I always love these frocks, but what makes this one so extra-wonderful? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Take a close-up look at the print – the little illustrations are all characters from the Alice in Wonderland tale. How cool!
More to come . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Two “new” finds today – I’m on a roll. This little frock caught my eye because of the fabric – real, plush, beautiful VELVET. We just don’t see that anymore. The lace trim is also very nice. Stiff and Elizabethan.
Aside from the fabric, it’s just as cute as can be and oh, so of that time. Mini, slightly Mod but also demure. I love it and it was worth snapping up even if it isn’t quite my size, just for the fabric.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fun find today! A custom-made prairie-girl dress that can go all year round. Just put a blouse, t-shirt or t-neck underneath and there you go. The fabric is a woven synthetic of the late-mid-century time so it’s a Sixties take on a much older style. There are Amish in the area where I discovered it, but I’m not sure this is their style. May be some other groups who wear slightly less modest clothing and would be allowed to show their arms. ? It’s got an old metal CC zipper and hardly any wear so, who knows. The sash ties in back and there’s ric-rac all around.
Just fun, so true vintage and cute! Another mystery, which I love. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fun find – a custom-tailored frock made sometime between 1960 and 1985. It’s got overall a great day dress style, harking back to the 1940’s. The best thing about the styling, I think, is the flared skirt design which will flip and twirl with every movement. A perfect dress for dancing!
Another neat thing is that the seamstress put in a LONG side zipper so that it’s really easy to put on and take off – no need for contortion or someone to help you zip, as sometimes happens with back zippers.
This is a relatively simple dress, but little clues tell me that the maker put special thought into the styling and construction, which make it special. Love it!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Although the Seventies were full of schlocky clothing and many less-than-elegant designs, the full decline of everyday fashion hadn’t hit yet. Here’s an example of a wonderfully-elegant style which was hand-made from one of those beautiful heavy double-knits that became popular in the early – mid decade.
Like the jersey knits of the 1940’s, this material was a real icon of the 1970s and performs very well. The drape is very good and holds it’s shape. This office-worthy frock was custom-tailored and is as simple as can be, which makes the design timeless. The fabric and construction are of high quality. If you find or still own a similar garment from that era, hang on to it!
A rare find (in my size!) that thrilled me to my toes. But, we’re not finished yet – I’ll show you her party-going sister tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Here’s another dressy frock from Montevideo, Uruguay – probably just a few years younger than her sister shown yesterday. This dress is stylish, but not as Crawford vampish as the other. The 1940’s styling has been played down, excepting for the puffy shoulders and embroidered mesh trim. I forgot to take a picture with the black curly lamb jacket which was also a recent find, from the early 1950’s. Would be a perfect wrap over this dress.
No, it is not bare on the bodice. The mesh has been lined with a flesh-tone panel which is a perfect match for bare skin peeking out at the shoulders. The tailoring of these mid-century frocks is just astounding, especially when they were hand-made by dressmakers. The well-to-do ladies in Montevideo would have had much of their clothing custom-made to their specifications and fit.
However, remember the dressing gown from a few days ago? It was also hand-made, but from France, and probably purchased before the European war. Many Montevidean women purchased French fashions and accessories back in the day.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Though WWII was raging in Europe and Argentina next door was experiencing unrest, the 1940’s were a relatively stable and prosperous time for Uruguay and this shows up in the architecture and antique goods which I discovered there. The country profited from beef supplied to other countries and the more well-off citizens lived a good life. Their clothing and household goods reflected that.
This beautiful frock was hand-tailored in a dressmaker’s shop. All of the embellishment was applied by hand and the tailoring is hand-done, too. As you can see, it’s loaded with beads and sequins, plus all the little button and loop closures up the back. Madame must have had a household staff, one of whom helped her dress and looked after her wardrobe. I love the 1940’s styling with the big, padded shoulders and ruching at the hips. These funny hip details were flattering only to slim figures, but they’re loads of fun, anyway.
So, a real treasure find. I’ll show you her younger sister tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fabulous late 1930’s – early 1940’s styling details, hand-tailoring and original(?) fabrics??? I know the design (a relative had one similar). The embroidered mesh on the bodice is similar to the wartime dressing gown shown a couple of days ago. The synthetic(?) fabric is like nothing I’ve felt before. The gusset at the hemline is a period feature.
IS THIS AN ORIGINAL WWI – WWII GOWN OR AN EXPERTLY-MADE REPRODUCTION? I can’t be sure. It’s in almost-perfect condition, but has been around for a while. No label, of course. Would love to know it’s story. Any ideas, you well-trained experts out there? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
What a beautiful handmade garment! I can’t date it and have never discovered one like it before. Because of the traditional style and motifs, it may be hard to say exactly how old it is. Could be several decades old, or very modern. I was attracted by the beautiful colors and the hand-tailoring.
The belt I have used is not original, but necessary for this robe. As I understand it, obi belts are often made separately from the robe, to special order.
Although it seems very large and long, after you wrap it it fits little size 2 Stella. What a puzzle – not sure who it would have been made for. The motif of cranes suggest a man (?) but I’m certainly no expert on these! But wait – more mysteries to come . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Fun and interesting mid-century and antique table and bed linens often show up during my investigations. The prints are humorous, colorful and pretty. Modern copycats can’t come close! If there is handwork like embroidery or lace, it’s beautiful. I collect them, too. The mending and stain removal that is sometimes required is no big deal and anything with too much damage can be made into pillow covers and cloth napkins. I love using these things at home in my kitchen and bedroom, but there’s more . . . . . . . . . . .
Big pieces of fabric are also wonderful made into clothing and accessories. Trim can sometimes be added to other garments or a big piece of crocheted or tatted lace makes a beautiful dress or blouse. Can’t you just imagine this cloth made into a summer dress, skirt or blouse, maybe with a matching handbag? Can’t wait to use this cute tablecloth!
Potential vintage fashion treasures abound everywhere! Use your imagination and you never know what you may uncover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
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