Isn’t this the cutest thing? And, such high quality. It’s probably a wool blend, but is so soft that there’s no need for a slip. Stacy Ames is just one of the mid-century brands that created really nice clothing for the mid-priced market in the early 1960’s and I’m always thrilled to find an example like this.
Casual elegance. So nice to slip into Fall in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Just found this mid-century custom-tailored frock that is modeled after Marilyn’s famous costume in the 1954 movie The Seven Year Itch. Although it’s a bit too sweet, made of cotton poplin flocked with cotton candy pink and green, the style is close to the original.
Some gal got carried away by that sidewalk scene above the subway grate. It’s always fun to find something that tells a story, like this.
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
Two very different frocks. This first dress is pictured from the side so that the pocket detail shows. It is very figure-hugging and zips on the left. The pocket has interesting glossy braid decoration. I’ve pictured with it a dark brown silk slip of that era that I wear with it.
The short-sleeved shirtwaist dress is very straightforward and modest, but with cute tailoring details on front. A pointed collar and bow at the high neck. Easy to wear with a button front. The fabric is probably rayon, with a soft sheen.
Both have shoulder pads (of course!) and fabric-covered buckle belts. Great style and true vintage 1940’s cache’.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
When I found this cutie, it was one slim dress – probably about a size 2 – 4, but very tight and petite in the bodice, so hard to squeeze into. It also had a little wear on some of the seams.
I mused and pondered about how to save the dress so that I could wear it because I love the style and, especially, the pink/brown/ivory printed material. It feels so wonderful – can’t explain it – you’d have to experience it yourself. Some kind of synthetic or poly-knit, which was popular then and I’ve never seen any quite like it. Love the color combo!
So – brainstorm! There was a seam right at the waist and I separated the top from the bottom. A stretchy band of matching brown knit lengthened the top just right for my torso and a simple elastic waistband in the skirt made it very easy to wear. It works!
I opened a seam along the left side of the top for more ease and added some hooks and eyes. A little hand-done repair here and there salvaged this find for many more wearings. Can’t wait to wear it with some of my Forties shoes!
Just goes to show that there are gazillions of possibilities . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Navy blue again, with a white print. Shoulder pads; the whole bit. I just LOVE this style! Forties rayon drapes so nicely, feels lovely and has a beautiful sheen. Shoulder pads and a belted waist are so flattering to many women and I love the prism-cut rhinestone buttons, too.
Pictured here with the rayon slip I wear with it. Vintage nylon is wonderful, but rayon and silk slips are, also. I like to combine similar fabrics to my dresses in the undergarments I wear with them, if I can, or at least to match eras.
Also, woven peep-toe heels with ankle straps. These are from the Forties or early Fifties and are also favorites. All that’s missing are a garter and nylons, a handbag and jewelry – maybe a hat . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
This cute little shirtwaist dress was a surprise find. Love it so much! With a fabric-covered belt, Peter Pan collar and bows on the sleeves, in wonderful classic navy blue.
I have several pairs of shoes that would go well, but I’m showing these stilettos with little curlicues on the vamps – a favorite pair.
As Coco Chanel would say, no outfit is complete without pearls. I collect nice ones whenever I run across them. Most are costume, but some are real. It’s fun to find different styles & hues, and they go with everything . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I have found several of these elegant black and white styles from the ’60’s and ’70’s – and wear them a lot. As versatile as a Little Black Dress for day and fun to accessorize. If made by a well-known clothing company or designer, the workmanship was good .
Polyester knits made up until the early 1970’s were usually very nice – good quality and with a substantial feel and nice drape. A well-made dress or pant-suit could take you through 3 seasons of the year. Although similar-looking dresses are made now, the older ones almost always have superior tailoring and fabric.
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
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
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