Category Archives: late Sixties

Beautiful True Vintage Victorian Prairie Style Dress from early 1970’s

In a pretty apricot pink pastel hue, this lace and cotton gown is a perfect example of the prairie dresses in Victorian style from the late 1960’s to the very early 1970’s. Unlike the ones that were hippie-style, this type is very straight-laced and conservative, modeled after the dresses from the late 1800’s. Never my favorite, but definitely worth collecting since they represented a major Seventies fashion trend.

This one is not a famous label like Gunnie Sax, but it’s well-made and well-designed. During those few years when these were most popular they sometimes found their way to church as non-traditional wedding fashions and less buttoned-up styles sometimes found their way to the Prom. Speaking of Prom and other formals, we’ll be seeing more of them in the next few days. Although it’s early, girls traditionally started thinking about formal dresses for Prom and for the Spring holidays about this time of year – after all, it does require a lot of planning. That was especially true if you were having your dress custom-made, either by Mom or the neighborhood lady who took in sewing. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

True Vintage Mid-century Long Formal Dress – Theater Reproduction?

This frock was an unusual find and a bit of a mystery. The sewing notions such as the zipper are from the mid-century but the overall style is undefined. My best guess is that this gown was made for a theater production back in the day. It is not as carefully constructed or designed as garments made for commercial sale or general wear. The only other possibility is that it was made by an inexperienced seamstress. It’s fun to find these kinds of things occasionally, which exercise your sleuthing skills! Back to the “real thing” tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

True Vintage late 1960’s – 1970’s Casual Wedding Dress(?) Alternative + a Frock for Mother of the Bride

Looks like a real stretch to think of this casual cotton dress as a wedding costume, but not necessarily for this time frame. Hippie/peasant/vintage fashions were super-big during this time and casual or non-traditional weddings became very popular. Who knows – it was probably just a summer/vacation/day dress for no particular reason but is pretty enough for a gal who wants to opt out of the “big white wedding” trap and go Boho.

For her mother, on the other hand, the semi-dressy blue frock might not have offended her daughter’s rebellious efforts too much while still allowing Mom to fulfill her Mother of the Bride role with some elegance and decorum. A real advantage of both these dresses is that they were moderately priced and easy to wear again and again in a variety of situations. This is definitely not the most interesting era of beautiful fashion, with the exception of a very few examples, but it does have a specific identity and is very worthy of mention in the chronology of fashion history. More to come – stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Sweet 1960’s Long Dress for a Special Occasion – Wedding?

A really pretty formal gown with a wasp waist, cummerbund effect, scooped neckline and short sleeves. I’d put it in the 1960’s, but could be slightly older or slightly newer. Very classic. I’d also guess that it was made for a Teen or young woman, but who knows. Bridal, Prom or other special event – there’s no other clue; just absolutely beautiful tailoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Late 1960’s – early 1970’s Victorian Style Dress

Perfect for this season – No matter where you are, the long sleeves and high neckline will provide some warmth and the warm peachy pastel color points toward Spring. The end of the year is traditionally when heavy, dark and jewel tones are abandoned in favor of lighter, more colorful shades. This oh-so-proper frock with a Sixties/Seventies Victorian Prairie vibe is still very appropriate for Winter.

Never been my style or color, but it’s very flattering with the fitted cut. Size 6 Madge looks killer in this! We’re going back about a decade and to shorter hemlines tomorrow, so stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Home for the Mid-Century Holidays: Part 4

Sorry to be so late – trouble with my WordPress account, but so far so good.

Here’s a pretty velvet knit gown from the late 1960’s – early 1970’s which I would say is perfect for at-home, though there is a matching purse! Perfect for Boxing Day, which was yesterday in Great Britain and it’s former colonies. That’s traditionally the day to unbox all the gifts, clean up the mess and relax. This easy-fitting, soft and comfy dress allows for movement. Adds warmth, without being restrictive.

Although it’s very plain, the empire waist and embroidered trim, plus the fabric and zipper allow me to date it. The fact that it was custom-made helps, too. I must give kudos to the seamster who took on the project of creating a matching shoulder bag. That requires some skill and, probably a simple machine to attach the hardware. Cool!

Although it’s Christmas Past now, we’re still in a holiday week and the party spirit will continue in the archived files I will show you in the coming days. It’s so fun to review the clues and data from previous sleuthing investigations! Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

Fun and Unusual 1960’s – 1970’s Mod-ish Cocktail LBD with Maribou

Another one-of-a-kind mid-century cocktail frock. De rigeuer black crepe-ish fabric with a full lining. Unusual 3/4 kimono-ish sleeves with maribou trim. Elegant and easy body-skimming style. Made by a company called Dresstown which seems to have straddled the U.S./Canada border about 50 years ago. Not high-end, but distinguished. Again, never will find another like it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

True Vintage Formal for Holiday Season Gala Nights

Right about now, usually after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, the build-up-to-Christmas galas and formal parties seem to begin and gather momentum. This is, to my mind, the beginning of a formalwear season in the northern countries that lasts through St. Valentine’s Day and picks up speed heading into Prom, with a bump of semi-formal events around Easter and ends, more or less, with bridal events in June. I guess this is the way that humanity has amused itself during the colder months when daily outdoor activities are not generally practical.

The above frock is a beautiful example of many I have seen by Alyce Designs. Most are highly embellished, like this one. Although they are more “modern true vintage” (1970’s – 1990’s), they do have excellent tailoring unlike many garments made since the 1960’s. I believe that the company may still be making dresses, but of course I am not interested now. However, this one is old enough and well enough done that it deserves a showing. I do love the beading on sheer fabric and the nod to 1920’s style.

So, we’ll be heading into a stream of transmissions which will include clues related to semi-formal and formal events. But, evidence from new investigations comes up at random times so stay tuned . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

TRUE VINTAGE OUTERWEAR? FUR REAL OR FAUX? WE HAVE TO THINK ABOUT IT . . . . . . . . .

Last night I was out and about to a theater production and couldn’t reasonably drive a two block distance. Walking was the only choice, which I love, but IT WAS SO COLD!!! My warmest outerwear option, which kept me toasty and comfy, was my post-war beaver jacket from Canada. 75 years old and it’s still snuggly and beautiful. I grieve for the precious animals who (yes, WHO) were sacrificed for vanity and retail profit back in the day and will NEVER buy modern fur products. I advocate for animal rights but also celebrate those lives and gifts by preserving and enjoying elegant fashions from the past for as long as they will last.

I own many gorgeous fur and faux fur pieces made decades ago, before protective legislation and individual conscience stopped some of the fur trade and promoted humane practices. Above is one example, on the left, of an older fur jacket dyed to mimic mink. I cannot identify the fur – could be muskrat. Before the end of WWII, furs considered to be less fine were often processed this way. Other examples, such as the one on the right, are fakes – popular in the 1950’s and beyond. Some have been very convincing even since the 1950’s. Many of those made today look and even feel very authentic. The look is fun and elegant, in a vintage way, plus, as I proved last night, very practical.

Faux fur and secondhand true vintage furs are the best, the ONLY humane and progressive choice. I prefer those from the 1960’s and before. The remaining fur trade is still a blot on humanity, so we must be vigilant in our boycotting of this active market but I don’t see the enjoyment of historical fashions as being hypocritical. I will continue to show you how much I love them. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

A Pretty 1960’s – ’70’s Party Dress by Miss Elliette of California

I pulled this little beauty out of the archives to decide whether she gets a permanent place in the closet or the chopping block . . . . . . . . . . . ..

The 1970’s was not a banner decade for high quality fashion, in my opinion, but this is a lovely example of the mid-priced garments available then so worth collecting. It’s nicely designed and tailored with gathers at the neckline, knife pleating and piping finish at the neck and wrists; a flattering style with well-done tailoring details and features that were popular in some of the better dresses. Of course, a full matching lining in the body is essential.

Alas, it’s not a perfect fit nor the best color for me so it’s off to eBay. Sometimes, spycraft must be ruthless. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM