Just had to re-photograph this lovely rayon gown from Paris in order to show it off properly. I’ll do a couple more with my recent wedding gown finds.
It’s from somewhere between 1920 and 1945. Haven’t had time to research more extensively. Love the old-style ruching and lace – so beautiful and rare.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
Another treat to find – yes, I have several in this color but they’re all slightly different and, hey, who cares! Under many dresses, a slip is indispensable and how could you not love wearing something like this!
The older lingerie like this usually had pretty lace overlay on a sheer backing. So sexy. And, the nylon feels so smooth and luxurious to wear. This one’s a mini length, too, which makes it versatile. I like having several in order to get the length just right . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
A change of pace for the weekend – let’s slip into some fabulous-feeling vintage nylon. There’s nothing that feels like it – heavy, smooth, creamy and cool on your skin. Well, enough of that – this is a vintage fashion blog, not a . . . . . .
These are what the fashionable woman wore at home while relaxing and/or for casual entertaining. The one on the left is a slip-over design with roses embroidered at the neck. The right-hand style is unique with two fabric layers, a front zipper and long scarf “tails” that can be tied in a bow or crossed in front and thrown over the shoulders. One is by ShadowLine and the other by a less well-known maker.
Those shoulder “tails” are an interesting feature. I have a velveteen sheath dress circa about 1960 which has them and also a jacket, which I think comes from the wartime era. Not sure if this style element was something that repeated – I haven’t seen it often. The color combo on the right has such a characteristic ’60’s look.
When I go sleuthing, or just sorting through my closets, I drift through several decades one after the other. It’s almost as good as going to the movies . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
It seems that in the past women, and men, made a real art of wearing at-home fashion. They didn’t bop around the house in sweats or nothing (nothing is lovely, but not very mysterious).
No, there were smoking jackets, bed jackets, peignoirs, robes, caftans, gowns, pajamas and many variations of each. I will show more in the future, but for now . . . . . .
Left to right: a quilted lounging or bed jacket from the 1950s or 1940s, a boys’ size 18 lounging jacket from the 1950s or 1960s (just right for a small woman, too), a babydoll gown and peignoir set from the 1960s or 1970s, and two 1950s bed jackets.
One should not neglect one’s fashion presence just because (maybe) no one else is around. Much more important if someone is.
I love finding these beautiful old high-quality items. Everyone deserves the luxury.
There’s nothing like receiving casual guests in a smart caftan or reading in bed in a lovely gown with matching robe because if the doorbell rings . . . . . . . .well, you just never know . . . .. . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Now we’re getting really serious about special events which may be taking place this month. This party gown is a little too demure for most Proms or whing-ding parties, but perfect for a social dance, someone in a wedding party, a dinner event, anniversary party, a recital or other celebration that is somewhat formal.
It looks almost white in the photo and is actually a very pale pink, with a sheer over-dress and opaque lining. The neckline and sleeves are edged with satin binding. Of course, a crinoline attached. Aside from the subtle embroidery, it is not fussy (no bows, ribbons or decorative buttons). Doesn’t need them! Very elegant.
When I find a dress like this, I always wonder where it was originally worn, by whom and where it was purchased or made.
Another surprise discovery, and they usually are. I know what I’d like to have, but I rarely go hunting with just one thing in mind and, I guess, that’s mostly because I’ve put together such a collection of true vintage that I don’t have to go looking for an outfit when some event comes up. With patience, skill and know-how you can do that, too.
I have the most fun looking for what will turn up! Because, you just never know . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
Back at headquarters, for a short break, and finally able to photograph this most recent discovery. Stella is dainty as a daffodil in her Prom/party frock from the 1950’s. The neckline scarf is the signature feature of this dress. Possibly it was for a bridesmaid or a debutante (of sorts – not lush enough for the Country Club set).
Like many(most?) older garments, it is so interesting and tells a story. The fabrics are not of the highest quality but they are adequate, and this short gown was off-the-rack, though there is no label remaining. Unless . . . . . . . . . .
It just may have been custom-tailored by someone who REALLY knew her(or his) stuff. The skirt has FOUR layers – a circle skirt of lace overlay with a solid yellow acetate(?) liner, a ruffle of tulle netting underneath and a final layer of white stiffening fabric gathered beneath it all. This was the standard construction of dressy special-occasion gowns in the mid-century.
No question that this frock was going somewhere really special. Makes you wonder . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
This dress was worn to a semi-formal event in 1955, in Europe. Lace overlay, dropped waist and double-layer chiffon skirt.
No cutesy business going on here – just serious fashion, quality, classic elegance and glamour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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
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
Magicvintagespy 