Category Archives: embroidery

Pretty late 1950’s – early 1960’s Spring Formal Dress

We’re definitely ready for COLOR, and this is the time of year for that. Good thing that Winter and early Spring were big times for semi-formal events. While it’s still so cold, people were happy to attend parties and dances to add some excitement to their stay-at-home-as-much-as-possible days. The dress is still white, but there’s greenery peeking out of the snow. Even looks a little like St. Patrick’s Day to me, if Stella is planning ahead . . . . . . . . . .

The skirt is still poufy, but not as stiff and puffy as several years before. Sheer fabric over opaque is still the construction standard. Tailoring is still impeccable and the interior label identifies it as a design by Harry Keiser. There’s a little martini glass embroidered there, too, so this style might have been intended to double as a cocktail dress or perhaps they were the specialty of this company at the time.

No matter what the details, It’s a Party! and our gal is going to have fun in style. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

True Vintage Early 1960’s White Formal Gown – Wedding Alternative?

With lots of lovely embroidery, this gown could go to the Prom or the church. The layers of sheer fabric over opaque, bell-shaped skirts and sheath styles carried over from the late 1950’s to the 1960’s. Very much a Barbie-style dress.

Elegant and sophisticated, but this one was also priced in the mid-range – available to the average gal. Up through the mid-century decades – stay tuned . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Beautiful True Vintage early 1950’s Wedding Dress

Here’s another wedding costume ensemble with known history. In fact, this gown was worn by a family member in 1954. Frothy, but elegant, and so flattering. A 3-layer skirt with rows of decoration and embroidery on the fabric of the little bolero jacket. Although shorter skirts on wedding gowns were popular then, this one sticks with the floor-length style. Long sleeves make it more demure but the sheerness adds a youthful touch. I also love the pretty tiara instead of a veil. Despite some sophisticated tailoring, the bride was 18. The strappy design of the bodice and wasp waist make it a dress I could see being worn to the Prom.

Too lovely for words. More special occasion and wedding dresses coming – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

True Vintage Late 1950’s – Early 1960’s Party Dress with Sleeves!

Such a pretty style and color! In a dark salmon pink, with the unusual sleeve design and waistline embroidered smocking. It’s not an in-your-face sexy style, or even close, but it has all the design hallmarks we’ve been seeing with regard to the fabric, fitted bodice, cinched waist, pouf skirt and tailoring detail. A bit high-waisted, as many of the dresses of the Forties and Fifties tended to be. Perhaps they fit most women’s bodies better at that time. I can never get over the generous hem allowances to die for.

This could have been a prom gown when they were still wearing below-the-knee styles. Maybe even a bridesmaid dress. It’s a real confection, like a strawberry or mid-century powder puff. Makes me think of another holiday that’s coming up soon. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

JUST LOVE MID-CENTURY “TRADITIONAL” CLOTHING FROM MEXICO – PARA LOS TURISTAS

IMG_1483 I picked up this little beauty in lovely, soft cotton.  It could be from any time after the 1960’s – hard to tell since they’re continuing to sell them in Mexico and some stores in the U.S.

But, doesn’t matter.  It’s hand-embroidered in traditional designs and beautiful colors. Authentic hippie attire.  Nothing could be more comfortable and boho for summer.

If you’re shopping for a blouse or dress like this one, be observant.  I’ve got several dresses and skirts from the 1940’s – 1970’s.  Many are not as nice as they used to be . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY SIXTIES FORMAL OR SEMI-FORMAL DRESSES IN PASTELS WITH LACE OR EMBROIDERED OVERLAY

EARLY SIXTIES SPRING SEMI-FORMAL DRESSES IN PASTELS WITH LACE OVERLAY

A hallmark of early Sixties fashion was lace or embroidered organza overlay, which we see again and again every decade or two! These very pretty frocks were meant for semi-formal occasions – dinners, parties, dances and ceremonies. A professional cleaning will refresh the full-length ones in time for a wedding!  The bride would look gorgeous in the white and the blue is perfect for any of a wedding party or mother-of-the-bride.

They’re so feminine and flattering, in a variety of styles.  And, of course, beautifully-made.  I especially like the knee-length one – a little bit Mod, but also traditional.   The lace over-dress is partially open in the back, revealing the fitted sheath beneath.  Long sleeves add a little warmth for early Spring and make the design more demure BUT . . . . . . .

very sexy in an elegant and sophisticated way.  They knew how to do that back in the day.  A lost art?  I hope not  . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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ANOTHER MID-CENTURY HANDBAG FIND, BUT SO DIFFERENT!

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Handmade by someone in the 1960’s – 1970’s era, this was a popular tote-style purse during that time.  Many were handcrafted and decorated.  It’s fun to see where she ran out of one green thread and switched to another – true vintage fashions always have a story to tell.

Back in the day many women made these bags from scratch or from kits.  Macrame’ was common.  Unless a home wood shop was handy, the handles would be purchased and then she’d go from there in whatever fabric or weaving she chose.  Some would even be lined, but usually the handcrafted bags were not.  Designs were as original as the people who made them.  I like the pretty Spring feeling on this one, and the lavender color.

Hadn’t come across one of these in a while but, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S PROM DRESS GETS REFURBISHED

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

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

WE’RE GEARING UP FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY – START WITH TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S & 1950’S LINGERIE

WE'RE GEARING UP FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY - START WITH 1940'S & 1950'S LINGERIE

Believe it or not, I do not have a single GREEN slip that would be suitable for my St. Paddy’s Day dresses! Two green rayon beauties in my closet from the 1930’s are way too long and full . . . . . . .

So, here are some blue-green pretties from the Forties & Fifties that might suit. If they’re not showing through, I don’t think any one would really mind, do you?  Once the dress is off . . . . . . . . . . .

Again, we have beautiful fabric, contrasting embroidery and some applique’. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. . . .. . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S PARTY DRESS IN ICY MINT GREEN

PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE 1950s PARTY DRESS FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Looking for a St. Paddy’s frock?   Here we go again – a lovely pouf dress from the 1950s of acetate rayon and chiffon, in minty sherbet green this time.   I love this for Spring, with the sheer 3/4 sleeves and the jewel neckline.  Look at that deep hem in the overskirt!

This is a below-the-knee formal dress that could also be worn to a Prom, dinner, dance or any formal event that doesn’t require a full-length skirt.  ‘It would also be lovely worn in a wedding by attendants or by a bride who didn’t want to wear the typical white or ivory. Many ’50’s brides wore gowns of this length.

The sheer chiffon covers the rayon dress underneath and there is a sewn-in crinoline of netting.  I don’t believe that there are any tags remaining but I suspect that it was commercially-made.  However, it’s not always certain – many seamstresses in business or at home were VERY skilled.

Finding dresses like this is always magical.  Where was it first worn?  Who kept it for decades and why was it so special?  You just never know . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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