Category Archives: fitted

TRUE VINTAGE GOWN MODELED AFTER GRACE KELLY’S IN THE HITCHCOCK MOVIE “REAR WINDOW”

A very favorite find, custom-tailored in the early 1950’s after one that Grace Kelly’s character, Lisa, wore in the classic Alfred Hitchcock movie, Rear Window.  Lisa’s dress had a yellow printed skirt, rather than blue.  I even know the woman who made this frock in 1954!

The black fabric in the bodice is stretchy and the neckline very unusual.  It fits perfectly, no matter how your own curves go!  The skirt is of three layers, with sheer fabric on top and netting underneath.  The little black “leaves” are embroidered on the sheer overlay.

What could be more fabulous? – a costume similar to one worn by one of my all-time favorite actresses in a favorite movie by a favorite director! How intriguing . . . . . .. . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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CUTE AND SAUCY TRUE VINTAGE LITTLE BLACK DRESS, FIFTIES – STYLE

CUTE AND SAUCY LITTLE BLACK DRESS, FORTIES - STYLE

Just love this!! Sometime from the late 1950’s to the early 1960’s this little frock was someone’s favorite.  It’s Peggy Lee in her early mid-century years, all over!!!!!

Glossy textured rayon – I always love sheer panels like this on the shoulders.  The bodice is decorated with embroidered white flowers which have pearl centers.  Nothing could be better for dinner out or a date night.

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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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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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

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1950’s LBD WITH SHEER BLACK SLEEVES AND SEDUCTIVE SHAPE

1950's LBD WITH SHEER BLACK SLEEVES AND SEDUCTIVE SHAPE

Leave it to the 1950’s to produce the most come-hither styles . . . .. . .. How could anyone resist this one?  The inventors of the “cocktail dress” knew their stuff.

Rather than a sleeveless style, “demure” sheer sleeves add just the right touch of modesty and mystery and end up amping the “sexiness” to new levels.

One of the mistakes that so much modern fashion makes – it’s so in-your-face that after the shock and awe wear off in a few minutes, it’s pretty boring and tacky.  True vintage fashion rarely, if ever, makes that goof.  It’s usually has just the opposite effect.  And, high quality materials and tailoring is the cherry on top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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ANOTHER AUTHENTIC 1930’S DRESSY FROCK

ANOTHER AUTHENTIC 1930'S DRESSY FROCK

This example is not quite as glitzy as the two I posted a couple of days ago, but I guess that’s a matter of opinion. With elegant, classic styling and art deco chevron decoration, this dress is as sophisticated as the others, if not quite as showy.  It can easily go from day to evening with a simple change of accessories.

Black crepe with a fabric-covered belt and little metallic studs across the front and skirt, it’s a little more day-time dressy.  but beautiful enough for cocktails, dinner or a party.

I was SO happy to discover these rare frocks and always love finding them!  More tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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2 TRUE VINTAGE DRESSY FROCKS FROM THE FLIRTY THIRTIES

2 TRUE VINTAGE DRESSY FROCKS FROM THE FLIRTY THIRTIES

Here’s another detour to the days of film noir – lets check out a couple of little black dresses from that time . . . ..

Black crepe with major embellishments. the dress on the left is quite form-fitting, but with no stretch, and has a small side zipper, so you have to wiggle in. It is covered with metal stud decoration.

The frock on the right – also black crepe – is less fitted and easier to get into. Has a huge beaded design on the bodice – looks like a Firebird(?) – I guess we can make it whatever we want . . . . . . . .

These are rare finds, and in excellent condition. A couple of cherished items – like a hundred or so others in my closet . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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SCORE!! FOUND A TRUE VINTAGE KENNEDY ERA PARTY DRESS

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Wowee!  I love it so much!  First off, this beautiful frock appeared to my spying eyes and I was transported to a dance in 1960 . . . . . . . . . . .

Sheer, printed fabric over an acetate sheath – so pretty and feminine, with fabulous movement in the skirt.  The pleats make the bottom half of the dress look a completely different color, though the fabric is exactly the same.  Such wonderful wizardry in the beautiful tailoring tricks seen in true vintage garments.

This is the kind of find I live for – and I’m glad that they are frequent!  I’ll have so much fun with this one.  It’s done a lot of dancing and needs some TLC, but nothing I can’t handle – getting ready to party on.  The “new” finds are coming more frequently now, so stay tuned . .. . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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PURE CLASSIC! VINTAGE DAY DRESS IN FLORAL COTTON

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Right on the heels of that daring red frock shown yesterday came this traditional, custom-tailored every-day dress in a beautiful cotton print.  Again, I can’t say exactly how old it is but it was home-sewn in a classic, mid-century style.  The fabric is gorgeous.

Although it’s another perfect fit for me, the style is very plain so I think I’d cinch the waist with a belt to enhance the fit and add a pert little scarf or pearls at the neckline, depending on my mood.  Yes, that would be VERY cliche’ ’50’s but – so what? – also a VERY pretty look. Unless I wanted to go completely kitchy for the fun of it, I’d leave off the hat/gloves -handbag/shoes sets.

Anyway, this dress really makes me hanker for Spring!  Can’t wait to see what turns up next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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