I guess it’s just the high neckline. Lots of dresses from the early ’70’s (except the hippy/prairie/boho styles that were popular then) have a very innocent, girlish look about them. Have you seen the Prom dresses from that time? Watch the movie Footloose.
This one is unremarkable in its tailoring, but it was just that ’70’s cache’ that made me bring it home. I must admit, it is a very classic style and can be done beautifully if it’s with quality materials and exceptional workmanship. But this one just takes us on a daydream journey back 40 years.
It’s fun to watch old movies from that time (or That ’70s Show, I guess), just to see how awful some of the clothing was. Uh, oh – I’m going to get myself into some big trouble here.
But seriously, the dance scene from Footloose is a good tutorial on ’70’s Prom dresses and a real feel-good sequence, too, if you like dancing. And this is the general style line that both Grace Kelly and Kate Middleton wore as their wedding gowns – but you have to close your eyes to imagine it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This beautiful polished cotton frock – Kay Whitney by Huntington – is absolutely gorgeous. The fabric and the tailoring are top notch.
Naturally, it’s got a fabric-covered belt, the full skirt and a generous hem allowance. It’s not a one-off design, I found, when I saw another identical to it on eBay – but it’s wonderful anyway.
However, this one is one-off now! As beautiful as it was in its original design, it was a bit too conservative a style to be flattering on me. The shoulder straps were wider and it had a fabric tie sewn completely around the neckline which you would tie in a bow in front. Pretty, but not me.
I removed the tie, making the shoulders skinnier and the neckline wider. I used some of the leftover tie material to make little flat bows at the shoulders. Of course, if you are a purist, you would never have changed it. That’s something I rarely do, but I liked it so much and wanted it to suit me.
So, I now have an original – and without sacrificing quality or elegance. The best of both worlds.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Disco Days again! This silver-sparkly knit dress and jacket are for dancing the night away.
The dress is bare shoulders with rhinestone-studded straps and trim, back zip and a side slit for doing the boogie. The jacket has rhinestone-studded buttons. I have some silver and black platform sandals from the same era that go perfectly!.
This is another of those specialty outfits from a small shop in South Beach Miami, Florida. It has the hallmarks of the late ’70’s – mostly in the fabric and some of the construction details.
Not a high-end garment this time in terms of its quality, but I’ll bet it was expensive because of where it was sold – even back then. Fortunately, all the rhinestones in the buttons and trimming are in place so we can’t fault the value of those items – they didn’t tend to fall apart.
I’m always pleasantly surprised to see how well decorative trimmings and buttons on true vintage fashion hold up over many years. It’s a blessing, because they’re irreplaceable! However, I have found a couple of stores that specialize in these authentic vintage items where you can look . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
A lovely swing dress, of two layers, with a circle skirt and lace mesh overlay. This is so pretty!
It’s got a v-neck front and back, with a long side zipper. It swings and sways and such a flattering fit. I just love that cafe au lait color.
I believe that the fabric is rayon, at least for the dress underneath. That fabric was SO commonly used during the ’40’s. It can pose some care issues, but it has such nice qualities otherwise that it’s usually worth it.
This is not a Here I am. Look at ME!! dress, but once you’re seen, you won’t be forgotten. Best not to choose it when you’re going incognito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
This is a very cool dress from the ’40’s in the characteristic rayon of that era. The skirt is not a full circle, but it swings.
It’s got a side metal zipper – not big enough for Madge’s shoulders. As with many of the dresses for a time period of about 20 years, you really have to wiggle your way into it over your head.
The top is rayon, too, but of an entirely different
texture. The sleeves are skinny and are ruched on both sides at the wrist. An interesting feature.
No label remains, but I’d say that this dress was commercially made. Mid-calf length and slim fit, it makes a nice silhouette with lots of movement. Love it!
Morgana Martin, the Magicvintagespy
Blog: Magicvintagespy.com
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