Category Archives: elegance

NEW DISCOVERY! TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY CUSTOM-TAILORED DRESSY DRESS

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CUSTOM-TAILORED VINTAGE FROCKS ARE OFTEN THE MOST INTERESTING!

I love this find!  All the details of the talented seamstress’s work are evident here.  She was good!

Like many dresses from the  Fifties – early Sixties era, this frock is made with a contrasting liner under sheer illusion fabric.  The black overlay has flocked design with little reflective accents, like tiny, tiny sequins, sprinkled throughout.  The neckline treatment took a lot of skill to create, with many folds and tucks.

The side metal zipper was a standard in many of these early styles.  Because it’s a bit shorter, I suspect that the owner was a buxom lady of petite stature or that she shortened the dress over many seasons of wear as the hemlines went up in popular fashion.  Although the dress is in exceptional condition, some wear to the flocking shows that it was worn more than once – maybe many times.  She loved it!

The original belt is missing and I put one of my own on just for illustration.  The sizing is a vintage plus, or half-size as they were known then, and is made for a full figure.  Can’t wait to photograph it on Madge, whose measurements will do it some justice!

More new finds tomorrow, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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RUFFLED 1950’S JACKET TO WEAR OVER YOUR LITTLE BLACK DRESS

RUFFLED 1950'S JACKET TO WEAR OVER YOUR LITTLE BLACK DRESS

This little cutie turned up in a surprising place (which often happens, so it’s no surprise to me!). So dainty and feminine, yet super practical.

Have you ever wanted to wear a smashing sleeveless LBD and needed some warmth, but didn’t like the idea of a fur,shawl or a cardigan sweater? This wrap is very subtle and light, but may provide the extra coverage that makes the difference between comfort and shivers.

Of very fine black mesh with ruffles sewn all around and hook & eye closures, I’m guessing that this garment was made in the ’50’s, but it could be earlier or slightly later. At any rate, it’s unmistakably true vintage and unique!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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SOMETHING FOR THE MEN! TRUE VINTAGE CUFF-LINKS BY SWANK

SOMETHING FOR THE MEN! TRUE VINTAGE CUFF-LINKS BY SWANK

Costume jewelry for the guys, though they may be sterling silver. Sets like this were standard dress-wear for men in the mid-century and before.  These came through my family, but I always nab nice ones when I find them.

They are by SWANK, in their original packages.  The set on the left, with pearls, were sold at a hometown menswear store.  The set on the right was packaged especially for a department store.  Perfect with your ’50’s,’60’s or ’70’s dress shirt (and tie).

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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2-TONE TRUE VINTAGE HOUR-GLASS DRESS FROM THE EARLY 1960’S – BLUE WITH BLACK UNDERTONES

2-TONE HOUR-GLASS DRESS FROM THE EARLY 1960'S - BLUE WITH BLACK UNDERTONES

Here’s somebody’s pretty frock from the Mad Men – Jackie Kennedy era.  An off-the-rack design from a middle-income lady’s wardrobe that might help her feel a little bit like Marilyn . . . . . . . .

Many dresses that I’ve found from the early 1960’s that are dressy styles are made with this two-color feature. Sometimes it’s woven together, sometimes it’s a sheer layer over an opaque color that comes through.

In this case, it’s a woven fabric.  The style  has those characteristic mid-century design elements of decorative bow, 3/4 sleeves, knee-length, a covered belt and wiggle-dress fitting . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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NEW FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S LACE OVERLAY DRESSY DRESS

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A POPULAR CONSERVATIVE DRESSY STYLE FROM THE EARLY TO MID-1960’S

Can’t wait to photograph this frock on Madge, whose figure will show it off to best advantage.  It’s a vintage Junior size 9(which would be about a Misses 6 now) – aimed at teens and young women.  Lace overlay (very popular then for special occasion styles), but in matching color rather than a contrast.  I could almost see it being worn as a non-traditional wedding dress!

The buttons are gold-tone sculpted metal and there is a gold thread in the lace edging around the neckline, sleeve hems and front placket. The hem is quite wide, so I suspect that someone shortened it – either because they were of petite height or because the mini length was in style when this frock was last worn – 1965 or sometime later . . . . . . . . . . . .

Although I think the design is pretty  blase’ (but I’ll have to see it on Madge to make the final judgement), the fabric and tailoring are of excellent quality and it’s always a pleasure to see that.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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FINE TRUE VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY BY TRIFARI – THE SMART WOMAN’S CHOICE 1930’S – 1980’S

FINE COSTUME JEWELRY BY TRIFARI - THE SMART WOMAN'S CHOICE 1930'S - 1980'S

Trifari made lovely costume jewelry – here are a few examples of pins and earrings from several decades. Always high quality. Pick them up if you find them . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A TRUE VINTAGE SUCCESS STORY FROM THE 1940’S AND A CAUTIONARY TALE

WHAT YOU SEE IS NOT WHAT I GOT!! A SUCCESS STORY AND A CAUTIONARY TALE

I absolutely adore this jacket. AND, it’s got a real story – The silk pants are not original, but the greenish bronze is a good match to the trim and I wear them with the jacket as loungewear.

When I first bought this jacket, it was a light lemon yellow, with emerald green embroidered trim, in a very large size.  From the  1940’s, the fabric was  a mystery – probably acetate or some blend.

It had been sold by a well-known (back in the day) Denver department store and carried their label.  I enjoyed wearing it as a wrap over strappy dresses or with skirts and light blouses. Yellow is not my best color, but it still worked.

After several years, I wondered how it might be to dye it a more flattering color – so, out came the scarlet dye and into the washing machine it went.  I’ve done this a number of times and have a system that USUALLY works – it’s ALWAYS a gamble.

So, what I got was a beautiful orange-red jacket with bronze embroidery (love it!) and in a size that fits me perfectly. Surprise!!

Could have been a disaster if I was not somewhat experienced and prepared.  Colors can turn out blotchy, seams can rip, fabrics can pucker and shrink beyond belief!!  Just a heads – up – the possibilities for success are endless, but so are the hazards, so here’s a word to the wise . . . . . . . . . … . . . . . . . . . learn your stuff well, then you can be adventurous!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE LBD – EARLY 1960’S CLASSIC!

FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE LBD - EARLY 1960'S CLASSIC!

This is absolutely one of my best (if not THE best) go-to dresses for almost any occasion – no doubt that I will look stunning and elegant.

A 3-season frock of soft wool knit, with lovely and flattering drape. Look at the graceful folds from the left shoulder and at the waist. Easy fit. So effortless. One piece of fine jewelry, beautiful shoes, a small and elegant handbag and I’m done. Each piece of exceptional quality, but nothing flashy.

This is the type of dress that Jacqueline Kennedy preferred, and it has been seen on many fashionable and well-dressed women for decades.

This one was also an early find, found years ago at the same time as the va-va-voom dress posted day before yesterday and I almost missed it, too!  But now, I spy with my little eye EVERYTHING . . . . . . . .. ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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BEAUTIFUL TRUE VINTAGE CLASSIC NAVY & WHITE CAPE JACKET – 1950’S – ’60’S TRUE VINTAGE

BEAUTIFUL CLASSIC NAVY & WHITE CAPE JACKET - 1950'S - '60'S TRUE VINTAGE

When Spring is springing (or almost) I really like to get into the true navy blue and white and nautical themes that have been classic styles of this season for decades and decades. In this case, the classic double-breasted jacket with a twist – cape styling(!) and a little military feel.

A cute little sailor-style hat would look so great with this (true vintage, of course). Imagine it with skirts, sheath dresses, slacks, jeans, leggings – a true vintage classic can go with all of them, ups the style quotient and lasts for decades because of its high quality.

In this case, there’s wool warmth, too. Much appreciated this year!  I’ve loved my  vintage military pea jacket for winter, but now it’s time for a change.  Perfect outerwear to bridge the seasons from cold to cool in fashionable elegance, with a lighter, brighter feel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGSPY

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VA-VA-VOOM! TOTALLY MAGICAL TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S VIXEN DRESS

VA-VA-VOOM! TOTALLY MAGICAL TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S VIXEN DRESS

OK.  Let’s compare this frock to the dress shown yesterday. . . . . . . ..

This was a completely magical find!  For the first thing, I almost missed it.   I was an inexperienced sleuth at the time, years ago, and wasn’t sure what I was seeing.

Second, it was at least 3 sizes too big, with some dowdy design features that were not appealing.  However, this is a 100% silk dress with a designer label.

Look at the draping and the ruching – GORGEOUS!! Another woman remarked about it and woke me up.

After a few very simple alterations, without doing anything that can’t be reversed, voila’! An absolute Mata Hari, femme fatale frock. Who knew?

From the same 1950’s era as yesterday’s dress – just as elegant but with a totally different feel.  This dress is very sexy and dramatic, but not in any way sleazy or tacky.  That’s the beauty of true vintage style and quality . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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