ANOTHER “NEW” BRIDAL ENSEMBLE – FROM THE 1940’S – 1950’S

When it rains, it pours!  Wedding dresses have been coming my way.  This beautiful frock would also do nicely as a semi-formal dress for Prom or something similar.

Pretty taffeta with a brocade design woven in – the head-dress is very sweet with little pearls and flowers and a short veil.  The dress is really a straight sheath, with a poufy over-skirt lined by a netting crinoline.  I think that elbow-length sleeves are so chic and elegant – it’s nice to see them here, finished with a little bow.

I don’t need a wedding dress or a Prom dress so this set may end up going to another bride or to a high school dance, but either way it will be a fabulous find again for some lucky girl . . . . . . . .. .. . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A FAVORITE LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE LATE ’60’S – EARLY ’70’S BLACK DRESS

A FAVORITE LITTLE TRUE VINTAGE LATE '60'S - EARLY '70'S BLACK DRESS

This one is SO sweet on!  Hits right above the knee; empire waist with bead trim hanging down, bateau neckline (one of my favorites).

It’s black crepe with an acetate lining and a back zip.  Simple and elegant, and it fits really well.

Who could ask for anything more?  The perfect combination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

WHAT TO WEAR UNDER MY 1960’S MINI – SKIRTS, CULOTTES & BLOUSEY HIPPIE PANTS?

WHAT TO WEAR UNDER MY 1960'S MINI - SKIRTS, CULOTTES & BLOUSEY HIPPIE PANTS?

How about some pretty lingerie that makes the decision easy! No more concerns about indiscreet gaps or getting your undies in a twist . .. ….. . . ..

Back in the day when every type of clothing came in well-made and lovely versions that weren’t expensive, women had options like these to wear under those trendy and faddish styles that might not be in fashion next year.  I was so glad to find that pair which I showed a few days ago that was just – a – little – bit – longer . . . . . . . . . .

Even though culottes and hot-pants went by the way-side pretty quickly, there’s still a definite place for lingerie pieces like these in my wardrobe and sometimes they are SO practical! And, the heavy, silky nylon and beautiful decoration are always a pleasure . .. . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A TRUE VINTAGE LBD FROM THE SIXTIES – THIS ONE DEFINITELY FOR DANCING!

ANOTHER TRUE VINTAGE LBD FROM THE SIXTIES - THIS ONE DEFINITELY FOR DANCING!

If you’ve ever seen a good dancer wearing one of these, you’ll know what I mean. The fringe around the hem just doesn’t know when to quit!

Some dresses have fringe all over, and that’s just WILD. But, a fringe at the bottom lets you remain demure and sophisticated (why is everyone staring at me?) while your dress gets all the attention.

This one is a sexy black crepe sheath, with a fitted waist. Stay VERY cool, and it could be a great costume for hiding in plain sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

DISCOVERY! SUMMER WHITE MID-CENTURY HANDBAGS

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Beaded and beautiful – one even had a pretty hankie tucked inside!  (also found some old pennies)  Vintage 1950’s – 1960’s, made in Hong Kong (of course!), made in U.S.A., too.  All so clean and well-loved.

The beading is hand-done.  The 1930’s – style on the bottom right has the brand name stamped onto the satin lining.  The purse made in Hong Kong (bottom left) has, naturally, a silk lining.  The larger handbag on top has fun plastic beads crocheted into raffia and Lucite trim.  Big enough to hold all your daily needs.

I’m always so impressed by how well mid-century women cared for their clothing and accessories.  Yes, it was sometimes an issue of economy – if you can only afford to have one “good” dress, preserving it becomes very important.  However, way beyond that was a personal value placed on items of quality that were lovely to look at and wear and the wish to treat them with respect.  I try to fill my closets with garments and their complements that inspire the same sentiment.

So, no careless coffee spills, scattered crumbs or dogs in my lap with these . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE BLUE HALF-SLIPS FROM THE FIFTIES AND EARLY SIXTIES

PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE BLUE HALF-SLIPS FROM THE FIFTIES AND EARLY SIXTIES

The half-slip – an essential garment under many dresses and skirts.  Especially as the weather becomes a little warmer, full slips sometimes are not right under lighter dresses and blouses.

Like most of the beautiful lingerie of the fifties, early sixties and before, these are nice enough to wear on their own on a hot day – put on a pretty sheer blouse and a cinch belt, et voila!  Clothing so lovely that it can be appreciated just for itself is such a pleasure to wear . . . . . . . . … .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF A GORGEOUS LINGERIE NEGLIGEE’ FROM THE 1950’S

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Lingerie nightgowns before 1960 – ’65 were every bit as beautiful as the slips made during the mid-century.  Just look at this pretty lace and wonderful fit.

It’s no wonder that so much of film noir shows actresses in their lingerie – we don’t see so much of that now – it’s either dressed or nude because the wonderful in-between garments are gone.  At-home life used to be a lot more interesting . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

FOR WHITE NIGHTS – 1950’S BEADED EVENING SHELL BLOUSE

FOR WHITE NIGHTS - 1950'S BEADED EVENING SHELL BLOUSE

Now that we’re beginning to feel like getting out of sweaters and wool . . . . . . .  Whether you’re clubbing or out for a very elegant dinner, this beautiful beaded shell would steal the show.   Bead decoration was still done beautifully in the late ’50’s- early ’60’s.

Not the same as beading in the 1920’s and earlier, but equally nice. Dance the night away . .. . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

LET’S BE ELEGANT – LUNCH AT SARDI’S ANYONE?

LET'S BE ELEGANT - LUNCH AT SARDI'S ANYONE?

True vintage from the 1950’s, this one was not made for a lunch date at the local diner.  We’re in to Spring-weight fabric here, but black and white is always season-less (or is it dark navy? It’s close . . . .)

Just look at the beautiful drape on the bodice, and the sweet cap sleeves.  The jacket, again, has 3/4 sleeves to show off the elegant gloves and fine bracelet or watch.

Another of those outstanding ensembles which can take you almost anywhere . .. . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

ELEGANT TAILORED FORMAL FROM THE EARLY 1960’S

Here’s that gorgeous presto-change-o formal that I found a few months ago, showing properly on Stella.  Demure and elegant with elbow-length sleeves, thanks to the removable camisole – sleeveless, svelte and sexy without it.

As I said when I first showed in on a hanger, I’ve never seen a style like this one before. True vintage couture styling is often so clever and beautifully-made while being very versatile.  Two dresses in one, without going anywhere near the bargain basement!

Such magic can be created with a simple needle, thread and a bolt of fabric.  You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM