Here’s the flip-side of sweet – my favorite strapless number from the 1950’s. Rayon with beading and a killer fit.
I love to imagine where this one has or could have been. Smokey nightclubs come to mind. Maybe she was a singer.
It was a dark night in the city. The story you are about to see . . . . . . . ….. . .. . . . . … . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Here’s a mod version of the little black dress – classic knee-length sheath styling in black crepe, with a sassy stand collar in bugle beads. LOVE this neckline!
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Just love this!! Sometime from the late 1950’s to the early 1960’s this little frock was someone’s favorite. It’s Peggy Lee in her early mid-century years, all over!!!!!
Glossy textured rayon – I always love sheer panels like this on the shoulders. The bodice is decorated with embroidered white flowers which have pearl centers. Nothing could be better for dinner out or a date night.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This is absolutely one of my best (if not THE best) go-to dresses for almost any occasion – no doubt that I will look stunning and elegant.
A 3-season frock of soft wool knit, with lovely and flattering drape. Look at the graceful folds from the left shoulder and at the waist. Easy fit. So effortless. One piece of fine jewelry, beautiful shoes, a small and elegant handbag and I’m done. Each piece of exceptional quality, but nothing flashy.
This is the type of dress that Jacqueline Kennedy preferred, and it has been seen on many fashionable and well-dressed women for decades.
This one was also an early find, found years ago at the same time as the va-va-voom dress posted day before yesterday and I almost missed it, too! But now, I spy with my little eye EVERYTHING . . . . . . . .. ..
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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OK. Let’s compare this frock to the dress shown yesterday. . . . . . . ..
This was a completely magical find! For the first thing, I almost missed it. I was an inexperienced sleuth at the time, years ago, and wasn’t sure what I was seeing.
Second, it was at least 3 sizes too big, with some dowdy design features that were not appealing. However, this is a 100% silk dress with a designer label.
Look at the draping and the ruching – GORGEOUS!! Another woman remarked about it and woke me up.
After a few very simple alterations, without doing anything that can’t be reversed, voila’! An absolute Mata Hari, femme fatale frock. Who knew?
From the same 1950’s era as yesterday’s dress – just as elegant but with a totally different feel. This dress is very sexy and dramatic, but not in any way sleazy or tacky. That’s the beauty of true vintage style and quality . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Leave it to the 1950’s to produce the most come-hither styles . . . .. . .. How could anyone resist this one? The inventors of the “cocktail dress” knew their stuff.
Rather than a sleeveless style, “demure” sheer sleeves add just the right touch of modesty and mystery and end up amping the “sexiness” to new levels.
One of the mistakes that so much modern fashion makes – it’s so in-your-face that after the shock and awe wear off in a few minutes, it’s pretty boring and tacky. True vintage fashion rarely, if ever, makes that goof. It’s usually has just the opposite effect. And, high quality materials and tailoring is the cherry on top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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This example is not quite as glitzy as the two I posted a couple of days ago, but I guess that’s a matter of opinion. With elegant, classic styling and art deco chevron decoration, this dress is as sophisticated as the others, if not quite as showy. It can easily go from day to evening with a simple change of accessories.
Black crepe with a fabric-covered belt and little metallic studs across the front and skirt, it’s a little more day-time dressy. but beautiful enough for cocktails, dinner or a party.
I was SO happy to discover these rare frocks and always love finding them! More tomorrow . . . . . . . . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Imagine my delight finding this LBD!! Very Mad Men, Jackie O and all that. It was originally purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue. What could be a better item to have as a wardrobe staple? I’ll have fun with this one.
A black crepe in perfect condition, from the early to mid-1960’s. However, this design is so elegant and classic, that it’s timeless.
Back metal zipper and generous hem allowance, careful tailoring throughout and a high-quality decorative trim at the neck and hem. The embroidered label inside is a real plus, too.
Most of my recent finds have been good fits for me and require little, if any, attention. Thank you, fashionistas of the past, who loved and looked after your clothing so well . . . . . . . . ..
MORGANA MARTIN,THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Basic, basic, basic – but nothing is more elegant. Needless to say, I was thrilled to discover it!
Bateau neckline with an easy shape and kick pleat. Long metal zipper in back. It can be accessorized in so many ways and will look unique on women with slightly different body shapes. And, the fabric . . . . . . . .
This silk shantung sheath was tailored for tall juniors and Stella barely qualifies at 5’7”, so the fit would be transformed on a taller girl with correct measurements for a true vintage 12/13 size.
Styles like this endure with ease over many decades and become increasingly difficult to find in the same quality as the years go on. Sometimes a little change in the hemline is called for, but otherwise it’ll stand on its own forever, with delicate care.
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM
BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
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