Category Archives: formal

LATE 1940’S – EARLY 1950’S NEW LOOK TRUE VINTAGE GOWN

How’s this for holiday dressing? . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

LATE 1940'S - EARLY 1950'S NEW LOOK TRUE VINTAGE GOWN

This dress is somewhat majestic. The material is a heavy rayon with sheen – almost satin. It has black beaded designs around the neckline and each sleeve.

It’s an example of the design introduced by Christian Dior in 1947, I believe, called the “New Look” because it was so different from the severe, short and relatively plain clothing that women wore during WWII in order to conserve resources. Tiny waists, long skirts, luxurious material and extravagant decoration were “in” again.
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Enough history lesson! It’s just a beautiful, feminine and stunning dress. The original owner had shortened it by 2 – 3 inches, so it was definitely mid-calf length when new. Fortunately, she didn’t cut off any material, so it could be let down again.

This is certainly something that you might wear to see the Queen, or the King, or the President or just your favorite male person …

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TRUE VINTAGE FULL-LENGTH CRINOLINE HALF-SLIP FROM THE 1950S

Here’s one way to look REGAL, even in a plain dress.

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE FULL-LENGTH CRINOLINE HALF-SLIP FROM THE 1950S Even if you don’t have a Fifties dress to wear with it, put it under any long dress with a full-enough skirt and it becomes a GOWN.  Just perfect to make an entrance at a holiday party. . . .

The full length, high-waist elastic slimming panel and back zipper are all unique. Crinoline netting is sandwiched between two layers of fabric for comfort and a smooth line.

Foundation garments were so important in the past – usually more issues to be considered than even now, like garters and boning.  Their design was a real art and a science.  There are companies now which make “foundation garments” and hosiery in the old style, if you want them.  I ran into one in Australia!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

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TRUE VINTAGE 1960s COCKTAIL PARTY DRESS BY CAROL CRAIG

Early 1960’s LBD – just perfect right now!!

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE 1960s COCKTAIL PARTY DRESS BY CAROL CRAIG This is a timeless, year-round-wearable black crepe dress with a full rayon acetate lining. The decorative band at the bottom is of alternating iridescent and black sequins. It has a vintage nylon zipper in back..

By Carol Craig, a popular maker of the ’50s and ’60s, this dress in classic black crepe can be worn all year long. The simple A-line style suits almost any figure and is form-fitting enough to be very attractive while not overly tight. So, anywhere that sleeveless dresses are considered acceptable, so would this dress be. Pretty versatile!

What sets this apart from the tons of black crepe dresses from the 80s, 90s and 2000s that are out there? 1. the fabric (a little heavier) 2. the lining (full – nice material) 3. the workmanship (zipper put in very well, no loose threads everywhere, small hooks and eyes in the right places) 4. the design…

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TRUE VINTAGE 1950’s – EARLY 1960S SAPPHIRE BLUE TAFFETA PARTY FROCK

TRUE VINTAGE 1950's – EARLY 1960S SAPPHIRE BLUE TAFFETA PARTY FROCK.

NEW FIND IN AUSTRALIA – BEAUTIFUL MID-CENTURY RHINESTONE BRACELET

NEW FIND IN AUSTRALIA – BEAUTIFUL MID-CENTURY RHINESTONE BRACELET.

McCALLS 1961 NEEDLEWORK MAGAZINE SAYS – START KNITTING YOUR NEW YEAR’S DRESSES NOW!

McCALLS 1961 NEEDLEWORK MAGAZINE SAYS – START KNITTING YOUR NEW YEAR'S DRESSES NOW!.

ANOTHER AUSSIE LBD FIND – THIS TIME IT’S TRUE VINTAGE ’80’S DOES ’40’S

ANOTHER AUSSIE LBD FIND – THIS TIME IT'S TRUE VINTAGE '80'S DOES '40'S.

NEW FIND! TRUE VINTAGE ’60’S – ’70’S DRESSY DINNER DATE COCKTAIL SHEATH DRESS

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAIt’s hard to see in this photograph, but the satin material behind the lace is a beautiful soft rose color.  The skirt is black crepe – the classic dressy fabric that is so perfect for frocks of this type.  It’s a vintage size 8, which fits like a current size 2 to 4.  Perfect condition.

This design is made to look like a two-piece ensemble, though it is a straight sheath style with a zipper up the back.  It hugs the body and even looks good on a hanger, which is lucky when I don’t have Madge or Stella to model it for me!

Made by PACO, which is a relatively upscale label for dressy clothing here in Australia.

Great find!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S COCKTAIL DRESS, FROM AUSTRALIA!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAs often happens with black things and when photographing without a model, I couldn’t get good detail in a picture but want to tell you about this great find anyway.  I’m sure that you’ll be able to see it in your mind’s eye.  Picture this . . .

Heavy black crepe, fully lined. Metal zipper up the middle of the back and a small kick pleat at the hem.  Classic sheath style, but with a waist seam and a black fabric rosette toward the left side there. The neck is scooped front and back, with layers of draped fabric all around.   The label is from a maker, or maybe a department store, which is Australian.

As always, the fabric and the tailoring distinguish it from the tons of modern black dresses that can be found anywhere.  And, it fits much better, too.  This one will last another 50 years!

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy

Blog:  Magicvintagespy.com

Book:  How to Find the Best in Vintage Fashion available on Amazon.com

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BLING – EISENBERG ICE, ETC. . .

TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY BLING – EISENBERG ICE, ETC. . ..