Category Archives: frock

MY “I LOVE LUCY” DAY DRESS – TRUE VINTAGE FROM THE 1950’S

Here’s another favorite dress of mine – true vintage,as always. I call it my “I Love Lucy” dress because it just reminds me of Lucy Ricardo on that show and something that she might wear – a bit of the harlequin!

Another full-skirted wonder in cotton (or maybe a blend – it’s an interesting fabric). I love the weave – so unusual, and colors that look well on me.

I love finding and filling my closets with things that I love to wear and feel really good in. No matter your taste or opinions about fashion, that’s what it’s all about.

I love the uniqueness,quality, glamour, fun and elegance found in true vintage fashion items and that’s one of the ways I make myself happy . . . . . . . . . . . . . always pay attention to yours . . . . . . .. . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

A FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE DRESS FROM THE LATE ’50S – EARLY ’60’S BY SWIRL

A FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE DRESS FROM THE LATE '50S – EARLY '60'S BY SWIRL.

A FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE DRESS FROM THE LATE ’50S – EARLY ’60’S BY SWIRL

A FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE DRESS FROM THE LATE '50S - EARLY '60'S BY SWIRL

This dress is one of my favorites from the 1950’s/early 1960’s. I have one or two others, and the style is very distinctive.  Applique’ decorations are a lot of fun on these older items, too.

It was made by Swirl and is a wrap-around. Easy to
wear with a flattering fit. One piece, with a belt that slips through and then ties in front.

I put the bandana bows on the shoulders due to some fade there (a common problem with true vintage items, due to storage) – and I like them! They go great with the cute flower.

Never fails to get compliments.  With some little red sandals, or even Keds . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950’S DRESS A’LA GRACE KELLY

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950'S DRESS A'LA GRACE KELLY.

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950’S DRESS A’LA GRACE KELLY

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1950'S DRESS A'LA GRACE KELLY

This dress is very special. It was custom tailored, modeled after one that the American actress Grace Kelly wore to the premier of her movie “Rear Window”, in 1954.

The fabric is sheer, that’s why it’s pictured with a slip under. It has a fabric-covered belt and very full skirt. Naturally, a side metal zipper so it’s a bit too difficult for Madge to slip into.

The collar is actually larger than pictured, but I hemmed it because it was too wide for me. Didn’t cut it, though, so the original has not been damaged. Very important!

It’s a beautiful, feminine style and very elegant. Just what would have been expected from Grace. Was it made for me? Of course not – but I know who did make it and got the whole story. I’ve got another of her Grace-inspired creations to show later . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s -1950’S DAY DRESS – ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITES

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE 1940's -1950'S DAY DRESS – ONE OF MY VERY FAVORITES.

TRUE VINTAGE “SUMMER OF ’42” HALTER DRESS FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S

TRUE VINTAGE "SUMMER OF '42" HALTER DRESS FROM THE 1940'S – 1950'S.

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S DAY FROCK IN SHEER VOILE

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S DAY FROCK IN SHEER VOILE.

TRUE VINTAGE 1950’S DAY FROCK IN SHEER VOILE

TRUE VINTAGE 1950'S DAY FROCK IN SHEER VOILE

So now we’re getting into the closet where I store my favorite daily items, which I wear regularly. This beautiful dress is so light and cool – perfect for hot weather.

By Carlye – it’s two layers on top but still needs a slip. Good chance to wear some of my lovely vintage lingerie.

Lots of little design touches that make it unique – pleats and tucks, shoulder detail in the cut of the collar – that’s what’s so delightful about true vintage styles. This may not be a one-off, but I KNOW I’ll never see another one like it.

There are many ways to discover treasure . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

TRUE VINTAGE EARLY 1960’S DINNER FROCK BY HENRY-LEE

IMG_1426This one was hiding in an out-of-the-way spot. You just never know!

It’s a lovely dress in unusual colors. The blue is not a common one, and flattering only to just the right skin and hair tone. The interesting part is the top.

Like many dresses made at that time, a rayon-type under-layer with a lace overlay dresses it up. Sometimes they’re in the same color, and sometimes contrasting, as in this case.

Here, we have a medium lavender color under the blue. Quite uncommon. I love finding these quirky things! The two layers in the skirt have the same contrast, but the chiffon on top is heavy enough that very little of the lavender comes through. Perhaps just enough to draw a little attention when the wearer moves.

And, the under-layer is a taffeta, so it swishes. . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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