–
There’s nothing more eye-catching on a plain tailored dress, coat or jacket lapel than an outstanding piece of jewelry. These costume brooches are each signed, by different designers. Whimsical and elegant, women hardly felt dressed without one on back in the day.
From the 1950’s – 1960’s, they are either glamorous or fun. I love the turtle!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Beiges are always a smart alternative when you don’t want to go the black route for some dressy or special occasion.. This frock is a beautiful, glowing mocha that flatters like crazy. With a big crinoline underneath, it might even have gone to the Prom! It’s rockabilly – swing done elegantly.
The fabric is unusual – some kind of rayon or blend with a nice drape and gorgeous sheen. Wide scoop necklines and nipped waists are favorites of mine and I absolutely adore this dress. Perfect for cocktails, dinner, a dance party, etc., etc..
Although not a set, I might combine this little lace-overlay bolero jacket with it for some venues when it’s going to be chilly inside or out. The color is a perfect go-with. A simple cashmere cardigan, beautiful shawl or a true vintage fur would all work nicely, too.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVITAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Slightly longer lengths for wearing with your lovely post-war and Kennedy era Spring dresses, which usually come to the knee or slightly below. These have the same beautiful quality that make them such a joy to wear!
Substantial creamy nylon in beautiful colors with gorgeous detailing – some hand-worked . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Spring flowers abound on this breezy semi-formal dress from the 1960’s. It is lined, but I think that originally a stiff a-line petticoat would have been worn underneath – probably with a crinoline to hold its shape.
However, the print is casual, so the petticoat could no doubt be omitted for an informal party. So up-beat for Easter doings, though a little jacket or warm shawl would also look pretty if it’s cool.
Empire waistline styling with a simple back zip. Although I adore the elegance of the Fifties and before, sometimes the extra simplicity of fashions that took over in the Sixties is refreshing – certainly easier for a quick costume change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
A very favorite find, custom-tailored in the early 1950’s after one that Grace Kelly’s character, Lisa, wore in the classic Alfred Hitchcock movie, Rear Window. Lisa’s dress had a yellow printed skirt, rather than blue. I even know the woman who made this frock in 1954!
The black fabric in the bodice is stretchy and the neckline very unusual. It fits perfectly, no matter how your own curves go! The skirt is of three layers, with sheer fabric on top and netting underneath. The little black “leaves” are embroidered on the sheer overlay.
What could be more fabulous? – a costume similar to one worn by one of my all-time favorite actresses in a favorite movie by a favorite director! How intriguing . . . . . .. . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Unusual, large-brimmed hats with netting and decoration. Marlene and Celia are de la mode. One is black with black decoration, the other in navy with large rose-colored flowers.
If tipped back, they might qualify as “picture hats”, made to frame the face beautifully. I think, however, that they were intended to be worn as photographed and to shade and accent the brow.
What a striking addition to an ensemble for a sophisticated outing or Easter Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Here’s a pretty matched brooch & earring set in popular aurora borealis rhinestones of the 1950’s. A bird in full flight and little stylized birds for your ears, too. A beautiful Spring theme. It’s always so wonderful to find a set, and in the original case!
With a plain but elegant black dress, or a frock that echoes one of the colors reflected in the “jewels”, these pieces call attention to the face and shoulders – just as they should.
Nothing else needed but poise and presence . . . …. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Just love this!! Sometime from the late 1950’s to the early 1960’s this little frock was someone’s favorite. It’s Peggy Lee in her early mid-century years, all over!!!!!
Glossy textured rayon – I always love sheer panels like this on the shoulders. The bodice is decorated with embroidered white flowers which have pearl centers. Nothing could be better for dinner out or a date night.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This is one of my very favorite jackets – a lighter-weight rayon/synthetic number with an abstract print in brown on ivory, with black velveteen collar, cuffs & buttons. I wear it with a modern (80’s or 90’s) black silk skirt, at present.
Somewhere between the late Forties and the mid-Fifties this garment with an atomic print made a very stylish statement. It is utterly unique and I LOVE it!!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
No matter when you wear the green hat, it’s going to draw attention. So, why not St. Paddy’s Day? The black and white number with artistic feather trim is also to die for. Chin straps were so practical.
These two are from the 1950’s and/or 1940’s. Marlene and Celia are feeling pretty “haute mode”.
Just love feather hats, and I’ll be showing some more before the Spring fashion parade is through. Notice that we’ve also got a veil. . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Magicvintagespy 