Here’s the lovely dress that I showed you on a hanger when I first found it, a couple of months ago. Now the statuesque Stella gives it a proper display. Black rayon crepe, again, with pink underlining at the shoulders and black lace overlay. Dressy, but not formal.
This frock is dated from the late 1930’s to early 1940’s. So many pretty touches and the strong shoulders that I like, but not with regular shoulder pads. As with many older pieces, the bodice is constructed in hand-tailored detail inside to shape it and make a foundation for the decorative layers on top. A wide ruffle across from shoulder to shoulder, and a narrower one at the hem.
So wonderful to find the faux flowers that are pinned at the neck still present and in such good condition! They’re old and a little rumpled, but that’s all. The opening on the left side-seam that helps you get into the dress is closed with buttons rather than a zipper.
All the clues in plain sight. Just another day in the life of . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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SEXY, SHEER SUMMER DRESS – TRUE VINTAGE FROM THE EARLY 1950’S . . . . .
This dress is very special. I’m sorry that I don’t yet have a photo of Stella wearing it, or a personal photographer to take pictures of me wearing it. It is VERY sheer, as you can see, and requires a slip underneath.
The little cap sleeves and dainty collar, plus the belted waist and full skirt make a very flattering and feminine impression. The small buttons down the front, which are purely decorative, have big clear rhinestones at their centers. A fabric-covered buckle belt finishes off the waistline.
This dress closes with a zipper at the left waist. It is a real wiggler to get your shoulders into. If I were any larger, it’d be a no-go! As it is, it works and the skirt swirls around because the fabric is so light, ending right at or slightly below my knees.
You could wear this dress to a party or…
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Hold the runway show – Here’s Stella, still in the early 1960’s. Imagine my delight to discover this beautiful evening dress, crafted in Hong Kong where some of the most lovely hand-tailoring was done for decades.
From shoulder to hem, it’s exquisite and deserves a detailed description. The bodice is a shell of embroidered lacy floral openwork, lined in sheer black and decorated with sequins and beads. It is made as a separate top which zips up the back and is attached to the dress at the shoulder seams. Very heavy, with all the bead-work, which would have been applied by hand.
The body of the dress is ivory on top (though you won’t see this), with a classic black crepe skirt. A crepe bow and 1″ border are attached to the hem of the shell , right at the waist.
Both the dress and attached shell have metal zippers in back so, as with many true vintage fashions, you’ll need an extra pair of hands to help you dress – – whether a partner or a lady’s maid, I can live with that.
Now for the additional little details – full lining in the skirt and a back kick pleat, little hooks and eyes in strategic places and bra strap holders sewn in at the shoulders.
I wonder who bought this, at what shop in what city, and where it was worn . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Warm weather classic elegance for any time – any place . . . . . .
I’ve got lots more dresses to show, but I’ll also be showing quite a few blouses and shirts. These are a dressier variety, from the ’40’s and ’50’s.
The first one, left to right, is a silk blouse by Lady Manhattan. It’s plain and could be worn for everyday, but is also classic & lovely enough to wear for a night out. The sleeves can be rolled up and it’s very well-tailored.
The second blouse is of linen with embroidery. Meant to be worn with a skirt. It buttons up the back.
The third blouse has embroidery and applique’ trim at the neck and is some kind of rayon blend, I think. They’re all beautiful and a testament to the elegance of common clothing then – items that the “average” woman might have owned. I wonder who she was? . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE…
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