It’s the details and the fit that make these things so wonderful! That’s what I love about true vintage and hand-constructed clothing. Check out these photos from a 1950’s needlework magazine, given to me by a woman who did this every year.
For a woman who had the skills to make these, it must have been so much fun to look through the new knitting magazines. These weren’t runway styles that were out of her reach!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another treat to find – yes, I have several in this color but they’re all slightly different and, hey, who cares! Under many dresses, a slip is indispensable and how could you not love wearing something like this!
The older lingerie like this usually had pretty lace overlay on a sheer backing. So sexy. And, the nylon feels so smooth and luxurious to wear. This one’s a mini length, too, which makes it versatile. I like having several in order to get the length just right . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Yes, I’m back at Headquarters now – unpacking and taking care of business. Although these finds are out-of-season right now, despite the heat, I like to show brand-new discoveries ASAP.
What makes these worthy of my closet? The styles are simple, but the vintage fabrics are REALLY NICE. Also, the hand-done tailoring touches, like a full lining, well-cut facings and hem allowances make them special garments.
I always pick up pieces of exceptional quality. They are rare treasure, not seen in the marketplace today. Stay tuned for more . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fabulous Stella – she’s a pro. Here she is looking stunning in a black crepe cocktail dress from about 1960. Simple lines and expert draping, this frock is absolutely beautiful. Though it might be just a little bit hot to wear during a summer heat wave, as we’ve still been having, it’s a perfect transitional frock and can be worn year-round if the temperatures allow.
What could be more flattering than one of these fitted sheath dresses? Though it looks very plain and does need one fabulous accessory piece to set it off, it has one design element that makes it super-special . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I’ll publish the back view next – wait till you see that!
Stay tuned . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just look at this beautiful, sweeping back – it is the signature feature of this frock. What an impression it makes!
I also love the bateau neckline, the fitted shape and lovely tailoring. The fabric is perfect, too. Crepe material like this in wool, acetate or rayon has such a wonderful drape to it – no wonder it was used so much for dress – wear up into the 1960’s, when it seems to have been replaced by polyester and poly blends.
Yes, poly is easier-care – no dry-cleaning needed – but it doesn’t hang like vintage crepe. Nothing does.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Found yesterday! A beautiful cotton sundress with matching bolero jacket. These lady-like dresses were popular in the early 1960’s for everyday wear. Perfect for a day at the county fair.
Another reason for the good condition is the quality of the fabric and the workmanship. A maker’s tag is still at the neckline and indicates that it was from an upscale mid-priced clothing line.
It’s another rare find. I’m always so thrilled with the lovely tailoring details on these older dresses. As usual, someone cherished this one and took excellent care – there’s hardly a bit of wear. Just another day in the life of . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
GIRLY, GIRLY, GIRLY FLORAL DRESS FROM ABOUT 1970
See the similarities to the dress shown yesterday, from Canada? Yes, the siren call of Fashion was making slaves of us all on both sides of the Atlantic. All over the world, women who were able to follow the latest trends were rushing to wear this 1940’s retro style. Even though Paris was slow to be corrupted, it happened.
The thought of it kind of ruins your day, doesn’t it? Well, thankfully we’ve now reached the era when we can wear whatever suits our fancy without worrying about whether we’re up-to-date. Because, if we develop our own unique, personal look, we will be very fashionable (and who cares, anyway)!
This dress was probably custom-tailored, too. We’re still in polyester (of course), but not in a knit. This is a woven fabric with a much lighter hand and a woven-in stripe for texture and eye appeal. Same prim collar, fussy trim, puffed sleeve, nipped waist and swing skirt. It’s also a little more sophisticated than yesterday’s frock – less of a rockabilly feel.
Still not haute couture, by any means. And, like all the “newer” garments, it carries the stamp of international trends and fabrics that take away from it’s Parisian roots. That’s one reason that I always prefer clothing from the early 1960’s and before. But, if you have to go with something made later, why not choose something from Paris? Tomorrow, we’re off to Ireland . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This gorgeous little number says summer all over. It is the brightest yellow, with little embroidered flowers all over the bodice, each with a pearl center.
If that isn’t enough, around the hem are larger flowers, all embroidered in the same bright yellow thread. fit, as you can see, speaks for itself . . .
The label is long gone, but I am sure that it was commercially-made. There are too many professional details. Fully lined, of a really nice woven fabric with a bit of texture – metal zip up the back.
Although this is not a formal dress, it is quite refined and could go into the evening very confidently. In the heat of the summer, it could go shopping, lunching, to dinner and dancing without missing a beat.
Natalie Wood would have loved it. “I feel pretty, oh so pretty . . . .”. Almost as if it found its way from her closet into mine . . . . . . .. . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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I see Sophia Loren wearing this dress and running down a street in Naples, Italy (in black stilettos) – chasing Marccello Mostriani in their latest film. Someone custom-tailored this little beauty in a style that falls low on the shoulders if you are petite.
It’s a sunny, breezy style with the 1950’s wasp waist and full skirt, in cotton print material, made for whatever casual activity is on the agenda. However, like most dresses of the era, a little jewelry and a hat (and, maybe, gloves) made it suitable for a slightly more formal event such as a luncheon date.
I prefer to let fantasy take my imagination away with this one – a bottle of local wine, a loaf of bread, cheese and fruit on a balcony overlooking the Adriatic Sea – with a very good friend . . .. . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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Here’s a lovely mid-century silk dress in a classic style, perfect for a dressy date, a dance, dinner or cocktails. It’s too sophisticated for afternoon shopping, though it could be dressed down for a day on Fifth Avenue – just don’t take the dog to the vet. (even the Yorkie, with their sharp little claws)
In printed silk, with a full skirt (but no attached crinoline), wasp waist, center back vintage nylon zipper and a sweet little bow right at the bottom of the bust-line. Mid-calf length.
I found this one in a little out-of-the-way place where several things were hiding. It always pays to look, because you just never know … . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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