Beautiful navy and pink combo on this special jacket-dress from the 1940’s. A real beauty. Nice drapey crepe in flattering navy and pink hues.
Flower petal collar. Easter splendor. Come on Springtime! . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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In the 1950s, this style of shirt-dress in a very sheer printed material was popular. I have found several of them here and there. Although the photo doesn’t do it justice, it’s one of my favorites. The fabric drapes really well and is very flattering. Bits of pink in the print help it to go with my skin-tone.
Usually, dresses of this type were belted and, of course, would be worn over a slip. Imagine this one with a lovely true vintage nylon slip underneath (but not a fussy slip). and a covered buckle belt or tie belt. . . . . . . . . . .your skirt swaying in the breeze as you walk down main street on your shopping errands for the day. A pretty little ’50s bag and peep-toe sling-back sandals might be nice. Or, you can mix it up. I love a full-on vintage look, especially with dresses, but mixing decades is also fun.
Vintage accessories with modern clothing really works for me sometimes. I find the mixing easy with casual looks. The great thing about many true vintage items is that their styles are very classic and elegant. Therefore, if you do go 100% true vintage in an outfit that is very elegant, it won’t look overdone or too much like a movie set. Be careful not to over-do things like jewelry or hat and gloves unless you want to aim for the kitchie look. That’s fun, too. And, to me, fun is what it’s all about.
I love the elements of history, mystery, style and aesthetics and recycling – but it’s all fun to me! Everyone loves a treasure hunt, because you just never know . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s a mid-century Prom or dance party dress for Spring. I’ve had this frock for several years and it is in wonderful shape EXCEPT that the bodice had some old perspiration damage under the arms. No fixing that . . . . . . . .SO, I replaced the overlay fabric on the bodice with a nearly – identical modern material.
To the naked eye in normal room light, the dress looks perfect. Only the digital camera with flash shows the difference – that aging of the fabric over 60 – 70 years has slightly changed its color.
I’m pleased with my repair, but here’s a good example of why saving any old fabrics left over from sewing or hem changes makes a lot of sense. You might need them some time and, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A super-startling surprise find! Beautiful 1940’s fabric, perfect condition and just my size. Fun floral for spring and my favorite dark, dark navy in the background. These rare and interesting flaps that fall from the waist at both hips are a style feature I’d never seen before finding this beauty. They were a common sight on many 1940’s dresses.
It’s a simple, easy pullover style that falls just right because of the cut, the fabulous rayon drape and the shoulder pads. I think I’ll be wearing this one for at least the next 40 years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
If you find a good deal on a vintage dress with stains like these, don’t let it worry you. I’ve had great success learning how to deal with them . . . . . . . . .
In heavy rayon or a blend, with its own rhinestone pin and a sassy fit, this dress has 1950’s party written all over it. In a pretty robin’s egg print, it’s just right for Spring. Try it with a little bolero jacket or sweater.
A frock such as this one is too good to pass up, if you feel confident about your skills. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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It seems to me that nothing from the 1970’s could be as wonderful as a beautifully made dress from the 1920’s, 1930’s, 1940’s or 1950’s, but I still like some of the ones made during the Seventies. These crystal pleats in the skirt started in the 1940’s, I think, and are always great.
For a more relaxed time while you still want to look well-dressed, elegant but comfortable this is a good choice. It’s still cool enough in many parts of the world to wear this dress. It would be very nice for a dinner date and, like some others I’ve shown, excellent for dancing because of the ease of movement.
Although it’s made of the ever-present 1970’s polyester, the fabric is lightweight and hangs well. I love the pleats in the skirt for that reason. That’s one nice thing about polyester, no matter what decade it’s from – it holds its shape and travels really well.
The colors in this dress are fresh for Spring, but would carry you through any time of year if the weather permits. Very versatile and also figure – enhancing because of the cut. It’s another of those vintage styles which intrigues by draping over and moving with your shape, but not too much. Bateau necklines are always a favorite of mine, too.
With a skinny belt and very simple jewelry, this one is a winner and worth the investment. I always like getting big dividends from small investments. . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S FASHION ACCESSORIES
Look what cropped up yesterday? 3 beautiful accessories from the Fifties – handbags and a silk scarf.
What’s so special about these is their rarity and excellent condition. The scarf is perfect in gorgeous silk, with no snags, holes or hemming problems.
The raffia purse is rare and very clean. The weaving is undamaged, as is the liner! It’s only issue is a bit of discoloration in places – probably from sun.
The white purse is hard to see in detail because of the glare but is totally covered in TINY white seed beads. Excepting for a few missing beads near the clasp, there is no damage, inside or out. It was made in Belgium for Bonwit Teller.
Couldn’t be more pleased. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Very early Sixties Spring dress from the early to mid-1960’s. It’s a real blast from the past in a lady-like style, so typical of that time. The zipper is metal, but the fabric an easy-care knit which was also popular then – “wash and wear” had become the common thing.
A dress like this is so versatile. It can be worn almost everywhere, dressed up or down. Especially now when footwear choices are completely open, boots, pumps, sandals or flip-flops could all be possibilities that would not have been “right” when this dress was made. Oh, you might have gotten by with go-go boots, flats, pumps or dressy sandals but that would have been all.
Ahh, fashion freedom. Love it! Can’t have it without true vintage in your closet, too . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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So typical between the mid-Sixties and mid-Seventies. In spite of all the frou-frou Edwardian/Prairie/Hippie stuff that was popular, plain knit dresses with clean lines were also a staple – more elegant and timeless, but still very fashionable.
This ensemble is a polyester or poly blend with an empire seam that rises from waist level up under the bust-line in front, fold-over neckline, back zip and a princess cut. The long-sleeve bolero jacket echos the military trend that was also popular then with it’s metal buttons.
Otherwise, the design is plain and undecorated. The fabric has a slight ribbed texture to add interest. It’s hard to call this dress “semi-formal” because it is so tailored, but at that time the style would not have been a day-dress.
Especially good for Spring or Fall. What a treat!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Sorry I didn’t get this photo into my St. Patrick’s Day series. Can you imagine that dress worn under the emerald green satin evening coat I showed then? Perfect!
Both these garments are in a lightweight fabric. The blouse is probably a rayon georgette and the dress in a crinkly rayon or poly that is lined with acetate. Pearl buttons on the blouse and a rhinestone detail on the bow belt of the dress. Stella is wearing my favorite leather Deliso – style pumps from the Eighties. 
The dress has a well-known label of the time which I have shown before – L’Aignon (the spelling might be a bit off). A bright jewel tone like this and filmy fabric could be worn any time of year, but I like it in Spring or Fall.
These are not new finds – I’ve had them for a while and they are keepers!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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