The perfect casual circle skirt for summer! Cotton candy colors, ruffles and beads. Someone made this for fun the the 1950’s or 1960’s. I’ll do it justice next summer!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Category Archives: hand-tailored
TRUE VINTAGE MARILYN MONROE WANNABE RECREATED THIS ICONIC DRESS
Just found this mid-century custom-tailored frock that is modeled after Marilyn’s famous costume in the 1954 movie The Seven Year Itch. Although it’s a bit too sweet, made of cotton poplin flocked with cotton candy pink and green, the style is close to the original.
Some gal got carried away by that sidewalk scene above the subway grate. It’s always fun to find something that tells a story, like this.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
JUST FOUND – SOME PRETTY CUSTOM-TAILORED 1960’s DRESSES
Yes, I’m back at Headquarters now – unpacking and taking care of business. Although these finds are out-of-season right now, despite the heat, I like to show brand-new discoveries ASAP.
What makes these worthy of my closet? The styles are simple, but the vintage fabrics are REALLY NICE. Also, the hand-done tailoring touches, like a full lining, well-cut facings and hem allowances make them special garments.
I always pick up pieces of exceptional quality. They are rare treasure, not seen in the marketplace today. Stay tuned for more . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
I RE-STYLED A GREAT TRUE VINTAGE 1940’S WIGGLE DRESS!
When I found this cutie, it was one slim dress – probably about a size 2 – 4, but very tight and petite in the bodice, so hard to squeeze into. It also had a little wear on some of the seams.
I mused and pondered about how to save the dress so that I could wear it because I love the style and, especially, the pink/brown/ivory printed material. It feels so wonderful – can’t explain it – you’d have to experience it yourself. Some kind of synthetic or poly-knit, which was popular then and I’ve never seen any quite like it. Love the color combo!
So – brainstorm! There was a seam right at the waist and I separated the top from the bottom. A stretchy band of matching brown knit lengthened the top just right for my torso and a simple elastic waistband in the skirt made it very easy to wear. It works!
I opened a seam along the left side of the top for more ease and added some hooks and eyes. A little hand-done repair here and there salvaged this find for many more wearings. Can’t wait to wear it with some of my Forties shoes!
Just goes to show that there are gazillions of possibilities . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BACK TO SCHOOL TIME! 1950’S/1960’S SWEATERS THAT MOM & GRANDMA WERE BUSY KNITTING . . . . .
Yes, it’s that time of year again. I don’t know how many of you had mothers or grandmas who made most of your wardrobe, all year long – BUT, it was not at all unusual back in the day. And, aren’t these cute and good-looking! I’ll bet no one else would have had one like it.
These kinds of needlework magazines with patterns were really popular and there used to be little knitting shops around that sold all the necessary supplies. When I was cleaning out some of the OLD family stuff recently, I found a lot of knitting needles of every size and configuration you can imagine. I couldn’t begin to understand how they were used . . . . .
In these old magazines that were given to me, I’ve seen ads for knitting machines, too – something small that you could set up and use at home. Although I can’t imagine devoting the time it would take to make these garments really well, they are SO beautiful that it seems it was well worth it.
I’d love to hear about your own family stories . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A TRUE VINTAGE DO-IT-YOURSELF WARDROBE PLAN FOR YOUR 1956 OCEAN CRUISE
Can you imagine?! You’re planning to set sail in a few weeks. Why not spend that time knitting and crocheting your entire wardrobe for the trip? Sound like a good idea? Think of the money you’ll save! Imagine the compliments and envious looks when other women see your gorgeous, custom-made outfits. Just pull out the instructions in your latest issue of the McCall’s needlework magazine.
Such ambition those mid-century women had! My pillbox is off to them . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
ANOTHER MID-CENTURY FLOWER-POWER FROCK – FROM PARIS!
GIRLY, GIRLY, GIRLY FLORAL DRESS FROM ABOUT 1970
See the similarities to the dress shown yesterday, from Canada? Yes, the siren call of Fashion was making slaves of us all on both sides of the Atlantic. All over the world, women who were able to follow the latest trends were rushing to wear this 1940’s retro style. Even though Paris was slow to be corrupted, it happened.
The thought of it kind of ruins your day, doesn’t it? Well, thankfully we’ve now reached the era when we can wear whatever suits our fancy without worrying about whether we’re up-to-date. Because, if we develop our own unique, personal look, we will be very fashionable (and who cares, anyway)!
This dress was probably custom-tailored, too. We’re still in polyester (of course), but not in a knit. This is a woven fabric with a much lighter hand and a woven-in stripe for texture and eye appeal. Same prim collar, fussy trim, puffed sleeve, nipped waist and swing skirt. It’s also a little more sophisticated than yesterday’s frock – less of a rockabilly feel.
Still not haute couture, by any means. And, like all the “newer” garments, it carries the stamp of international trends and fabrics that take away from it’s Parisian roots. That’s one reason that I always prefer clothing from the early 1960’s and before. But, if you have to go with something made later, why not choose something from Paris? Tomorrow, we’re off to Ireland . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
TRUE VINTAGE SEVENTIES DOES FORTIES FLORAL DAY DRESS
EARLY 1970’S RETRO-STYLE SHIRTWAIST DRESS
I’m dodging out of Paris and into Canada for one day because of today’s find. In my favorite brown and blue combo, a custom-tailored poly frock from the early 1970’s that rocks the 1940’s vibe.
I’m impressed with how well the tailor set these ruffles on the collar and sleeves. It testifies to some expertise. i’m not so much into ruffles, personally, but I adore swing skirts!
A simple dress but definitely from that time about 1973 when lots of cutesy ’40’s style elements were coming out in popular clothing. I so love being able to date a garment very closely like this. That makes it extra special. It’s a perfect fit for Giselle, too. We’ll go back to Paris in the same time-frame tomorrow . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
1940’S RAYON SWING DRESS FROM PARIS
JUST MADE FOR SWING DANCING – AND DON’T YOU LOVE THE NOVELTY PRINT?!
This discovery came from a different arrondissement, but still within the city of Paris. It is another treasure that only Stella can fit into. I’ll get her to model it after returning to headquarters. Also will be busy scouting out belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Couldn’t be more pleased, though, to find another wartime rayon frock in a fun, fun print. These are some of my favorite garments. This one tells the story of WWII as it was custom-tailored and shows the signs of saving on fabric and notions. The design is very simple with no extra decoration and a very narrow hem allowance, though the tailor did indulge in a big sailor collar with piping.
Such fun to find another rare novelty print – atomic squiggles with goofy birds and other animals. The color combos are also unique. Won’t ever find another one like it . .. . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
CASUAL TRUE VINTAGE DAY-DRESS FROM PARIS, FRANCE
A PRACTICAL BUT CUTE MID-CENTURY COTTON FROCK FOR MAKING THE DAILY RUN TO THE MARKET . .. . . . . . . . .
In the same color(?) palette as yesterday’s dress, this one seems more down-to-earth but still has important elements of style. It was probably custom-tailored, too. The buttons are clear plastic with a Deco design. Like the other it needs a belt, but that’s not a big challenge.
Although knock-your-socks-off styles and fabrics send me over the moon, I never pass up a simple true vintage frock that is well-made. The material, notions and tailoring are always interesting. Plus, they usually look really good on, because the cuts tend to be so superior.
Giselle is feeling right at home and we’ll be getting a bit more exotic tomorrow . . … . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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