves add to that vibe – so Kennedy Era . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

Jackets like this were worn over sheath dresses, with slacks and skirts. This one is by Banff, a former maker of fine knits.  Remember the yellow summer sweater I showed a couple of months ago?  Same maker.

These were available for sale at fine department stores and in small specialty shops, sometimes in popular vacation areas.

Again, not my color but, hey, the right necklace or scarf/blouse/dress underneath can take care of that in no time . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE STILETTOS SOLD BY J C PENNEY & CO. – 1950’S – EARLY 1960’S

TRUE VINTAGE STILETTOS SOLD BY J C PENNEY & CO. - 1950'S - EARLY 1960'S

The diva who owned these knew what she liked, in two colors. Sold by J.C.Penney’s back in the day; no well-dressed woman would be caught without her high heels.

These are sassy little numbers, aren’t they? Just right for the next cha-cha party. Highball anyone?

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BLACK CREPE, PADDED SHOULDER DRESSY FROCK – TRUE VINTAGE EIGHTIES DOES FORTIES

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I just love the satin cummerbund on this demure but dressy style from the early Eighties.  It will look smashing on Madge, with her curvy figure.

Knee-length and sedate, this dress is nevertheless a knock-out.  Black crepe is always classic and perfect.  Black satin touches always ramp it up a notch for dressy occasions and certainly make this one appropriate for the holidays.

It’s also unusual to find a dress like this with long sleeves and that’s a real plus for certain occasions and for cold weather.  Modern dressy black dresses, unless they’re cheaply made, frumpy or uber-conservative, never seem to have them and I’m always pleased with this option in a quality frock.

Leave it to true vintage garments to provide all the best that you could want from clothing, if you’re savvy and sneaky enough to find them . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S CHRISTMAS RED VELVETEEN PARTY DRESS

PARTY, PARTY, PARTY . .. . . . . . . . . ..

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S CHRISTMAS RED VELVETEEN PARTY DRESS

Staying in the spirit – looking ahead to the Christmas Dance (or the Valentine’s Day Dance)! I just love this little circle skirt dress with sequins on the bodice.

Probably custom-tailored, with little cap sleeves and a skirt meant to swing.  Just right for dancing.

This is one of my favorite colors – good any season, but especially right when everything is white and gray outside. Velveteen is also such a feel-good fabric. You can’t beat rayon for drape, but velvet, silk, nylon and poly have their own lovely ways.

Zip up the back, waist-hugging style – there’s nothing too remarkable about the tailoring but it’s unmistakably TRUE VINTAGE, and  only the real thing that has that “look”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S COCKTAIL SHEATH DRESS

THIS IS SOME OF THE BEST FUN – FINDING A FABULOUS PIECE AND ALSO HAVING THE CHANCE TO BE CREATIVE .. . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S COCKTAIL SHEATH DRESS

While we’re in the 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!

Worth of Peggy Lee any…

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S JACQUARD COCKTAIL BLOUSE

THIS WILL BE PERFECT FOR UP-COMING PARTIES . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S JACQUARD COCKTAIL BLOUSE

Here’s a lovely, oh-so-flattering jacquard blouse for cocktails, dinner, dancing and parties. It looks superb with a long black skirt or black cigarette pants.

Notice the little bows at the waist. It also buttons up the back (I LOVE that feature of so many ’50’s blouses) with 5/8″ covered buttons. Very swank.

The fun thing about 50’s separates like this is that they were dressed up or down, since rock and roll, rhythm and blues and, later, cocktail parties became such a rage – on top of the more formal and traditional occasions that were always part of the social scene.

As usual, the cut and tailoring of this piece is outstanding. The fabric is quite nice, too. Just the right thing for a woman of intrigue to have in her closet, no? . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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RARE FIND! WWII – POST-WAR PEEP-TOE PUMPS WITH CUBAN HEELS

IMG_1788Thrill, thrill, thrill – I love finding these guys!!  Bless your hearts, 1940’s women.  You took such good care of your shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!

With leather soles, so that they can be repaired as-needed forever.  Visible wear of the uppers and insoles is practically non-existent.

These were more-or-less everyday shoes for a town gal who would wear them in the house and on errands.  They could pass nicely for modest dress-up occasions, too.  (Weddings, funerals, a dinner date).

Ever practical and always aware of the deprivations of the Depression and war, war-time and post-war era ladies got in touch with their courage and capability.  It was only after the soothing and reassurance of the Fifties economic boom that they allowed themselves to be slipped back into their “place” as model housewives and mothers who became trapped in their new, modern homes.

The rest is history, which we’ve all contended with since.  But, I am proud to step into this woman’s shoes . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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

TRUE VINTAGE FAUX FUR FABULOUS FROM THE SEVENTIES

Though not purely the best of the best, this is a good example of faux fur that has been available for several decades.  I have others from the 1950’s.  It’s a reliable true vintage brand, and is a fabulous alternative to real fur – has to be seen up close and touched to be sure.  Some made now require a second look and feel.  Vive les animaux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S COCKTAIL DRESS – SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Imagine my delight finding this LBD!! Very Mad Men, Jackie O and all that.  It was originally purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue.  What could be a better item to have as a wardrobe staple?  I’ll have fun with this one.

A black crepe in perfect condition, from the early to mid-1960’s. However, this design is so elegant and classic, that it’s timeless.

Back metal zipper and generous hem allowance, careful tailoring throughout and a high-quality decorative trim at the neck and hem.  The embroidered label inside is a real plus, too.

Most of my recent finds have been good fits for me and require little, if any, attention.  Thank you, fashionistas of the past, who loved and looked after your clothing so well . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

 

 

 

 

TRUE VINTAGE RED VELVETEEN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Both of these garments were custom-tailored in the late 1950’s to early 1960’s.  Here’s the holiday dress from last year properly modeled on Stella, finally – just look at those wonderful rhinestone buttons and belt buckle.  Try finding those now!  I’d tend to wear it at Christmas, but it would be beautiful at a dressy Thanksgiving dinner, too.

The skirt is a new find, in a slightly deeper red, which I love.  Dresses are great, but I’m always happy to find separates because of their versatility.  Now I have something true vintage to wear with pretty blouses and sweaters.

Black is always superb, but I love red and these unusual finds just put me in the holiday spirit!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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