Notice the way in which the embroidery follows the curve of the figure by placing it along the side seam. So pretty and flattering! A woman could always feel attractive and well-dressed in a frock made this nicely and with such gorgeous details. This is another of my earliest finds.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I absolutely love the flattering drape of this fitted dress! The fabric is a synthetic blend of some type, probably containing nylon.
During the late ’50’s and early ’60’s the lean sheath styles were very alluring, yet proper. That seems, to me, to be one of the best fashion qualities of lots of the true vintage styles.
This one goes from Spring, with a light jacket or sweater, right into Summer. The combination of green and blue was very popular in the early 1960’s for a year or two – so this one may come from that time.
So, a ladylike frock that can be worn almost anywhere – simple style and classic lines. It would look nice with white shoes. Though the standard rule was “No white until after Memorial Day in the U.S. (last of May) and not after Labor Day (first Monday in September), those rules don’t apply anymore so wear your white shoes whenever you like!
I’m not sure, but this dress might have come from Canada. Sometimes, with a closet the size of mine, you just never know . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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From shopping, to work, to date – meeting or picnic, this dress is very simple, but stylish and feminine, too. In pale blue, there are two layers of fabric. The outer layer is somewhat sheer with embroidery all over.
The bodice has an interesting shape, with deep pleats along each side that give it some fullness and a cap sleeve effect. This frock definitely has style and could be dressed up or down – very versatile.
Many of the dresses from late ’50’s to early ’60s have elegant details like this. The form-fitting cut of that era seen in sheath dresses is so flattering! True vintage garments are rarely run-of-the-mill and often show these style surprises and very pleasing lines.
That’s one reason why they’re so much fun to find. Each one is a surprise and you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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,Zooming into Summer now, you may be looking around for outfits to wear this weekend, to a garden or patio party . .
A beautiful gown in a pastel floral print, perfect for a dance, dinner, theater event, etc. – anything a bit more formal that this week’s celebrations or events might throw at you.
This one has an empire waistline seam, a sheer layer of fabric over an opaque lining and a center back zipper. No slip necessary, though I do have a true vintage long crinoline underneath in this picture. I’ll show that to you later as it is very interesting, itself.
I’m not sure whether this dress was made in the ’60s or ’70s. I lean toward the ’60s, but it is a classic style with only one tag left inside that is not a definite answer to the question. But, the fabric just has a ’60s feel to it . . . . . . .
Anyway, it is lovely and radiates the feeling of cheerful, bright sunny days. This is the kind of thing that we all like to start wearing this time of year. If it were shortened (or maybe even if not) and without the crinoline it could be worn as a day dress, because of the simple style.
Look for things like this now. Lots of older women made a habit of cleaning out their closets in the Spring, and you just never know . . . . . . . . . .
Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy
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This style, popular in the 1950’s and early 1960’s, looks like it’s never been carried! Mid-century ladies often had two or three treasured handbags carefully stored in a dresser for specific occasions, from semi-dress to formal. I love these pretty dressy purses that add an elegant touch to evening or better day dresses. They used to be a staple of city-wear for well-dressed women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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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Never can have too many of these! Shoulder pads, matching belt and midi length – of course, I like my true 1940’s ones best but the ’80s did some very fun versions, too.
This one, in a soft cotton blend, was worth picking up. Nice print, good styling, excellent condition. Someone loved it 35 years ago . . . . . . . .
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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In a pretty blue & white print cotton or cotton blend knit, this dress has classic fit and style characteristics i.e. cap sleeves & a keyhole neckline. It falls to mid-calf.
This one will take you into Spring and right on into Summer. There is no identifying info inside and I’m placing it 1950 – 1970. I have seen others similar from those times.
With such an attractive silhouette and pretty fabric, I’m not going to nit-pick. Sometimes the clue trail is tantalizingly inconclusive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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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