Category Archives: frock

BEAUTIFUL EMERALD GREEN TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S-1970’S GOWN BY A NEW YORK DESIGNER

BEAUTIFUL EMERALD GREEN GOWN BY A NEW YORK DESIGNER

Just right for summer “formal-ish” events and dances, and what could be better for St. Patrick’s Day?  This one is pretty dressy, but I could just as easily see someone wearing it as a hostess ensemble for an elegant at-home event.  It’s very well made and fully lined, but has a casual feel about it, too.  Must be the color.

The tag says Tee-ca New York. Never heard of them, but the dress is lovely in a heavy knit with beads embellishing the neckline. That color was very popular in the late ’60’s, too.  It’s kind of MOD, James Bond and all of that.

Like yesterday when I discovered the 1940’s dresses (and they all fit me!), it’s just such a thrill to run across an item that immediately transports you to another time and place.  That’s half the fun of it all – where you’ll be “going” tomorrow.  You just never know . . . . . . . . . .

Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com

TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES SHEATH DRESS WITH SURPRISING TAILORING!

TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES SHEATH DRESS WITH SURPRISING TAILORING!

The first thing I noticed about this dress was the style, and the long metal zipper on the left side.  When I looked more carefully, the unusual fabric and careful construction wowed me!  With St. Patrick’s Day coming up, need I say more?

The lining, which can be seen at the neckline, is a pale yellow.  The patterned material is light green, yellow and blue . Over that is a sheer layer of light olive, which is hardly noticeable at first but really intensifies the color of the underlying pattern!

This is a  mid-century, maybe custom-made dress of exceptional handmade quality and with beautiful design and fabric.  I LOVE finding things that are different from what I’ve seen before and being surprised!!!  That’s the best fun of sleuthing for true vintage fashion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

1940’S RAYON DAY DRESS – ANOTHER FABULOUS FROCK DISCOVERED!!

Just about my favorite dress era – WWII to Post-war – and in my size.  I was SO thrilled to uncover this wonderful rayon frock in a great green & white on black ferny print.  Very well-made and in fantastic condition.  Love those mid-century women who looked after their clothing so well.  If I’m looking for some green to wear on the 17th of March, this one has enough green to get me in the door.

So iconic and perfect.  Drapey rayon in a wonderful art print.  It “made” the start of my day.  Even though I always expect to find treasure, you just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A FAVORITE 1960’S 2-PC. DRESS

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From the Mad Men Kennedy era, this cute little dress went to town,  a casual lunch with a friend and a movie afterward.  It’s not dressy enough for the Women’s Club but just right for a relaxed day out.

This little number is an easy-wear slinky knit (LOVE how they feel!) with a pull-on waist in the skirt.  We’re started to get Mod – psychedelic lime green calla lillies!!!  Hand-washable, of course.  Life was getting so easy ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

By the Sixties, sometimes women could get by without the hat & gloves, especially in areas with a warmer climate.  However, you  needed to be very careful about where you were going in something this dressed-down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FIFTIES FORMAL FROCK & MATCHING (?) FOOTWEAR

IMG_0923 IMG_0973Don’t know if these pieces went together back in the day, but someone probably wore these pale celery green items to a Prom, Homecoming or similar formal dance such as the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day party.  I would also want to add a shawl or bolero jacket.

The shoes are covered in satin and it was so great to find them in such excellent condition!  That’s some of the best fun of coming across a find like this.

If it had been up to me, I’d move the bow from the front of the dress to the waist – maybe in back.  But, that’s a project for another day. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S HOLIDAY VELVET DRESSY HANDBAG

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When I discovered this purse, it was the clasp as well as the fabric that hooked me.  I discovered several dark green velvet garments around the same time and you could almost think that that they were made to go together. So, this was a re-purposing & recycling triumph as well as a true vintage score.

Just right with your dressy St. Pat’s party dress.  Doesn’t get better than that . .. . . . . . ..  well, yes, it does, but that will be another story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY ’60S PARTY FROCK

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY '60S VALENTINE'S DAY FROCK

This dress is of heavy taffeta.  It looks so Spring-like, but in this substantial fabric and vibrant color it could stand on its own (almost literally!) any time of year.  The photo is of the back view, because of the cute bow.  In front, there is simple seaming at the waist for a cummerbund effect.  Very elegant and sweet, but also quite flattering with the shaped fit.

Love the salmon pink color! The material, 3/4 sleeves and netting under the skirt are so common for that time.  Such a beautiful fabric – I’ve found several dresses made of heavy taffeta from the late ’50’s to early ’60’s, in beautiful jewel tones. Would be perfect with a true vintage or modern FAUX rabbit stole ~ true vintage mink if you’re a real debutante.

As I’ve said before, when going for fur I choose true vintage (at least 50 years old) or faux/fake fur.  It is getting so good these days that you can have the look without the cruelty.  However, if I find a fur that is so old that buying it won’t support the current market for the fur trade, I go for it. There’s nothing like True Vintage.

This gown turned up a few years ago during one of my investigations. You just never know . . . . . .!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

VERY INTENSE ST. VALENTINE’S DAY SCARLET SHEATH FROM THE LATE 1950’S

VERY INTENSE ST. VALENTINE'S DAY SCARLET SHEATH FROM THE 1950'S

Now we’re getting REALLY serious – this velveteen sheath with a cowl neckline and fabulous shoulder tails is the ultimate chic. Dark red with a rayon lining – it’s one of a kind.  See how the drapes echo the LBD styles I’ve just found?

Imagine an entrance in THIS! Aside from the color, it’s not in-your-face, but would initiate and hold stares of wonder and disbelief.

You must be prepared to wear a dress like this, and it’s not for anyone without PRESENCE. Your date had better have some, too. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

1940’S SLINKY KNIT DAY DRESS FIND

It’s great to be back at Headquarters where I’m able to show this dress on Stella. A hanger could never do it justice because of the hour-glass fit.

What a treat is always is to discover wartime and post-war garments! I also love the slinky synthetics that were popular at that time. So comfy to wear and the drapey fit is always flattering.

Love the old zippers, too. This one has a metal TALON brand. And, it’s an unusual style for that time, not often seen, but you just never know . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

MID-CENTURY HOME-SEWN FLORAL FORMAL DRESS —PROM, ANYONE?

    Empire A-line styling with flutter sleeves and a floral print – couldn’t get more ’60’s early ’70’s than that. But, there are so many retro versions made recently – why would I decide to collect this one?

    Frocks that I might otherwise pass on if they were commercially – made, I will collect if custom-tailored. Hand-sewing always tells it’s own story, with special touches and unique designs or fabrics.

    So, this dress is especially pretty and versatile. It only needs a few TLC interventions and will be ready to go. I might lose the sleeves, as I like sleeveless styles so much, but will decide later.

    More finds from this general era, but very different. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . .

    MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

    BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM