I love the styling of this frock, with its wasp waist, free hips, cap sleeves and delicate neckline that really enhance the figure. Madge’s fuller measurements give it the right “va-voom” fit. I also like the peek-a-boo effect of the white band below the waistline.
This was another “surprise find” – always the most fun! Summer days and nights, here we come . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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All three of these frocks were custom-sewn and I think that the top two belonged to the same woman, because they are so similar. Wasp-waisted or halter style, these gingham dresses have been signs of summer for decades. I REALLY wish I had Madge and Stella here to show them off properly!
All are very simple, with back zippers and store-bought trims. The fabric in the yellow and white one is a bit more modern-looking and I would say it was a late-’60’s to early-’70’s creation. The first two would be a few years older.
As plain as these are, I’d never pass them up. I still love them because they are so of-that-time and look really good on. Simple belts add a lot and, of course, you can accessorize . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This is the FIRST dress that Stella modeled for me, and I think it missed being posted. Another recent find, it’s a lovely example of a cotton sundress, with covered belt and ric-rac trim.
Shoes are of the era, though the suede peep-toes might be as much as a decade older. Either one coordinates nicely with the gold and olive tones in the frock.
Such a favorite style! Simple, easy to wear, flattering and always classic . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, the Magicvintagespy
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I love the colors of these dresses – pink to lavender, with black and white. Both in a similar shirtwaist style, below-the-knee length and made of a substantial cotton. Perfect mid-century design. Absolutely LOVE the collar shapes!
The dress on the left has little houses in a novelty print and some interesting tuck and piping details. The fabric is a bit heavier, and I’d wear it into Fall. The one on the right has cute pockets, ric-rac trim and a great plaid. It really says “summer” and farmers’ markets, to me. I took the sleeves off for a more flattering fit for me (and saved them, of course!) and wear it often.
Neither one has a label, but I doubt that they were made at home – especially not the left-hand one. Just goes to show, that labels often go by the wayside. . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A flowery knit with a flouncy neckline – this dress was made in 1962. Hemlines were still a bit longish then, and nipped waists were still “in”.
Oh, so much fun to be right back there at the exact time – perfect frock to wear to a picnic or to the carnival. Rides weren’t so wild then that women had to worry about their skirts flying, like we would now.
The fabric is a little heavier, so probably no slip required – definitely a plus on a hot day, though a cotton slip could even be a nice cooling layer against the synthetic material. Always good to have at least one on hand, and the true vintage lingerie is always pretty and sweet.
Take me out to the ball game. Take me out to the fair . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This is the latest of my latest discoveries – the real deal from when mini-dresses were a “new” thing, and somewhat daring (not forgetting the 1920’s, of course). It’s made of a nice synthetic fabric in a fine rib knit. Love the funky print and the sunny colors.
At first glance it looks like it could have been made yesterday, but it’s got fully built-in and substantial bra cups in front such as you see only in mid-century bathing suits and the occasional vintage dress. In other words, it’s constructed like a brick house – no worries or straying straps.
That’s only one of the many things I adore about true vintage fashion – the superior construction which makes many items easy to wear because of thoughtful features that minimize the need for special undergarments – and saves us from wardrobe malfunctions!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I just love this dress, with the big bow and button in front. The colors are so sunny and really stand out!
It’s made of a heavy cotton that doesn’t show through, but I like to wear a comfy nylon slip underneath and this lovely orange one from the 1950’s just fits the bill. I really like wearing lingerie that matches my outfit and the Fifties were famous for their bright undergarment colors (especially in slips).
With a fabric-covered belt it fits nicely and looks cute as well as lady-like. Just depends on which way you want to go . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A very cool find from Canada. This one is bright red & white cotton plaid, with big white buttons front and back and patch pockets. By Nu-Mode, it’s just the cutest sundress!
Ankle length, with a big ruffle at the bottom and looks very good on. Quintessential late 1960’s, for sure!
MORGANA MARTIN, the Magicvintagespy
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This dress is so pretty and fun to wear. When I found it, the original belt was missing, as is often the case, but because of all the multi-colors, not difficult to find one that works.
The style is Forties or late Thirties, because it had short sleeves with a bit of puff at the shoulder, but I suspect it may not be quite that old – maybe made in the early ’70’s during the ’40’s fashion craze. I removed the sleeves because they were not particularly flattering to me and I wanted a bit more sophisticated look, though it’s very casual. I love the bands of color, switched at the hem.
When I find a dress that has damage or is not a high-quality piece, I feel free to make some alterations to suit myself. This dress had no damage, but it’s not high-end. Of course, I did save the sleeves and they could be re-attached at any time. To me, that’s important with true vintage apparel – to protect its integrity and value.
This is just a cool, summery, happy frock – and one can’t have too many of those!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Time for a new color. This dress is spun sugar pink, with bubblegum, white and (dare I say it – puce). That’s an awful name for a color, but mixed with these others it is very effective.
There’s no tag remaining, so I don’t know for certain that this dress was commercially-made but it certainly looks as though it was. The bodice is lined and the belt would have required some exceptional skill to make at home.
This type of fabric was called “whipped cream”, I think. A type of synthetic, but I can’t say which. It has unusual body that gives it a form of its own. The tie belt and blousey effect create a flattering fit.
Back zipper – simple style, but very much a stand-out. It makes me think of an ice cream social in the summer . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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