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
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UNION-MADE IN THE U.S.A. FOR THE CHRISTIAN DIOR LINE
This traditionally-styled wrapper comes from the Fifties or early 1960’s. It’s got the hallmark generous hemline, two on-seam pockets, carefully-constructed bodice with lace and eyelet, ribbon, elaborate decoration and pearlized plastic buttons on stems. Take a close-up look.
I can’t believe the perfect condition! Hardly looks worn at all. It’s a feather-light cotton blend to be washed by hand. I’ll love this one for a long time . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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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
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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
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Here are great nylon slips for Spring into Summer wear. When the weather has us in the doldrums, these will pick up the spirits and coordinate with the lovely pastels we are beginning to wear again.
Gorgeous lace and embroidery – the slip on the left may even be 1940’s. We know we’re getting into the 1960’s with the one far right because of the fabric and construction – not just the length – .some pre-WWII slips were short, too, depending on the style.
It’s fun to know all the details but I love each one . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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A handful of fun separates when I had a bit of time on my hands: 1. a cute poly/cotton pajama top from the Fifties or Sixties that doubles as a summer blouse 2. RARE, RARE, RARE FIND of Fifties pajama bottoms – although they’re not a perfectly-matched pair, I think they’ll make a great lounging outfit together with the bed jacket shown earlier today. It’s always great to have these on hand. Nice lace at the ankles 3. a home-sewn Sixties shirt. I’d wear it with jeans, but it’s not the best job. However, worth buying just for the buttons.
Never miss an opportunity to uncover more clues . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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I know, I know, I know . . . . . I collect so many of these that I’ll have to lounge a whole lot and eat many breakfasts in bed to be able to wear them all . . . . . . . . . . . . .. BUT
How can I resist? Who wouldn’t love a gorgeous little scrap of mid-century feminine luxury like this one? Although they are always pretty, I’m especially excited when I find one that is unusual. I’m not sure that I have another one in this green color or with this type of styling. Generally, they were made in pink, blue or sometimes in white.
The lace is especially nice, too. Even when I get to a point where I’ll have to part with some of them, this one is a keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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These slips, on top of the beautiful colors, have some of the nicest lace and embroidery decoration! They’re very similar in the construction techniques, but each one is unique.
The 1950’s were so big on vivid colored lingerie and, of course, the nylon had a wonderful “hand”. The one on the far left, especially, could almost double as a dress. In the early 1960’s some variation in length became more available, which will work under shorter styles.
They make dressing such a pleasure and sleuthing always an adventure . . . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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These kinds of lingerie items are so special and rare. Dainty, lightweight robes like the one on the left were standard bedroom wear in the ’40’s and before – the thing to wear between rising and dressing.
The contrasting colors of the rayon gown on the left are so unusual and little details like the tiny buttons and shoulder-augmentation make this a distinctive garment – not just something to throw on absentmindedly. It’s from the late 1930’s to 1940’s.
The gown on the right is even older. It is of white/ivory rayon satin, with side snap or hook closure in a plain sheath style. I’ve paired a bed jacket with it, made of similar fabric. This could be adapted to a formal dance or wedding gown and would be from the late 1920’s to the 1930’s, similar to a Coco Chanel design of that time (the dress – not the bed jacket).
Anyway, they are wonderful finds and gave me a real thrill to discover them! The fun never ends . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s the perfect shirt to go with those 1940’s pants, right here on the left – ivory silk by Lady Manhattan. Nothing more classic and beautiful – unless . . . . .
We move center to a waist-length linen blouse that buttons up the back. Look at that fabulous lace neckline. How feminine and chic! Under a little suit or just with a skirt . . . . . .
And, the blouse far right can do the same job in sumptuous rayon. It shows more of the gorgeous hand-done tailoring detail that is so characteristic of true vintage garments.
They’re all treasures . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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