Category Archives: girly

True Vintage Late 1970’s – 1980’s Prom Dress and Heels

Again, a bow at the waistline and sheer fabric over opaque. But, the flavor has changed – big, bold Eighties does Forties floral print and in-your-face colors. Also, the sequins and beads sprinkled on the bodice looks like Eighties and Nineties, rather than the mid-century style. The pumps are a Sixties throwback. This gown is much more showy than the tailored, sophisticated styles of the Fifties and early Sixties and we’re still about 10 years away from the glitzy power frocks of the Dynasty decade.

Still pretty and girly, though not quite as “sweet”, in spite of all the pink underneath. It’s so interesting to see how clues and evidence overlap from year to year. Stay tuned for the file containing mid-century day-wear suits, dresses and accessories as Winter moves toward Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Mod Floral Prom Formal from the Mid- Late 1960’s

Flower Power! A little Victorian flavor here, too, which began to show up in the late Sixties. This carried over into the Prairie styles of the late Sixties and early Seventies, several of which I showed a few days ago. At that time, many were worn to the Prom. Lots of changes were happening in history and culture during this time and fashions morphed at lightening speed.

Of course, Mod flowers, empire waistline, gathered sleeves and retro ruffles plus a novel style element that showed up then and disappeared pretty quickly – big tall cuffs with lots of buttons. Many blouses and dresses were made with these, as well as long pointy collars, which had their own version on 1970’s shirts a few years later.

Although it’s a mangled mash of styles, it’s really cute and this was a time for CUTE clothing. It was a fad for a fairly short time. Sophisticated fashion took a back seat for a while. I haven’t seen too many of these during my investigations, so this one was a very fun find. Stay tuned for going ahead to the 1980’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Another Frothy 1950’s – Early 1960’s Formal Dress

I’ll keep jumping around here a bit between formal and special occasion dresses and wedding costumes. In some cases there’s such an overlap that the archives are mixed. This very pale green frock is notable for the unusual bodice treatment which makes it look like an earlier version from this time frame. Look how the sheer fabric is ruched around the neckline and makes cap sleeves. The huge front bow is very Fifties.

However, some of the more conservative styles or those targeting younger buyers tend to look older than their more modern counterparts even when they were made at the same time. Otherwise, the tailoring and general style puts it right in the Post-war/Kennedy era time frame. It all adds to the mystery.

This dress is just too sweet for words and, I’d guess, was designed for teenagers. Might have been a Prom dress or an early ’50’s party dress. It could even have been worn by a bridesmaid. Although it might have been worn in the winter, looks to me like it’s definitely for Spring. Back to the mid-century weddings tomorrow, if that’s your fave. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Another Mid-Century Party Frock, This One in Spring Green

Stylistically, almost identical to the one shown a couple of days ago excepting that this one has a different tailoring on the bodice. When sleuthing, it’s been so much fun to find dresses of this type and to notice that they are very individual, even though they come from the same time and the same category. Again, we’ve got the sheer elbow-length sleeves, so I would say that this dress comes from the identical 1950’s – early 1960’s decade.

What a perfect color for this time of year – the pastels always are ready to come out in force after New Year’s Day. Again, an early Prom dress?; possibly. Possibly was worn as part of a bridal party. Bridesmaid, Maid of Honor or maybe even the bride. More to come – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

True Vintage Early 1950’s Party Dress in Pure White

This could also have been a bridal costume. I’ll be showing more of these in the near future. Here’s the sheer overdress again. The sheer bodice around neckline and shoulders was a common feature of dressier frocks in the 1940’s and early ’50’s, in my sleuthing experience. White dressy dresses were often seen, too, during the months after the Holidays when minds are in the midst of icy winter but thinking about Spring.

The sheer fabric overdress with embroidered design shows up again and again across decades. This frock has an attached crinoline to give the iconic pouf skirt profile. What more can I say – perfection. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

True Vintage Early 1950’s -1960 Frock

Had overlooked this archive – so similar to the dress shown just a few days ago. Looks like Grace Kelly had an alternate in the closet. Same color theme, same basic fit, same below-knee hemline BUT look at that crossover neckline! So interesting. I’m not sure if I’ve seen it on any other dress. Also, the dropped waistline is different, though still with that wasp fit. Like the other one, it could also be worn with a poufy petticoat but there is none attached. It’s quite sophisticated but could still go to a party.

I never get tired of finding and showing these girly styles from the early mid-century. Stay tuned . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

1950’S POUF SKIRT WASP WAIST FORMAL FROCK

As you know, I’ve been on holiday from the sleuthing trade since late October but had several finds right before that time and also something recent. So, I’m ready to catch you up while I have a bit of time at Headquarters.

A tiny, tiny, tiny dress and SO Fifties! This was a size 5, maybe in ’55. Now a size 00 or smaller. Perfect condition. This was a really exciting discovery, as these frocks have become more and more scarce. Sadly, there is no label inside excepting the all-important Garment Workers tag. It’s always so much fun, and useful data, to have a maker’s label to research or use to tell more of the story. Labels are always a first-line clue.

Fortunately for the investigation, another gown was hiding in the same spot! Did they belong to the same suspect even though they are quite different? Rare clues sometimes travel together. Stay tuned . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE FORTIES/FIFTIES LITTLE FLORAL DRESS IN A DARKER BACKGROUND HUE

This frock has been with me for a little while.  It’s a pink and blue floral on a charcoal background, with a little bow on the bodice.  I have added a cloth-covered belt in charcoal.  Unusual shades to take us into autumn, still with a light and outdoor feel.  Would look nice with darker leather shoes and handbags, for a change, and maybe a coat or jacket as the weather changes.

 

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MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FABULOUS FIND!!! 1940’S – 1950’S COTTON CIRCLE SKIRT DRESS

A dream find for any vintage-hunter!  Love this pretty day-dress so much.  It needed some TLC with stains from storage, but I was up to the challenge.  Beautiful decoration and comfy cotton; it’s the perfect summer frock.

Imagine this kind of intricate stitchery on an everyday dress today – even similar-looking examples are only cheap imitations of what used to be the standard of quality back in the day.  More newly-discovered treasures are coming – we’ve only just begun . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

 

CUSTOM-TAILORED 1950’s early 1960’s ROCKABILLY SUNDRESS

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Ooh, LOVE this!  Stella’s got a real rockabilly thing going on.  What a pretty and flirty dress someone made back in the day!

Just right for summer shopping, dancing and just playing around.  The bust-line flounce, wrap tie cummerbund belt and full skirt are really flattering features that also allow for some size variability when you have skinny or fat days.  Although, this frock was made for a slender gal because there are no zipper or buttons.

Ah, well.  Stella can do it, and so can I.  So, definitely another keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG;  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM