Category Archives: guidebook

LOOKING FOR A TRUE VINTAGE EASTER DANCE PARTY DRESS?

LOOKING FOR A TRUE VINTAGE EASTER DANCE PARTY DRESS?

Here’s a pretty frock that’s just right for a dinner date, dancing or a semi-formal party.  I always love sheer/opaque fabric combinations and a flippy hem that moves so wonderfully.

This dress was from a California designer/company that was popular in the 1960’s and 1970’s.  One follower who commented when I first showed it 3 years ago said she would add a silvery belt and sandals. Sounds perfect to me!

Although this particular garment was made a little before the time of “disco nights” in the late Seventies, the style is classic and I’d certainly dance the night away in it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S/1970’S MEN’S LEISURE SLACKS

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ANOTHER NEW FIND.  SOME OF THOSE AWFUL MID-CENTURY SLACKS, IN BEAUTIFUL CONDITION.  THESE ARE SO FUNNY, I COULDN’T RESIST!

With a sports shirt and maybe a dark brown poly sports jacket, you’d be right there in 1970’s style.  Put on a different top and jacket and you could go late Sixties.  Well, I guess they were cool then, and they’re cool now – for a different reason.

This pair was made by the Haggar company, which did make decent slacks, and they’re in great shape.  The fabric feels very nice to touch and I’d wear them, too, if they were in a suitable size.

And the checked pattern – so iconic – much better than similar ones in a plain color.  One thing about the poly knits, they did last pretty well if they were taken care of BUT it’s still not common to find men’s garments this well-preserved.  So, it’s another treasure for the archives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ONE OF MY FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S SWING JACKETS – ELEGANT AND STRIKING

ONE OF MY FAVORITE TRUE VINTAGE 1940'S JACKETS - ELEGANT AND STRIKING

Couldn’t believe it when I spotted this one – an ivory crepe swing jacket with lovely shoulders and fabulous drape. It closes with a single covered button at the neck.  It’s a great silhouette, very elegant with lots of presence!

Over skirt, dress or slacks it’s so elegant and moves wonderfully. One of my best examples of what made Forties
fashions fabulous . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

NEW DISCOVERY! TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY CUSTOM-TAILORED DRESSY DRESS

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CUSTOM-TAILORED VINTAGE FROCKS ARE OFTEN THE MOST INTERESTING!

I love this find!  All the details of the talented seamstress’s work are evident here.  She was good!

Like many dresses from the  Fifties – early Sixties era, this frock is made with a contrasting liner under sheer illusion fabric.  The black overlay has flocked design with little reflective accents, like tiny, tiny sequins, sprinkled throughout.  The neckline treatment took a lot of skill to create, with many folds and tucks.

The side metal zipper was a standard in many of these early styles.  Because it’s a bit shorter, I suspect that the owner was a buxom lady of petite stature or that she shortened the dress over many seasons of wear as the hemlines went up in popular fashion.  Although the dress is in exceptional condition, some wear to the flocking shows that it was worn more than once – maybe many times.  She loved it!

The original belt is missing and I put one of my own on just for illustration.  The sizing is a vintage plus, or half-size as they were known then, and is made for a full figure.  Can’t wait to photograph it on Madge, whose measurements will do it some justice!

More new finds tomorrow, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

RUFFLED 1950’S JACKET TO WEAR OVER YOUR LITTLE BLACK DRESS

RUFFLED 1950'S JACKET TO WEAR OVER YOUR LITTLE BLACK DRESS

This little cutie turned up in a surprising place (which often happens, so it’s no surprise to me!). So dainty and feminine, yet super practical.

Have you ever wanted to wear a smashing sleeveless LBD and needed some warmth, but didn’t like the idea of a fur,shawl or a cardigan sweater? This wrap is very subtle and light, but may provide the extra coverage that makes the difference between comfort and shivers.

Of very fine black mesh with ruffles sewn all around and hook & eye closures, I’m guessing that this garment was made in the ’50’s, but it could be earlier or slightly later. At any rate, it’s unmistakably true vintage and unique!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MORE FINDS! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S FROCK

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Another treasure from the 1960’s.  Sorry my camera/laptop is playing tricks on me again – can’t edit the photo.

This pretty Spring dress was custom-tailored with lots of nice features.  Love the Mod bell sleeves – I’ve run across several of these in the past 2 years, all of a sudden.  It’s fully lined, with raglan sleeves and an invisible zipper center back.

The seamstress knew her stuff and did a very good job. Although it’s plain, it’s very well-made.  The first thing she did right was selecting the fabric – a good quality polyester and/or acetate.  The print and colors are gorgeous – SO SIXTIES!!!

Sorry that this isn’t my color palette (makes me look jaundiced) but I’m sleuthing for true vintage fashion – not only things I can wear.  So, that didn’t stop me.  Never does . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

SOMETHING FOR THE MEN! TRUE VINTAGE CUFF-LINKS BY SWANK

SOMETHING FOR THE MEN! TRUE VINTAGE CUFF-LINKS BY SWANK

Costume jewelry for the guys, though they may be sterling silver. Sets like this were standard dress-wear for men in the mid-century and before.  These came through my family, but I always nab nice ones when I find them.

They are by SWANK, in their original packages.  The set on the left, with pearls, were sold at a hometown menswear store.  The set on the right was packaged especially for a department store.  Perfect with your ’50’s,’60’s or ’70’s dress shirt (and tie).

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

ANOTHER DISCOVERY! TRUE VINTAGE ’70’S DOES ’40’S JUMPSUIT

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FROM THE EARLY 1970’S RETRO FORTIES ERA

This is an unusual purchase for me, but it is so iconic of that early ’70’s time that I just had to nab it – and some of the details are compelling.  Jumpsuits were a big deal (briefly) during the early 1970’s, as they were (briefly) during the 1940’s, too.  Can’t wait to photograph it on Stella.  It’s a small size that will fit her to a “T”.

The first thing that caught my eye was the color – love this wonderful glossy Bordeau wine hue – and the fabric.  It’s a blend of acetate and rayon (very popular in the Forties) and gives the garment that wonderful drape plus adding the depth and shimmer to the color.

Shoulder pads, a nipped waist and plunging back above a button-and-zipper closure.  Couldn’t be a more flattering style on someone with a slim figure.  The waistline also has  belt loops, showing that a wide cinch belt was the original.  It will be fun to find the one I like best. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

 

2-TONE TRUE VINTAGE HOUR-GLASS DRESS FROM THE EARLY 1960’S – BLUE WITH BLACK UNDERTONES

2-TONE HOUR-GLASS DRESS FROM THE EARLY 1960'S - BLUE WITH BLACK UNDERTONES

Here’s somebody’s pretty frock from the Mad Men – Jackie Kennedy era.  An off-the-rack design from a middle-income lady’s wardrobe that might help her feel a little bit like Marilyn . . . . . . . .

Many dresses that I’ve found from the early 1960’s that are dressy styles are made with this two-color feature. Sometimes it’s woven together, sometimes it’s a sheer layer over an opaque color that comes through.

In this case, it’s a woven fabric.  The style  has those characteristic mid-century design elements of decorative bow, 3/4 sleeves, knee-length, a covered belt and wiggle-dress fitting . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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

NEW FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S LACE OVERLAY DRESSY DRESS

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A POPULAR CONSERVATIVE DRESSY STYLE FROM THE EARLY TO MID-1960’S

Can’t wait to photograph this frock on Madge, whose figure will show it off to best advantage.  It’s a vintage Junior size 9(which would be about a Misses 6 now) – aimed at teens and young women.  Lace overlay (very popular then for special occasion styles), but in matching color rather than a contrast.  I could almost see it being worn as a non-traditional wedding dress!

The buttons are gold-tone sculpted metal and there is a gold thread in the lace edging around the neckline, sleeve hems and front placket. The hem is quite wide, so I suspect that someone shortened it – either because they were of petite height or because the mini length was in style when this frock was last worn – 1965 or sometime later . . . . . . . . . . . .

Although I think the design is pretty  blase’ (but I’ll have to see it on Madge to make the final judgement), the fabric and tailoring are of excellent quality and it’s always a pleasure to see that.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

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