Isn’t she sweet? The early Sixties were still so precious, with their knee-length princess dresses. And, they brought shoulder tails back again for dressy frocks. So unusual. With sequins decorating the midriff, too . . . . . . . .
I’d be confused whether I was going to get married or going to the Prom . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This frock is another of my stupendous finds in Australia! Made somewhere between the 1940’s and 1950’s, it’s a gorgeous dress and I suspect that it really is from the Forties.
Looks like it’s hand-tailored, but by someone who was REALLY good. The collar is reinforced with hidden wire that is soft to wear, but holds the shape and lets you reshape the neckline as needed – an unusual tailoring feature that emphasizes the irreplaceable value and uniqueness of true vintage clothing and accessories.
It’s a demure style, despite the neckline plunge, and could be full-length on a petite figure. I wonder if it was made as a wedding gown? Although some were very fancy, many of that time did not have a lot of frill and fuss and were actually very tailored styles.
No matter what, I’m sure that this gown has at least one fabulous story to tell! I wonder . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This ’20’s – style dress was made in the 1970’s and was probably intended to be a wedding gown. The design is actually a hybrid ’20’s/’40’s in some ways. As marginal as the 1970’s were with regard to quality fashion (in my opinion), I have found some vintage-inspired garments made during that decade that were pretty cool.
This dress has never been worn – still has a paper inventory tag fastened inside the left sleeve. Also, there are care and content tags, but no maker’s label.
It seems fairly well-made and is an interesting design. I find it intriguing as a curiosity, mostly, and would put it in the category of the Gunne Sax dresses of that time, many of which were styled after antique fashions.
Was this the remnant of a wedding that never happened, or just dead stock? I wonder.. . . . you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This frock is another of Rosalie’s creations. (The mother of a dear friend and a fantastic seamstress). A simple design made interesting with inverted pleats on the bodice and skirt. She was such an exceptional tailor! The fabric is a textured type that was very popular in the mid to late ’60’s which resembles burlap or “hop sacking”.
I have added the chain belt, though the dress was intended to hang straight and falls nicely without it. The scarf is another addition – also Rosalie’s, but it was commercially made. Since the colors blend so nicely and both are from the mid-sixties Mod era, they are really good together. This is a good example of how accessories can transform an outfit.
So, here’s an everyday ensemble from 50 years ago that’s so easy to wear and has a different “twist” that makes it absolutely unique today! Even though it’s not pop-your-eyes-out vintage, people will see it and say “hmmmmm. . . . . . . . . . . . . .?”
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
SWEET LITTLE BIAS-CUT FROCK WITH A SWING AND SWAY HEMLINE.
This dress is so simple, but there are very interesting and attractive details – true to its mid-century era. The bow at the neckline and little covered buttons are precious. The fabric, also, is lovely. It feels like rayon and has a weave that makes it look like shantung – very smart for such a plain dress, but – that’s true vintage – they put really nice details on even the most everyday off-the-rack garments.
Although this style would be very easy to home-sew, the dress was commercially made. A tag inside says it’s a vintage plus size 18 1/2, believe it or not. Equivalent to a size 6 or 8 today. Size 4 me can even wear it with a belt, though I might want to pad my bra a bit . . . . . .. .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
An iconic mid-century cotton shirtwaist dress that someone made at home, probably in a small town or on a farm. EVERY WOMAN was wearing these at one time – like we wear jeans today.
If you’re able to zoom in, check out the buttons and the pocket flaps on the skirt. It’s a very pretty pink plaid. Just right for running out to the A & P, baking a pie or collecting eggs . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This one was a FABulous surprise find! I always have my eyes open and my antennae up, but this blew me away!
A sheer layer over plain liner, and fitted drop-waist hourglass shape – the colors are for Fall but work beautifully in Spring and Summer for someone with the right coloring. It reminds me of a dress that Grace Kelly wore in the Alfred Hitchcock movie, Rear Window in 1954. Just a fabulous film – highly recommended.
The style is a bit different and the colors are, too. The criss-cross neckline is something not usually seen. I love it – it’s so fun to find unusual items.
Watch that old movie if you can. It’s a great one and the clothing is wonderful. I have at least one other dress that was, in fact, modeled on one of the frocks that Grace wore in Rear Window. And, also, a dress modeled on the one that she wore to the opening of that movie. It pays to have older friends who used to do a lot of sewing back in the day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Beautiful navy and pink combo on this special jacket-dress from the 1940’s. A real beauty. Nice drapey crepe in flattering navy and pink hues.
Flower petal collar. Easter splendor. Come on Springtime! . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.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
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Magicvintagespy 